While it might seem like a modern trend, men have been using products to style their hair throughout history. For instance, the use of pomade can be traced back as far as the 1800s. With so many product categories, brands, and formula variations on the market today, choosing the best hair care products for your hair may seem overwhelming.
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Here's a look at some of the most popular products (beyond shampoo and conditioner, I'm going to assume we're all familiar with those) and when you should use them.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is a relatively new product type and is fantastic for giving hair natural texture. Sea salt spray doesn't freeze hair in place like hairspray does; it gives a textured finish and maintains a good bit of motion. It works well for just about all hair types.
Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray is the perfect natural solution for adding texture to any hair type. It gives both body and fullness, making your hair look freshly tousled yet touchable.
Hair Cream
Hair creams add subtle shine to hair while providing a small amount of hold and softness. Styling creams can be great for men who want a mild and weightless hold that adds natural-looking shine. They work best for short to medium hair lengths.
Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream is a lightweight cream gives a controlled finished look to your style. It has a light scent and will last all day long!
Styling Paste
Styling paste is thicker than a pomade but thinner than clay or wax. It's is great for a variety of elegantly disheveled styles that are popular today. It's best for short or medium hairstyles.
Ultra-pliable and moldable, ORIBE Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste easily glides through hair to help you create various styles. It has a soft and glossy shine and is loaded with keratin for the health of your hair!
Pomade
Pomade comes in a variety of formulas and can be oil or water-based. Pomade is perfect for creating classy comb-over looks in medium length hair. Think 1920s gangsters or 1950s rock stars.
Baxter of California Cream Pomade provides light hold and a gorgeous natural finish. It's not too heavy or too greasy. It adds moisture, controls frizz, and creates classically smooth and touchable looks that last.
Gel
Hair gel is a popular product that can be used to create many styles that will stay in place all day long. Gel stiffens when exposed to air to create a firm hold. It can be used for all hair types.
R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel provides maximum control while still maintaining some flexibility. It can be used to create many impressive styles and is formulated with high-quality nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower seed extract, and keratin.
Wax
Wax is like gel, in that it creates firm hold. However, hair wax is also usually very flexible and pretty water resistant. Think glossy surfer hairstyles, faux-hawks, dread-locks, and spiked up looks.
Maneuver Work Wax Unisex Wax by Redken is an easy-to-use wax provides texture and control while still being easy to mold and natural looking.
Fiber
Hair fiber adds thickness and texture to medium and short hairstyles. It generally has a matte finish and increases volume and fullness.
Every Man Jack Fiber Cream, Fragrance Free is a strong and pliable hair fiber that adds volume, hold, and texture to any hair type!
Clay
Hair clay is very similar to styling wax, but with a more natural matte finish that softens hair. 18.21's Man Made Clay is perfect for strong and neat matte hairstyles, this is one of the best styling clays out there.
Hairspray
Hairspray creates an effect similar to gel, but with hands-off aerosol application. It comes in many different holding strengths and can be used on any type of hair.
American Crew Spray Gel for Men, Medium Hold provides all day hold that isn't overly hard or artificial looking, plus it's created with high quality ingredients. Great scent.
Hair Oil
Hair oils are generally used to tame frizz and fly-aways while adding nourishing shine. It's available in many different formulas and is generally used for dry hair and medium to longer lengths.
ORIBE Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is one of the most luxurious hair oils available. This product deeply conditions hair and adds strength, shine, and UV protection.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoos are designed to clean hair and dry up oils without the use of water. They are perfect for traveling or creating a clean look on-the-go. When you've got a long-haul international flight and have to get off the plane looking presentable, these are your best friend.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is eco-friendly and nourishing. Get clean hair in minutes; no water required!
Thinning Hair
Many men experience balding or thinning hair. The good news is there are a myriad of products available today to help treat or thicken your hair.
Nioxin Kit System 4 is a popular solution for thinning hair. this kit includes everything that you need to help regain your hair's fullness and volume.
Leave-In Conditioner
Leave in conditioners detangle, soothe dryness, and provide nourishment to hair. They are great for managing dry, frizzy, or curly hair. Great for the winter, travelling, swimmers, or just have naturally unruly hair.
Nourishing, lightweight and alcohol-free, Mixed Chicks His Mix Leave-in Men's Conditioner moisturizes your hair leaving it smooth and soft to the touch.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.