If you struggle with flat and curly hair, you may be all too familiar with worrying about turning your hair into a total grease ball – but celebrity hair stylist Nicola Harrowell has shared some of her top tips
For those with thin and curly hair, it can feel pretty frustrating trying to keep it’s texture and volume. It can also be a worry with certain leave in products to combat frizz, as they can leave many people’s hair going greasy
All hair types need the right to get the most out of them, but when it comes to fine hair, it can feel like avoiding oils and leave-in serums is a safer bet than having crunchy, oily and sticky hair.
However celebrity hair stylist Nicola Harrowell, has assured those with finer hair there are some secret products to add to their haircare routine.
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She said: “Many people with fine or low-density hair worry that leave-ins will make their hair greasy, flat, or heavy. The fear of buildup is real, especially if someone has had a bad experience with overly rich products in the past.
“Leave-ins don’t always come with clear dosing guidance, and too much can leave hair sticky, while too little might feel like it’s done nothing at all. Some people aren’t sure where leave-ins fit in their routine. Is it after washing? Before styling cream? Instead of conditioner? And this confusion can cause people to skip it entirely.”
So she recommends Curlsmith’s Moisture Memory Release (£23) which works as a featherlight leave‑in spray that promises all‑day hydration and frizz control for fine and delicate textures.
Most leave-ins work best on damp (towel-blotted) hair to avoid dilution and enhance absorption and the expert notes tat concentrating leave-in near the scalp can weigh hair down or cause buildup.
So instead, it’s best to apply mid-lengths to ends where hair is drier and more prone to damage. “Simply spraying or spreading leave-in on top of the hair isn’t enough, distribution is key! Raking through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb helps coat strands evenly.” She also explained how leave-ins help prep the hair by adding moisture and slip.
“Think of them as a primer for any gels, foams, or creams that follow. Begin with a pea-sized amount or 2–3 sprays depending on hair length, then add more if needed. It’s easier to layer than to fix overuse. If you have fine hair, go for light sprays or milky leave-ins.”
Another similar product is the Colour Wow Dream Coat for curly hair (£27) a lightweight hairspray that works to tame tresses and deliver a smooth, sleek and shiny finish. Described as a “one and done” solution, this innovative spray boasts the combined benefits of creams, gels and serums, delivering radiant, hydrated locks without greasiness, dullness or crunchiness.
A cheaper alternative is the Sheamoisture Hydrate & Repair Multi-Action Leave-In-Conditioner (£7.33) with manuka honey and yoghurt. It’s perfect for easy styling and protects brittle hair from damage. The treatment fortifies hair with strand supporting proteins in a natural protective layer, while fighting frizz and the appearance of split ends. Ideal for hair that is prone to breaking, snapping or splitting.