Men's hairstyling has evolved dramatically in recent years, with more options and products available than ever before. Gone are the days when styling meant simply applying some gel and calling it a day. Today's modern man has access to a wide range of specialized products designed for different hair types, textures, and desired looks.
Yet with this expanded range of options comes confusion. Which product is right for your hair type? How do you apply it correctly? What techniques should you use to achieve the look you want? In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about men's hair products and styling techniques to help you achieve salon-quality results at home.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before choosing any products or techniques, it's essential to understand your hair type. Men's hair generally falls into one of these categories:
- Straight Hair: Typically lies flat against the scalp and can range from fine to thick.
- Wavy Hair: Has a slight S-pattern and tends to be fuller with more natural volume.
- Curly Hair: Forms defined loops or spirals and can range from loose to tight curls.
- Coily/Kinky Hair: Tightly coiled with an S or Z pattern; tends to be very voluminous but prone to dryness.
- Thinning Hair: May require specialized products to create the appearance of fullness.
Within these categories, you should also consider your hair's density (how many hairs per square inch), texture (fine, medium, or coarse), and porosity (how well your hair absorbs moisture).
The Complete Guide to Men's Hair Products
Let's break down the most common styling products and which hair types they work best for:
1. Pomade
What it is: A versatile product available in water-based and oil-based formulations. Water-based pomades wash out easily, while oil-based provide stronger hold but require more effort to remove.
Finish: Medium to high shine, depending on the formula.
Hold Level: Medium to strong.
Best for: Slicked-back styles, pompadours, side parts, and other classic looks. Works well on straight to wavy hair of medium thickness.
How to use: Warm a small amount between your palms and apply to towel-dried or dry hair, working from roots to ends. Comb through for more definition or use fingers for a more relaxed look.
2. Wax
What it is: A thick, pliable product that provides texture and separation.
Finish: Natural to slightly shiny.
Hold Level: Medium to strong.
Best for: Textured, piece-y looks, short to medium styles. Ideal for straight to wavy hair.
How to use: Rub a small amount between palms until it softens, then work through dry hair, focusing on the ends for definition and texture.
3. Clay
What it is: A matte-finish product containing clay elements that provide texture without shine.
Finish: Matte (no shine).
Hold Level: Medium to strong.
Best for: Modern textured styles, short to medium cuts. Excellent for fine to medium hair that needs volume.
How to use: Warm a small amount between palms and apply to dry hair, working from roots to ends. Use fingers to create definition and texture.
4. Cream
What it is: A lightweight, conditioning product that provides minimal hold but enhances natural texture.
Finish: Natural to slightly shiny.
Hold Level: Light to medium.
Best for: Medium to longer styles, wavy or curly hair. Excellent for adding definition to natural texture without stiffness.
How to use: Apply to damp or dry hair, working through from mid-lengths to ends. Can be used as a pre-styler before blow-drying or as a finishing product.
5. Gel
What it is: A water-based product that dries hard and provides strong hold.
Finish: High shine to wet look.
Hold Level: Strong to extreme.
Best for: Slicked styles, spikes, and highly structured looks that need to stay in place all day.
How to use: Apply to damp hair and comb into desired style. Let dry completely for maximum hold. For a softer look, run your hands through hair after it's 80% dry.
6. Paste
What it is: A versatile product with a consistency between wax and cream.
Finish: Natural to slightly matte.
Hold Level: Medium.
Best for: Versatile everyday styling for most hair types and lengths. Provides texture without the stiffness of gel or the shine of pomade.
How to use: Can be applied to damp hair for a more controlled look or dry hair for texture. Work a small amount through with your fingers, focusing where you want the most control.
7. Sea Salt Spray
What it is: A liquid product that mimics the effect of ocean water.
Finish: Natural, slightly matte texture.
Hold Level: Light.
Best for: Creating beachy, tousled texture in medium to longer styles. Works well for adding volume to fine hair.
How to use: Spray onto damp hair and scrunch or twist to enhance natural texture. Can be air-dried or diffused for more volume.
