Tired of hair that falls flat by lunch or leaves you wrestling with a greasy mess? If you’re a guy aged 18-50 chasing that sharp office look or a chill skater vibe, the right products for mens hair makes all the difference. No more guessing. Whether you need pomade products for shine or volumizing products for lift, we’ll give you a clear explanation. This guide is perfect for your grooming routine. It helps you choose, apply, and keep styles that last.
“I suggest people keep it simple and use clean products.”
Jamie Taylor
TL;DR — best products for mens hair by goal
- Matte, textured styles: clay or putty.
- Flexible, natural finish: styling cream.
- Strong hold + classic shine: Pomade (slick back, side part).
- All-day structure/spikes: Gel (alcohol-free).
- Volume/boost: Volumizing mens hair products like mousse, sea salt spray, or volumizing powder.
- Frizz/shine control: Light serum or argan oil (mid-lengths to ends only).
- Healthy base: Conditioner + heat protectant before blow-drying.
- Refresh midday with a spritz for all-day hold.
- Tie it to your aesthetic: slick pomade for old-money polish.
Let’s explore the details of the hairstyling technique together! It’s a great way to enhance your skills and find styles that suit you best.
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10 essential men’s hair styling products breakdown
Each product delivers specific results based on hold, finish, and feel. Think of them as tools in your full grooming toolkit; pick one that fits your day.
“My celebrity clients demanded the very best results, which could only be attained through proper technique paired with high-performance products.”
Jim Markham (founder of Sebring)
Here’s a quick rundown of the top categories and their best use cases:
1. Pomade:
Use for slick back, side part, or pompadour. Water-based rinses out easier; oil-based gives a stronger shine.
Pro tip: Great for thick hair needing control.
Example: Try a water-based pomade on Amazon.
2. Hair Clay:
Adds grip and lift; makes fine hair look fuller. Good for messy crops and quiffs.
Example: A lightweight matte clay on Amazon.
3. Hair Wax:
Flexible, pliable hold without stiffness. Best for short styles where you rework it throughout the day.
Example: A soft hair wax on Amazon.
4. Gel:
Strong, crunchy hold for defined shapes like spikes.
Example: An alcohol-free gel on Amazon.
5. Hair Cream:
Lightweight for natural movement and a soft hold. It suits fine or wavy hair wanting subtle definition.
Example: A lightweight styling cream on Amazon.
6. Mousse:
Foamy volume booster, especially pre-blow-dry. Locks in lift without adding weight.
Example: A volumizing mousse on Amazon.
7. Salt Spray:
Texturizing mist for beachy waves. Adds grit to straight hair—refreshing for casual days.
Example: A texturizing sea salt spray on Amazon.
8. Putty: What does hair putty do?
Creamy-matte and pliable. Adds separation without stiffness.
Example: A matte hair putty on Amazon.
9. Serum:
Silky shine and frizz control, often with oils like argan. Use it as a finisher or protectant.
Example: A light argan oil serum on Amazon.
10. Conditioner:
Not styling, but essential base care; hydrates without weighing it down.
I brought back the classics with modern science and new ingredients.
Chris McMillan – The stylist behind “The Rachel” introduces his seven-piece men-friendly styling line (mousse, gel, texture spray, etc.), designed to deliver salon results at home.
For a visual cheat sheet, see our infographic below: “Men’s Hair Styling Products.”
Is wax or gel better for men’s hair? quick comparison
Wax is flexible and natural; gel is firm and set-it-and-forget-it.
| Feature | Wax | Gel |
| Hold | Flexible, reworkable | Strong, sets firm |
| Finish | Natural or matte | Shiny, sometimes crunchy |
| Best For | Short, textured styles | Spikes or slicked-back |
Wax wins for everyday ease, per a 2024 Men’s Health guide on versatile holds. Gel shines for structured nights out.
Which oil is best for men’s hair?
Argan oil tops the list for its lightweight moisture; it absorbs fast without grease. What is argan oil for hair? Argan oil is a lightweight powerhouse from the nuts of Morocco’s argan tree. It tames frizz and boosts shine. It also nourishes the skin in a way that feels light and non-greasy. This product is key for smooth, healthy hair.
Let’s connect these tips to your personal style! For a cool, skater-inspired look with matte textures, consider using clay or salt spray. If you prefer the refined shine of the Old Money style, pomade is a great choice.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the right product:
- Have thick hair? Try clay or wax.
- If your hair is fine, mousse can add some nice lift.
- For curly hair, serum works wonders in defining your curls.
Feel free to mix and match to find what works best for you!
