Oh I wish I could find a video I saw a while back. It may have been on FB. It showed a gal really poufing her hair. She used a dry wax in one video and I cannot remember what the other product was. I remember I looked them both up on-line. The dry wax would probably work for you but my hair is dark and I was afraid it would make it look dull.

Not sure this is what you're looking for but you may want to look into Kenra's Thermal Styling spray. I partially blow dry my hair, spray, finish drying and find it gives some nice body.

I have short/medium (chin-length) layered hair and I have found some luck with pomades, texturizing creams, etc. Garnier makes one that is not super fancy but does the job.

My hair is very thick and coarse. When I had a layered pixie, my favorite product was Sebastian texturizer. I don't even know if they still make it, but I had a pixie for many years and loved it. I also used to occasionally use Kevin Murphy Easy Rider for piecing-a little goes a very long way. I wasn't crazy about the scent of the last one, though. Your stylist should be able to give you some good recommendations, too.

Aveda control paste might be a solution. They have other types of items for which you are looking. Here is the link.Aveda

I don't have any recommendations but wanted to say that your new haircut is fantastic! Love it!

Another Aveda fan here. They seem to have a solution for just about every type of hair. I use Phomollient and Thickening tonic but you may need something else that doesn't add volume. Confixor might work for you. But ask your stylist for a recommendation or buy a sample before you go big. Aveda does sell those.

I'm an Aveda fan too. Ak, I will be looking in to that paste!

Can it work instead of hair spray?

.Try a little coconut (cooking) oil (dime sized amt). Wks great for me.

I have very thick and wavy hair, but I really like this stuff, but you do want tout some heat on it, i.e.: just run your hair dryer through your hair a bit

http://www.aveda.com/product/5321/16789/Hair-Care/Styling/index.tmpl?&cm_mmc=Paid_Search--Google--Google_Shopping-_-Styling+-+Best+Sellers

Thanks everyone! It sounds like Aveda has a lot of fans.

I just went to Ulta and despite the inventory, came out empty-handed. A sales person asked if I needed help, I told her what I wanted, and all she could think of were mousses and sprays. I thanked her and did my own sampling and testing until my hands reeked and were so sticky I had to leave the store. As a stop-gap I went to Rite-Aid and got some Garnier paste for next to nothing. Although I'm easily seduced by expensive hair products in luxurious packaging, I've found Garnier products aren't half bad.

Meanwhile, I'll check out the Aveda website and may need to come back here for follow-up questions.

Blow-outs are fun again! I already think I need to go shorter.

localeater, thanks for the tips on the Light Elements products. I definitely want to avoid dulling (matte) products, since gray hair already has challenges with shine. I used to use a finishing gloss (spray) but found they are very short-lasting and sometimes make my hair too slippery. I noticed that some of the products I sampled at Ulta left a weird shiny film on my palms. Not greasy but kinda sticky shiny.

It's a little pricey but Redken came out with a salt water misting spray that is the bomb. My hairdresser tried it on me and I bought it, then my daughter tried it and loved it too. It doesn't make your hair wavey, it just gives it texture.

lukki, FW 07 sounds really great. I like that it coaxes waves and curls out. Except, I once tried some salt water/beachy product many years ago and it made my gray hair look dead. I think I need to avoid anything with a matte finish.

This did not change the finish of my hair it just gives it a more full textured look. I like that it's a mist, not heavy. The girl who does my hair did say that some people don't like the way it feels in their hair. It feels like some hairsprays do to me, so that may be something for you to consider.

Redken is still really popular in the salons, because of the expense (it does last a long time) you may want to see if the salon you use uses Redken products. If they do, ask if you can give some a try. Also, last time I was in Ulta, I noticed they started carrying sample sizes for many of the Redken products including this one.

I've had a decades long love affair with Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray. I spritz it on wet hair and comb/arrange in place. After I blow it dry, I spritz a bit more and bring out the texture and layers. I can reactivate it with damp hands. The great thing is, no stickiness or residue. I buy it by the liter at Regis.

KMS Hair Play Dry Wax. It's my favorite spray wax for texture hands down. It was my go to when I had a long pixie, but I've also used it with long hair. I find most are overly (greasy) shiny and can get oily very fast. Sometimes matte ones can take away shine from the hair. This one is neither. (FWIW my hair is dark and it's harder to achieve dimension without color. Also products can dull the appearance of the hair.) You don't need much.

KMS

One would think Ulta employees would be more helpful, but my local ones are not. Every time I ask a question, their smokey lined eyes glaze over...

I like Garnier products. My friend is a stylist and tries to steer me toward more expensive products. My last Aveda product was a big fail so I just stick with Garnier.

My kids use a wax similar to what Sheeisback recommends and it keeps their hair in place without weighing it down--it's probably similar to the paste you have.