8. Fiber
What it is: A thick, fibrous product similar to wax but with a drier consistency.
Finish: Matte.
Hold Level: Strong.
Best for: Short, textured styles that need definition and hold without any shine.
How to use: Warm thoroughly between palms (it has a stiff consistency) and apply to completely dry hair, working from roots to ends for maximum control.
Essential Styling Techniques
Having the right product is only half the equation. How you apply it and style your hair makes all the difference. Here are essential techniques for achieving professional results:
1. The Proper Blow-Dry Technique
A quality blow-dry can transform your style, adding volume and direction that product alone can't achieve.
- Apply a heat protectant to damp hair
- For volume at the roots, direct the airflow upward against the direction your hair naturally falls
- For a sleeker look, use a round brush and direct the airflow downward, following the brush
- Always finish with a cool shot to set the style
Pro Tip: For maximum control, use the concentrator attachment on your dryer and dry your hair 80-90% before applying styling product.
2. Creating Texture in Short Hair
The secret to modern, textured short styles lies in the application technique:
- Start with completely dry hair
- Apply a small amount of product (clay, fiber, or paste work best) to your palms
- Rub hands together until the product warms and becomes pliable
- Use your fingertips to apply product in a "rubbing" motion rather than smoothing it through
- Focus on creating separation between strands rather than coating all the hair
- Work from the back forward, finishing with the fringe area
3. Styling Wavy and Curly Hair
Men with natural texture should embrace it rather than fight it:
- Apply styling cream or curl enhancer to damp hair
- Scrunch gently to encourage natural curl pattern
- Either air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on low heat
- Once dry, use fingers to separate and define curls as needed
- Finish with a light-hold product for additional definition if desired
Pro Tip: Never brush curly hair when dry—it causes frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when wet, and only your fingers when dry.
4. Creating Sleek, Controlled Styles
For classic looks like side parts, pompadours, or slicked-back styles:
- Start with damp hair
- Apply pomade or gel evenly throughout
- Use a comb to create clean part lines and direct hair into place
- For added hold, blow-dry on low heat while maintaining the comb's direction
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for all-day hold if needed
5. Maximizing Volume for Fine or Thinning Hair
Men with thinning hair can create the appearance of fullness with the right technique:
- Apply volumizing mousse or spray to damp roots
- Blow-dry upward at the roots using your fingers to lift
- Once dry, apply a matte product like clay very sparingly, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends
- Avoid heavy, greasy products that will weigh hair down and make thinning more noticeable
- Consider texturizing powder applied directly to the roots for instant volume
Common Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right products, these common pitfalls can undermine your styling efforts:
- Using too much product: Start with a small amount (pea to dime-sized) and add more if needed. Excess product makes hair look greasy and heavy.
- Applying product incorrectly: Always warm product between palms first and distribute evenly through hair.
- Styling unwashed hair: While second-day hair can sometimes style better, product buildup can make styling difficult. Use a clarifying shampoo weekly.
- Ignoring hair type: Using the wrong product for your hair type can give poor results. For example, heavy waxes on fine hair will look flat and greasy.
- Skipping pre-styling products: Heat protectants, volumizers, and leave-in conditioners create the foundation for a good style.
Building Your Styling Toolkit
Every man should have these essentials for proper styling:
- A quality blow dryer with concentrator attachment
- A wide-tooth comb for detangling wet hair
- A fine-tooth comb for creating precise styles
- A vented brush for blow-drying
- At least two styling products that work for your hair type and desired styles
- Heat protectant if you use hot tools
Investing in quality tools and products will make a significant difference in your styling results.
Understanding your hair type, choosing the right products, and mastering these techniques will enable you to achieve salon-quality results at home. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your unique hair and desired style. And remember, good styling starts with healthy hair, so maintain a proper haircare routine including regular trims and appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
Need personalized advice for your specific hair type and style goals? Book a consultation with one of our men's grooming specialists at Open Path Node. We can help you identify the right products and techniques for your individual needs.