How to pick the right product for your hair type and style
Choosing starts with your strands; thin hair needs lift; oily types want matte. What hair products should men use? It depends: volumizing for flat days, shining for polished ones.
Matching products to thin, thick, curly, oily, or dry hair
- Thin: Mousse or lightweight cream—builds volume without flopping.
- Thick: Pomade or wax—tames bulk for control.
- Curly: Serum with argan—reduces frizz and enhances curls.
- Oily: Matte clay or salt spray—absorbs excess oil and adds grip.
- Dry: Oil-infused conditioner base, topped with cream.
A 2024 GQ roundup backs this: Match holds its texture for eight or more hours of wear.
Aesthetics match: from minimalist to skater
Let’s connect your style to boost your confidence! If you love a minimalist look, try using a cream for a simple and fresh everyday routine. For a polished preppy vibe, a good pomade can give you that Ivy League touch, like in our guide on preppy finishes.
If you’re going for those soft Ulzzang waves, consider layering a serum beneath your mousse. And if skater style is more your thing, clay can add that gritty texture while allowing for free movement.
Looking for a recommendation? If you have thick hair and want a matte finish, consider a lightweight clay like the one available on Amazon. It gives you great hold and won’t leave any residue. Happy styling!
Pro tips: application, layering, and daily routines
Master these, and your style sticks. Focus on timing: Most go on damp hair for an even spread.
How to apply pomade (and others) like a pro
- Towel-dry to damp, not soaking wet.
- Scoop a pea-sized amount (warm it in your palms).
- Apply the product to your hair from roots to ends. Focus on trouble spots.
- Style with your fingers or a comb. If you want more volume, consider blow-drying for a boost!
For clay, remember to use a bit less product and work it in well to achieve that nice, gritty texture.
Layering basics – serum first, then style
Begin with a light serum to protect your hair from heat. Follow with pomade or clay for hold. If you’re blow-drying, consider adding mousse at the roots for extra lift. Remember, it’s better to add a little at a time than to use too much all at once.
Quick midday refresh routine
- Morning: Start by pre-styling your hair. Blow-dry it, then use your favorite clay, wax, or pomade. To finish, add a drop of serum for shine! Keep that wolf cut texture fresh without needing a full restyle.
- Midday: If your style needs a little boost, dampen your hands and reshape your hair. You can also add a small amount of cream or reworkable wax if needed.
Want to improve your hairstyling skills? Learn more hair styling techniques.
What’s your quick 2-minute routine?
We’d love to hear it! Share your tips below!
Common mistakes to dodge for flawless results
Even experts make mistakes; let’s learn how to steer clear of them together!
- Use the right amount: Start with a pea-sized product to avoid greasiness.
- Choose one texture: Mixing wax and gel creates a stiff crunch; stick to a single family.
- Protect your hair: Apply heat serum to prevent fried ends.
- Time it right: Apply pomade to damp hair; dry hair leads to clumps.
Is sea salt spray bad for hair? Not if you use it in moderation and follow up with conditioning. A February 2025 Byrdie review confirms that rinsing at night prevents buildup, allowing for natural drying.
Update your style for the season with our seasonal style updates.
Conclusion
Here’s your toolkit for men’s hair products that provide excellent results. Choose volumizing products for lift or pomade for shine. If you want to avoid greasiness or need all-day hold, keep it simple. Match your hair type, apply with care, and refresh as needed. Boost your confidence; say goodbye to midday slumps.
For daily products for mens hair – follow mensminimal90 on Instagram, MensMinimal on Youtube and mensminimal on Pinterest! Join us for endless cute outfit ideas and aesthetic tips.
FAQ: quick answers to your top hair product questions
Yes, pomade gives shine and comb lines with flexible control. Gel gives a stronger, crisper hold.
Choose matte, buildable formulas. They add volume and texture without weighing hair down. These are great for thick hair. You’ll get a natural, tousled finish that is easy to layer for all-day hold.
Flexible hold with shine; avoid stiff formulas for daily use.
Seek out options labeled “strong hold,” “alcohol-free,” and “non-flaking.” These provide reliable structure while keeping your hair hydrated and flake-free all day.
Shaving is quick, cheap, and painless, but it requires daily upkeep and can cause irritation. Waxing hurts more upfront and costs extra, but it lasts 3-6 weeks with smoother, finer regrowth. Choose based on your tolerance for pain and desired longevity.
Sea salt spray adds texture by soaking up moisture, which can dry and tangle your hair overnight. Rinse it out before bed to avoid brittleness and breakage. Apply it again in the morning for fresh waves.
