Ask a barber why your hairstyle never looks as good at home as it does in the salon, and the answer is almost always the same: pre-styling. Before the pomade or clay goes in, the barber prepares the hair with a hair tonic and the hairdryer. In this article you’ll learn what hair tonic is, what it does and how to use it at home.
What is hair tonic?
Hair tonic (also called grooming tonic) is a light, liquid pre-styler that you apply to towel-dried hair before blow-drying. It gives your hair grip and volume, protects against the heat of the hairdryer and makes your styling product adhere better and hold longer. KAPR Hair Tonic is paraben-free, lightweight, non-sticky and has a fresh scent.
What does pre-styling do for your hairstyle?
| Without a pre-styler | With Hair Tonic and a hairdryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Hair falls flat, especially fine hair | Hair lifts from the roots |
| Hold | Product drops after a few hours | Product grips better and holds all day |
| Amount of product | A lot needed, feels heavy | Less needed, feels lighter |
| Hair | Hairdryer heat dries it out | Heat protection and hydration |
How to use hair tonic
With Professional Shampoo, then pat towel-dry.
A few pumps into your hands, work it through from root to tip and comb through.
With a blow-dry brush in the direction of your hairstyle. Finish with a cool blast for extra hold.
Only now add Pomade, Matte Pomade or Hair Clay. You’ll notice you need less.
Hair tonic or sea salt spray?
Both are pre-stylers, but with a different purpose. Hair Tonic hydrates, protects against heat and gives smooth, controlled volume: ideal for classic hairstyles and daily blow-drying. Sea Salt Spray gives rough texture and a beachy look: ideal for messy looks and fine hair that needs grip. Many men alternate: tonic during the week, sea salt spray at the weekend. Also read sea salt spray: what does it do.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use hair tonic without a hairdryer? Yes, it still gives grip and care, but the volume mainly comes from blow-drying.
Is hair tonic the same as hair lotion? It used to be, with lots of alcohol. A modern tonic like KAPR’s is a conditioning pre-styler without parabens.
How often should I use hair tonic? Every time you wash and style your hair. It doesn’t build up and washes out easily.
Browse Hair Tonic in 250ml or the 50ml travel size, or put together your routine under hair products for men. Not satisfied? 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
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