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You know the way your hair looks right after leaving the barbershop? As if the God of Hair himself (or herself) came down to earth to lay their golden scissors upon your head?
The problem is, most guys don’t exactly know how to recreate that style at home.
Well, that’s where the right styling products and advice can help. By choosing and using a product perfectly suited to your hair type and style, you can get that “just left the barber” look without any of that pesky hair on your shirt. That’s where we come in. We broke down the best hair product for guys, including what kind of hair it’s best for, how to use it, and some examples of our favorite products. Go forth and look good.
SHOP ALL
Pomades are incredibly versatile, offering a wet, shiny look while maintaining a pliable hold. Though not right for fine hair, they’re perfect for sleek, well-groomed styles or shorter, texturized styles. They also give shine and separation to long hair.
BEST FOR: Sleek, shorter, or texturized styles
HOW TO USE:Apply a small amount of product to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together until it warms. Work product through slightly damp to dry hair, going from ends to root.
WE RECOMMEND:Billy Jealousy Ruckus Hair Forming Cream
Whether you’re styling up a bitchin’ pompadour or just trying to add a little balance to fly-away frizz, Billy JealousyRuckus Hair Forming Cream is the solution to keep manes of all types under control. Naturally-sourced beeswax imparts a firm, but reshapable hold, while ginseng extract promises to restore your hair's natural texture. This thick and mess-free cream even uses panthenol and Swertia for added hair and scalp softness that’s noticeable well after the stuff’s been rinsed away. And best of all, just a dab is more than enough to go from day to night without having to add more.
Waxes are similar to pomades but offer a more aggressive hold. A great choice for lending shine and control to short cuts, they’re also perfect for managing very thick hair.
BEST FOR:Adding shine and control to short styles
HOW TO USE:Make sure to dry hair completely as oil and water don't mix. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together until product warms. Work product through hair, going from ends to root.
TRY:Grooming Lounge Some Hair Stuff
Our new and improved formula is made for maximum workability with an even easier wash-off. Grooming Lounge’s Styling stuff provides texture and hold without unwanted shine and can create classic or edgy styles without re-application. A natural anti-humectant, Hair Stuff refuses to leave your scalp sweaty — a must-use during the summer months.
A mud (or fiber) is the choice when maximum control is needed. This type of styler is great for giving texture to short, disheveled styles and for adding separation to long styles. Many muds and fibers give off a non-glossy, matte finish.
BEST FOR:Disheveled and longer styles
HOW TO USE:Dry hair completely. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together until product warms. Make sure to work product through hair, going from ends to root.
TRY:Grooming Lounge Some Hair Goop
Developed in our DC Barbershop by master barbers (and other really smart humans), this pliable, taffy-like styler helps give your hair the volume and texture for a clean, crispy-free style. Perfect for a buttoned-up look or whacked-out nut-job vibe.
Styling creams are often the best choice for men who need something in their hair but don’t want to look like it. They offer a lighter finish, some shine, and are quite adept at controlling flyaways and helping to neaten shorter styles.
BEST FOR:Controlling frizz, fly-aways, and conservative styles
HOW TO USE:Wash hair and smooth cream into wet or dry hair. If you have fine hair, use a very small amount to avoid a greasy look.
TRY:Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream
Malin + Goetz’s Styling Cream has a natural and firm hold with technologically-advanced ingredients made for shine, definition, and texture. Blended for conditioning and silky residue-free grooming without weighing down hair, this styling cream is perfect for the gent who needs something in his hair... but doesn't want to make it appear that anything is in there.
Gels are usually the best option to create a wet, sleek look. Quality gels will have "memory" once dry, enabling comb-through that can provide a structured, yet dry appearance. Cheap supermarket gels tend to break and flake off in the hair, so it’s important to get the good stuff.
Gels usually come in firm or light hold, so choosing the right gel is key. Since a firm hold gel will weigh down fine hair, “fine” men should use a light hold product. For thick, coarse hair, a light hold gel won’t offer enough control and thus a firm gel is a proper choice.
BEST FOR:Strong holds and wet looks.
HOW TO USE:Work into wet hair, comb, and let dry naturally for a wet look. Use on drier hair to hold a style in place. Put in wet hair, blow-dry, and add more to lock strands in place. Reactivate when needed by wetting hands and running through hair.
TRY:Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel
Comb it up or slick it back. However you like it, this non-greasy, flake-free hair gel from Jack Black can handle any hairstyle or length. Pracaxi oil smooths and conditions hair to apply a medium hold with a light shine, while a blend of natural essential oils (eucalyptus, cedarwood, and sandalwood) guarantees your hair gives off a fresh, woodsy scent. Ruffle your hair around as much as you like, just don’t be the guy that’s adjusting it every minute of the day… not that you’ll need to with this gel.
BEST FOR:Volume and texture without the residue
HOW TO USE:Spray onto damp hair, style, let dry, and soak up the compliments.
WE RECOMMEND:Baxter of California Clay Effect Style Spray
For those looking for that gritty, beach hair without the salt or jellyfish stings, Baxter of California has you covered. This clay styling spray instantly thickens, texturizes and adds volume for effortless style with a matte finish. The do-it-all formula uses jojoba oil and green tea extract to deliver vitamins and nutrients to your follicles while fighting frizz and humidity. Surf's up, baby!
BEST MEN'S HAIR PRODUCTS
Whether you’re the type of man who can walk out of the shower and into the office with a spritz of hairspray or the more involved person whose morning routine is on par with Patrick Bateman's. From pomade to gel to hairspray, these are the seven best hair products for all types for men.
If you're looking for the perfect men's shampoo, you need to read this. This guide covers the best smelling, best for itchy scalps, and everything in between.
Visit Grooming Lounge Barbershops and you’re guaranteed to get a great haircut. That said, we’re aware there’s a big world beyond the Beltway, and such being the case, wanted to provide all men with the info necessary to get a great service in their specific area. Read on for tips on how to choose who makes “the cut.”
EXPLORE ALL EXPERT ADVICE
