Men's Hair Products
It wasn't until I worked in a barbershop that I realized how uninformed many people are about hair products for men. There are so many amazing products on the market for different hair types, styles, lengths, curl patterns, etc. - so I thought I would start by giving a rundown of the basics of men's hair products and what they're used for.
There are many different types of hair products for men, so it's important to find one that fits your needs. If you have oily hair, look for a styling product that has a matte finish so it doesn't further the oily look of your final style - or if you have dry hair, choose a shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients. As with all hair products, there is no one size fits all - so understanding your hair (fine, thick, oily, etc) is so important when choosing the right products for your hair.
Let's get into the different categories of men's hair products to get us started - I'm going to write up another article following this one giving my favorite products from these categories but let's start with the basics.
Product Categories
Shampoo: Shampoo is a basic necessity for any man with hair. It cleans the scalp and hair, removing dirt and oil so you can achieve the style you want without having the natural oils and debris weigh your hair down. There are many different types of shampoo available, so it's important to find one that fits your needs. For example - If you have dry hair, choose a shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients. If you have flat hair and want a voluminous pompadour, go for a volumizing shampoo. The products you use on wash days will set the tone for the style you get out of your hair after it dries, so choose wisely!
Conditioner: Conditioners add moisture to the scalp and hair, helping it look healthy and shiny. Like shampoos, there are many types of conditioners available so pay close attention to what you need to work best! If you have dry or coarse hair that is prone to tangles then you will want a moisturizing formula with extra conditioning ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or keratin proteins. Those with thinning hair may benefit from a volumizing product containing Wheat Protein, Linden Bud Extract, Chia Seed Oil, etc. - which can help reduce breakage while making each strand appear fuller.
Styling Paste: Styling pastes are a great option for men looking to add volume and shape to their hair. This is definitely what I recommended most when working at the barbershop. There are SO many amazing pastes out there that vary from thick in consistency to a more creamy paste which gives you the ability to achieve many different hairstyles with ease no matter what hair type you have. When you find the right one it's like magic how well your hair will style and hold all day. This is definitely one I can't wait to write recommendations for in the next article!
Mousse/Foam: Mousse and foam are similar types of men's haircare products that create volume by lifting up individual hairs while still providing flexible hold so your hairstyle doesn't droop or look heavy. These are used after you wash your hair and would be put in towel-dried hair to enhance the volume and hold you get out of your style as it dries (or blow-drying it in will make for some really nice lift!).
Hair Gels: One of the most popular men's hair products is styling gel . It gives you strong control over your style, and it doesn't leave behind any residue on your hands or in your hair. Styling gels also give you that shiny appearance that many guys want with their final look! I love using gel on men as long as it's a quality product and used correctly.
Hairspray: hairspray is great for finishing styles and keeping them in place. It comes in both aerosol and pump spray formats, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Choose a lightweight hairspray if you want something that will give your style some flexibility, or go with a stronger hold hairspray if you need extra control.
Hair Wax: Hair wax is one of my favorite products on the market because there are so many creative ways in which you can use this product. Some people love using it when they want that 'wet' look - combing some through towel-dried hair after a shower gives them a clean, shiny appearance while controlling flyaways and frizz at the same time. Others prefer using all-natural beeswax-based pomades made from shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter...etc.
Styling Creams And Serums: Styling creams and serums are perfect for men with curly or wavy hair. They add definition and control frizz, without making the hair feel heavy or greasy. Creams are best for short to medium-length hair, while serums work better on longer locks. One thing I love about serums specifically is that you can use them on wet or dry hair depending on what your end goal is.
Pomades: Pomades give hair a high shine and provide a strong hold. They are perfect for creating sleek styles like pompadours and ducktails. Pomades come in both water-based and oil-based formulas, so be sure to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. If you have oily hair, go with a water-based pomade. If you have dry or damaged hair, use an oil-based product which will add moisture and tame frizz.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it - the big categories in men's hair care. Obviously, each of those has so many varieties and different uses, but it's a good start if you're just getting into hair care for yourself or the man in your life! I certainly think it's time for us to normalize men needing multiple products to achieve the styles they get. I personally love a well-groomed and well put together guy, and that starts with a good haircut and some high-quality hair products :)
Now that we've covered the different types of hair products available, it's time to learn how to use them and which ones are my favorite! In my next post, I'll be giving some tips on how to style your hair using each of these products and which specific ones I recommend. Stay tuned!