Linelle do you use purple shampoo? As stated in the other thread, I have am probably 50/50 salt and pepper. My DH (who is 100% salt!) and I both use it. I get many compliments on my shiny hair and my hairdresser always comments on how she can tell I use it.

I use Clairol Shimmer Lights and get a large one with a pump at Sally Beauty supply.

RNmom, why yes, I do use purple shampoo. I buy 1-liter bottles of Joico Violet Color Endure. It's so effective that I sometimes need to use something else for a bit. I can see the faint purple in my hair. In between I'll use Shikai Color Reflect Platinum. When my hair was dark brown it had lots of red highlights which are no good to me now so I need violet in my shampoo. I get a good deal on the Joico from Amazon.

Lisa, the gal at Ulta was useless.

Another Aveda fan here. Their Light Elements Smoothing Fluid is hands-down my favorite hair product, ever. I also use many products from the 'Smooth Infusion' line, as well as the Thickening Tonic mentioned above. The products I use may not be the same you would chose (my hair is quite long and I need products to smooth the ends when I straighten it, etc.), but in general I can highly recommend the Aveda line. I wouldn't hesitate to try them - they can be pricey, but at my Aveda salon if you purchase a product and are not satisfied they will take it back on return or exchange.

The other thread talking about scents..... I cannot tolerate the smell of most Redken products. My stylist moved from an Aveda salon to open her own business and uses Redken products. She's still my stylist, but I ask her to not use any spray or finishing products and I have to go straight home and wash my hair. Depending on how much is going on in the salon when I'm there, I may end up with a headache anyway. Kind of pathetic, but she's a GREAT stylist and I tolerate it once every 6 or 7 weeks.

Linelle, did you post a pic of your new hair cut? I would love to see it. I now have grown my hair to shoulder length. My DDs love it but I think it drags my face down. I'm thinking when I go for my next monthly appointment I will get it layered and cut shorter and I'm looking for inspiration.

With Ulta, if I really need help II will say,"I need someone who really knows about......." And they will pass me on to someone who knows!

Oh Linelle I think we have the same hair. I was very reddish before I went gray. And have been thinking of getting a purple shampoo to keep my gray bright. I will try your recommendation!

Linelle, If you like the sound of the Redken 07 I have used John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Spray. It doesnt dull the hair, in fact, IIRC it made mine pretty shiny but I might have used with Shining Drops

I use a product from Goldwell texture style wax spray. You can spray it directly onto your hair or spray onto your hands and work it thru your hair. I have short, white hair and it works well for me. There are also the the words unlimited 4 on the container.

Linelle, I would love to see the front of your hair, too. I'm considering a new do. It would be a pretty drastic change for me but I think I'm ready.

Cattyles, the front is just bangs, no real part, just off-center, mostly all across my forehead with no daylight above my brows, but also just long enough to brush a bit to the side.

HK, that's the thing. I have nice hair but it became way too much for my face and age. Because it was essentially one length it was flat on the top and then pyramid'ed out at the bottom. Sometimes too much hair isn't a good thing. I'm so glad I cut it off. It also opens up my face and accentuates my eyes and cheekbones. Big relief.

local, I was surprised my hair became so steely when it went gray, considering all the red it used to have. Joico Violet is so effective you need to watch for purple tinges. I like to use a little Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo now and then.

This photo makes my hair look darker than it is. It's way whiter in places.

I just bought some Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip. It smells like a spa. The gal at the salon told me if I don't like it to bring it back and we'll switch it for something else. I like that store policy. Makes it much easier to plop down $25 for hair product.

Looks nice!

Wow, I like it! My hair is definitely out of control. It looks best when pulled in a high ponytail but that seems so age inappropriate.

Lisa, thanks for asking. Now that it's shoulder length it takes forever to dry. It just is not attractive.

Love your hair cut Linelle!

Ulta...ugh! They have a reputation for being snooty and NO help. Give me Sephora any day!

I use products for a piece-y look from a dry wax to a texture hairspray. All work well until I get hot and my head sweats. That's almost instantly in the Texas heat. It took me 50 years to figure it out what was happening :o Hot sweaty head leads to flat hair no matter how good the product is. What needs to be invented is a scalp anti-aspirant! :)

We don't have a Sephora in our area. I agree, some of the Ulta's here are snootsville for sure but I never talk to them. I will either consult with my sister who's done hair since the late 80's or the girl who does my hair. She just put some low lights in yesterday and used wax spray on me (for the first time). It really really weighed my hair down, the sea salt has a much lighter result.

That's funny that you say Ulta is snooty. Not in my town, where it's located next door to Old Navy and across the parking lot from Costco. That's just not Snooty-ville. The sales staff are generally young and heavily made up and not all that interested in helping you find the right product.

