Long gone are the days when the only hair product guys used was gel from the grocery store.
Today’s beauty market is full of great items designed for different purposes so that any guy can style his hair to look the best.
It can get a little overwhelming though to look at seemingly endless choices of pomades, sprays and creams and know what to pick!
Here’s a helpful men’s hair product guide with everything you need to know.
Key Features
The four things to look for when assessing hair products are shine, mate, hold and malleability.
Shine means how much the product reflects light and makes your hair look wet and, well, shiny. Matte is the opposite – this type of product absorbs light, and it seems like you’re not wearing anything.
The product’s hold determines how long and how strong will it hold your hair in place. You can choose different levels of hold, e.g. a lower level might not keep your hair intact all day, but it will look more natural.
Lastly, malleability determines how much you can restyle your hair after using the product.
Table of Contents
Gel
Gels may have started as the rock-hard product a few decades ago, but today they’re much more versatile and of higher quality.
Gel’s a strong product that leaves a light shine and allows to restyle hair during the day by simply wetting your hands. It will hold your hair shape well and usually have medium to a high shine.
Wax
With a medium hold and medium to a high shine, wax has become one of the most popular men’s hairstyling product.
It’s very malleable, which means you can easily restyle your hair during the day, it also gives the hair a little more natural look than gel and works really well for both curly and straight hair.
Clay
If you’re looking for a firm hold and some extra texture for your hair, clay may be the best product for you.
Made from, well, clay, it adds thickness and makes your hair look fuller. It also absorbs very well and is great for guys with longer, curly or frizzy hair.
The downside of clay is that it’s not that easy to restyle, so you might need a few times to practice and get the look right. Clay also is excellent to maintain hair’s health as it doesn’t dry it out.
Paste
Hair paste is a versatile product that any guy should have in this bathroom. It’s thick and has a medium hold and medium shine. Since it’s a water-based product, it’s easy to wash out, and it’s also malleable allowing it easier to restyle whenever you feel like it.
You know that “just got out of bed” look that’s still somehow really attractive? Use hair paste to achieve it – paste adds texture, volume and doesn’t stick.
Pomade
Your grandpa probably used pomade back in his day and truly – it’s the best product for that cool, slick retro look!
Think 50s vibes with stiff denim and if you need some fashionable crew necks to complete the look just visit FreshCleanTees.com. You can order crew necks tees online in total comfort.
Pomade offers a strong hold and works well with any hair, even curly and hard-to-manage types.
You might notice oil-based and water-based pomades at the shops. If you have the choice – pick a water-based one as they’re easier to wash off and are more flexible to restyle. Oil-based pomades are usually cheaper, but they can damage your hair and clap, and give that too-oily look.
Cream
According to BeardBrand.com, creams are the way to go if you want to add a natural shine and control to your hair.
They are perfect for hair that needs extra moisture, and they help control thick, curly and long hair without giving that wax or gel stiffness.
Hair cream doesn’t give any hold, so it’s great for natural looks, but if you need to be 100% put together, you might want to opt for another product.
Hairspray
No, it’s not just for the ladies! Hairspray is perfect for adding those finishing touches after using paste, cream or pomade as it locks the hairstyle and extends its shelf life!
You also might want to try using it on its own, and if your hair is lighter it might be just enough!
