One of the most common questions we get behind the chair at Sølvi is some version of, "I bought this at my last appointment, now what do I actually do with it at home?" Strong Hold Cream Gel from Davines is a product our stylists reach for constantly in the studio, and it is one of the easiest to use wrong. The name suggests a stiff, locked-down finish, but that is not really what this is. It is a weightless softener, and once you understand that, getting salon-quality results at home becomes simple.
Here is how we use it at our downtown studio at 104 S Capitol Blvd, and how to get the same result on your own.
What This Product Actually Does
The name can be misleading, so let us set expectations first. Strong Hold Cream Gel is built around roucou oil, which softens and smooths the hair without weighing it down. It leaves an antioxidant finish that tames flyaways and frizz, and it carries the light signature Davines scent that lingers through the day. The result is softer, shinier hair with a touch of control. It works across every hair type we see, from fine to coarse. At $32.00 a tube, it lasts a long time because you genuinely need very little.
Step One: Start With Clean, Damp Hair
This product is designed to go into clean, damp hair, not soaking wet and not bone dry. After you towel dry, your hair should feel damp but not dripping. We find this is the single biggest mistake people make at home. Applying it to dry hair makes it harder to distribute evenly, and you lose that smooth, even finish that makes it look like you just left the salon.
Step Two: Use a Small Amount
Less is more here, and we mean it. Start with an amount about the size of a dime for short or fine hair, and a nickel for longer or coarser hair. Warm it between your palms first so it spreads evenly instead of landing in one clump. You can always add a little more, but you cannot easily take it back out once it is in. Overloading is the fastest way to make fine hair look flat.
Step Three: Work It Through and Comb
Distribute the product from mid-length to ends first, where you want the most smoothing and shine, then lightly run what is left on your hands through the roots. Comb it through so it coats every strand evenly. The comb step matters more than people think. It is what turns a good product into an even, polished finish. From there, style as you normally would, whether air drying or blow drying.
Why It Works So Well in Boise
Idaho is dry, and Boise air pulls moisture out of hair fast, especially through the long stretch of cold months. That is when frizz and flyaways become a daily fight for a lot of our clients. The roucou oil in this product is exactly the kind of thing that helps here, smoothing the surface and calming the static and frizz our dry climate creates. We reach for it year round, but it earns its place in winter. If you have ever walked out of the house with smooth hair only to watch it puff up by lunch, this is the product we would hand you.
Who It Is Not For
We promised honesty, so here it is. If you want a firm, structured, stiff hold, this is not your product. The name says strong hold, but the finish is soft and weightless. There is no crunchy cast, no all-day rigid sculpting. If you style spikes, want a wet-look gel, or need your hair to hold a precise shape through a workout, look at a true sculpting gel instead. This is for people who want softer, shinier, smoother hair with light control, not maximum hold. Be honest with yourself about which one you actually want, because that is what decides whether you love it.
You can use Strong Hold Cream Gel daily or just on the days you want extra polish. It slots into a routine without much fuss, which is part of why our stylists like recommending it. If you are not sure it is the right pick for your hair, that is exactly the kind of thing we are happy to walk through in person. We carry it on the shelf at the studio, and every product we stock is one we actually use behind the chair.
Ready to try it? You can grab Strong Hold Cream Gel here, see everything we offer on our services page, or book an appointment and let us match you to the right product in person.