I'm using this stuff (new product for me) but it might not have enough hold for you. Smells great!

http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/hair-resort/

Redken Water Wax. I've used it for years.

Redken Water Wax 03 shine defining pomade is sure to become your go-to when it comes to creating texture and structure in your style. This water-based wax provides a mild hold, and is perfect for when you want that clear, clean definition. Your hair will be wondrously flexible and shiny, without any added weight or greasy residue!

• For use on damp or dry hair
• Creates texture
• Adds shine
• No residue
• No flake

LucyStar1, years ago I used Redken Water Wax, but I can't remember what the hold was like. I'm finding that the Aveda product I bought doesn't have as much hold as I'd like. I'm giving it a couple more shampoos and then I might exchange it for something else.

I would agree with description that it is a mild hold. I use hairspray after I style it. Another one that I like Is Jonathan Dirt. The hold is a little stronger, but it is a little more matte.

There’s something amazing about the way hair looks and behaves the day after – washing that is. It has great manageability & sheen. DIRT® helps you get that day‐after look simply, without hassle. A water‐based texturizing paste especially good for giving hair control, definition, separation & that better‐than‐clean, day‐after look. UV Filters: Shield hair from environmental damage and color fading. No Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, or DEA. Paraben free

• Great for shaping hair and adding definition
• Provides texture and control
• Gives a piecy, separated look
• Provides amazing shine
• Can be used on damp or dry hair
• Great for men and women with short to medium length hair
• Good for creating and molding hair into updo styles

Jonathan Product Dirt Texturizing Paste

I used the Jonathan Dirt this morning. I had forgotten how much I liked it. It definitely has more hold. Try it! I think you'll like it.

Thanks LucyStar1. I'm a little confused about Jonathan Dirt--you say more matte, while the ad copy emphasizes shine. I've never understood how matte hair is a good thing.

While I will say that second-day hair is more compliant, I still don't think anything feels and smells better than just washed hair. OTOH, before I just cut my hair, it always looked its very best the minute I got up out of bed. Must have been those hours without gravity pulling it down.

At my age, I don't think bed head is very attractive. :)

I was at Ulta last week, not my favorite place to shop, looking something for my hair. I have color treated, fine hair but lots of it. I never use conditioner, a detangler or even shampoo with a conditioner. I stay away from any extra products, they make my hair flat and feel dirty the next day. I asked one of the hairdresser for a suggestion and she recommended Beach Envy volumizer by Redken. it was pricey but she said I could come in and swap it out if I didn't like it. I will say it is the best thing I have ever tried on my hair! Its almost like a gel that you apply after shampooing, work through and then rinse out. My hair is full, the slight curl, I wear it in a longish bob, stays in for at least 3 days and it does not feel dirty, it actually feels good. I like my hair to look healthy and have movement (says my hairdresser) and it does. BTW the gal from Ulta said if I didn't like that product that Fashion waves 07 that lukki suggested was very good too, she actually didn't know which one to recommend to me. I finally have a product that works for me!!! It will probably be discontinued tomorrow LOL.

I don't understand the marketing attraction of a product called "dirt" or the slogan "get dirty." What am I missing?

"Dirt" is edgy. That's what some folks are looking for.

The jury's still out on Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip. But this morning I finally realized what it looks and smells like:

Memories of Easter vacation sunburns at the beach in high school. Screaming when the menthol-cool hit our red skin. Oh, the stupidity.

Jonathan Dirt smells wonderful. It smells of vanilla and almonds. You can read the reviews on Amazon. There are 333 reviews and it is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Oh Linelle,I actually love the smell of classic Noxema. I wonder if that contibutes to my like of Defining Whip. I agree with you that the texture of Noxema and Defining Whip are akin, but I dont think they smell the same. The Whip is more briny to me.

Confession- I have addicted my two sons to Noxema also.

Defining Whip is growing on me. It's kinda subtle, but it really adds body and memory.

Linelle, the whip defines your layers? Does it also keep your hair in place? I'm thinking instead of hair spray? Is the whip the lightest of the defining products?

Eld, my layers sort of define themselves thanks to my cut. Plus, I tend to rake my fingers through my hair. From what I can tell from the Aveda product descriptions, the Whip has medium hold. I also use Paul Mitchell fast drying sculpting spray on my wet hair and then after the whip. It all adds up, but in a good way.

Yes, I think it helps keep my hair in place, without being stiff, sticky or crispy. It seems to add texture and definition without weight and allow movement. I sound like ad copy.

ETA: For years and years I was a must-wash-hair-every-day person. Recently, with long hair, I eased into every other day. Now that my hair is short again, I think it's still going to work for me. I'm not sure what's made the difference. It's not just less oil at my scalp. I think that over the years my hair has actually gotten more body and wave. Who knew?!