How to Choose the Right Hair Product for Men

How to choose the right hair product for men? Believe it or not, it’s possible to style your hair with something other than gel. Most men aren’t aware of all the options available for different hair types and styles. Each product serves a different purpose depending on your individual need.

Men’s Hair Product Terms:

• Shine means that light will reflect off your hair, giving it a glossy look.
• Matte has the opposite effect, making your hair look a bit more natural or dull.
• Hold refers to the degree to which your hair stays in place. Products with more hold are stronger and make your hair more stiff. 

Hold and shine can be visualized together on a plane. The ideal hair product depends on the combination of hold and shine that you’re trying to achieve. 

Photo Credit: Real Men Real Style

I won’t talk about every type of product available, but these are some of the most common.

Types of Men’s Hair Products

Pomade

One of the most common types of hair product, pomade has high shine and medium hold. It will give your hair a slick appearance that is soft and flexible.

Pomade can be oil-based or water-based. Oil-based pomade is the cheaper of the two, but it provides a stronger hold. Water-based pomade is softer and can be easily rinsed out with water.

Best for:

• Thicker hair
• Slick/wet look

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Hair Gel

The most common of all hair products, hair gel provides high shine and high hold. It can also be used on a variety of hair styles and lengths. One drawback is that gel often contains harsh chemicals that can damage hair. Gel is cheap, however, which makes it an appealing option for the average man.

Best for:

• Hair of most lengths
• Long-term hold
• Affordability

Hair Cream

Hair cream provides low hold and medium shine. It’s a product that will make your hair look natural with a minimum level of stiffness.

Best for:

• Medium to long hair
• Curly or frizzy hair
• Thinning hair

Hair Paste

Medium-hold, medium-shine, hair paste is a water-based product that is thicker than pomade. It can be used with most hair types and is easy to wash out.

Best for:

• Hair of any length
• Messy hairstyle
• Washing out quickly

Hair Wax

Hair wax is medium-hold, medium-shine. It provides you with versatility for any hairstyle. The only drawback is its tendency to clump in curly hair.

Best for:

• Straight hair
• Short to medium length hair
• Hairstyles that require a comb

Mousse

Once a popular option, mousse is a foamy substance that provides both volume and control. It’s designed to add light hold, body, and shine to your hair. You’ll get an adequate hold without the clumping and flaking you get with gel.

Best for:

• All hair types
• Fine hair going for a thicker look

Texture Powder

On the low-hold, low-shine end of the spectrum, texture powder is lightweight and adds volume to your hair. It’s a lesser-known product, but one that is often applied before pomade or paste. Apply it to the roots of your hair for best results.

Best for:

• Foundation before applying additional product
• Lightweight hold with volume

Now that you know how to choose the right hair product, feel free to experiment and find one or two that are best for you. Happy styling!

P.S. It’s important that your facial hair is trimmed as well. Here are the benefits of self-cleaning electric razors.

About The Author

As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.