Hair care is the first step to a truly great head of hair, but it doesn’t stop there. Styling is the other piece of the puzzle. Styling products are helpful, but they’re also endlessly confusing, thanks to the sheer variety of them. Knowing what products do is one thing; knowing how to use them is another.
Ask any professional hairstylist and they will tell you that almost every man who actually uses products uses too much. The other mistake men make is using product to force hair into submission. Styling products are meant to enhance the hair you have without completely altering its appearance.
Let’s get real: How your hair looks is what you truly care about. That’s why styling your hair is as important an act of self-care as making sure it’s healthy. Products are tools to make your hair look its best, like wearing a well-fitting suit. Here’s how to get the most out of them.
Choosing the right hair product depends on the result you want and the hair type you have.
Pomade used to be oil-based, but now is usually water-based and comes in untold varieties. It’s the most versatile and well-suited product for most men’s hair.
What it does: It’s best for parting the hair and slicking. Matte versions are best for messier looks.
It’s like pomade but has no shine, and it leaves a dry, natural finish.
What it does: The dryness creates separation in the hair and increases texture and is best for messy looks.
Usually it’s literal wax and is heavy, shiny, and, well, waxy.
What it does: It has more shine than pomade and offers a lot of control. It’s also ideal for creating shape in coarse and textured hair since it locks in moisture without sacrificing hold.
Paste is creamier than pomade and has less hold but is also more moisturizing, which makes it ideal for curly or wavy hair.
What it does: It leaves a natural finish that’s not shiny. It’s good for adding texture to styles that are a bit longer.
Traditionally, gel is used when you want a lot of shine and for your hair to never move. It’s contributed to generations of bad hair (Gordon Gekko, anyone?), but modern gels are lighter weight.
What it does: As it dries, it creates a coating on the hair and keeps it in the shape you style it in. It’s also used to define curls and protect them from frizz.
Cream looks like lotion and helps keep hair hydrated and healthy. It’s especially ideal for curly or wavy textured hair, but works on anyone.
What it does: Smooths hair and keeps its natural texture but still holds it in place. It’s best for natural looks, like you’re not wearing product at all.
Barbers used to mix table salt and water to achieve a fresh-off-the-beach look. Modern salt sprays have healthy oils and natural salt, which add texture without over-drying.
What it does: The salt creates texture that lends a piecey surfer look without the weight of a paste or pomade. It’s also ideal for thinning hair since it’s non-greasy but adds lots of volume.
It locks in your style and protects it throughout the day. New versions offer lots of hold but with not as much crunch as the old ones.
What it does: It forms a protective barrier against heat, wind, your open car window, everything. Start with a light dusting to prevent helmet head.
Ask any hairstylist and they’ll tell you that most men don’t use hair product correctly. Here’s how to not be one of those guys.
Most products these days are water soluble, which means they’ll be easier to apply if your hair is damp. Unless the package says specifically to apply on dry hair, apply it onto towel-dried hair and then use a hair dryer.
No matter what product you’re using, start with a pea- to dime-sized amount. You can always add more product into your hair if you need it, but the only thing to do if you put in too much is to get back in the shower.
Rub your hands together to make sure your entire palms are covered. Work the product between your fingers, which you’ll be using to shape your hair.
Start rubbing the product into your hair at the back and work your way forward. Starting at the back ensures a more even application (and you can always add more in the front if you need it).
As you’re applying, make sure to really distribute the product through all of your hair. Once it’s massaged in, go back and shape it into the style you want.
Once your style is completely dry, lock it in with hair spray. You can either spray it directly on your hair (lightly) or spray it onto a brush and run it through your hair.