What Is Hair Styling Powder Made Of? Your Easy-To-Understand Guide

What if we told you there is a way to get an instant lift, add volume and texture to fine hair? ALL without weighing it down. Enter, styling powder. The answer to your flat, lifeless hair qualms. So, what is hair styling powder made of, and how do you use it? Keep reading to find out! 

What Is Hair Styling Powder?

We wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the styling products lining your shelf are either aerosol, gel, or creams. But the modest styling powder shouldn’t be left behind as it can do wonders for bringing fine hair to life. 

Styling powder is typically used to create volume and lift to your roots. It is suitable for all hair types. But it works especially well on fine hair as it doesn’t weigh it down like gel or cream styling products. It is also a wonderful solution for those with naturally straight, smooth locks that don’t hold styles or texture easily. 

What Is Hair Styling Powder Made Of?

Styling powder is a dry formula hair styling product made of – you guessed it – powder! More specifically, bulking ingredients like rice powder or silica. These ingredients cause friction between your hair strands to produce a texturized, voluminous look. 

The various powders formulated in this hair styling product work to absorb excess oil and moisture resulting in a smooth matte finish. 

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Styling Powder?

What are the benefits of using styling powder over cream or gel alternatives? These three reasons may convince you to make the switch.

Adds Serious Volume

If you want to add volume to lifeless hair, there’s no better solution than styling powder. The bulking ingredients work to instantly lift and add bounce to flat locks. And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about your hair being weighed down as styling powder is extremely lightweight.

No Mess

There’s nothing worse than styling your hair with gels or creams and having your hair end up looking like an oily, sticky mess. Not to mention the fact that you have to shampoo your hair every time after using gel hair products. No, thank you! Hairstyling powders are mess-free, and no one will be able to tell that you’ve had a little help from your hair powder. It leaves no residue and is completely translucent. 

Matte Finish

With styling powder, you don’t have to worry about your hair looking oily or dirty when you’re in between washes. Styling powders were formulated to absorb excess oil, resulting in a clean, matte finish. You can even ditch the dry shampoo when you’re using styling powder. It’s truly a multitasking wonder. 

How Do You Use Hair Styling Powder?

To use your styling powder, simply apply a small amount to your fingertips, then disperse it wherever is needed. 

If you’re aiming for a volume boost, apply a small amount to the section next to your hairline. Gently push the hair towards the roots to encourage lift. Alternatively, you can flip your hair upside down and apply the styling powder to the underside of your hair for an instant volume boost. 

For a tousled, just-out-of-bed look, simply disperse the powder throughout the lengths of your hair. Then, gently scrunch or twist your stands in alternating directions to promote movement and that desirable “undone” look we all love. 

To smooth frizz, apply a little styling powder to your boar bristle smoothing brush. Use your brush to flatten any flyaways or frizz to complete your look. This method works wonders for polishing ponytails, braids, and updos. 

Our Fave Styling Powders On The Market Right Now

To save you walking through the aisles of Sephora, we’ve put together a list of the BEST styling powders.

Best For Adding Volume: Design Me – Puff Me Root Volumizing and Texturizing Hair Powder

Thick, thin, coarse, curly, or flat hair; this Volumizing and Texturizing Hair Powder adds serious volume and life to all hair types! This styling powder helps you achieve the hairstyle of your dreams by adding texture and offering extreme hold. Just one pump is all you need to take your hair from flat to fab. The best part? There’s no mess and residue like you’d get with hairspray or gel. 

Best For Keeping Hair Clean: Cleo+Coco Dry Shampoo Body Powder for Women

“The best dry shampoo + body powder for women that combines vegetable powders, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and essential oils… All-natural, multi-use and lavished with an aromatic scent.” Not only does this styling powder absorb excess oils and odor, but it also provides incredible body and lift. We love a multitasking hair product. Did we mention it’s an Allure award winner? Enough said, added to cart. 

Best For Touching Up Your Roots: Madison Reed Root Touch Up

This root touch-up styling powder is like makeup but for your hair! Who said styling powders aren’t the best hair product on the market? It’s made from hair-loving ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extract that provide nutrients while perfecting your locks. This powder conceals roots, covers grays, fills in sparse hairlines, and adds highlights. It offers top-quality coverage while looking 100% natural.

Best For Thinning Hair: BOLDIFY Hair Fibers for Thinning Hair 

Want a step-up from the root touch-up powder? Those with thinning hair or hair loss will want to snap up this styling powder, stat.

Boldify Hair Thickening Fibers conceals thinning hair, patchiness, and bald spots with its hair follicle-mimicking molecules providing a real-hair finish. Even if you just want your hair to appear fuller, this thickening styling powder has got you covered. It is wind, sweat, and water-resistant while still easy to remove with a single shampoo.

Join our newsletter below to stay up to date on hair care and beauty!