The Ultimate Hair Styling Guide For Men

THE LOWDOWN ON CHOOSING & USING STYLING PRODUCTS

You know how your hair looks right after leaving the barbershop or salon? It probably looks perfectly styled, with each strand in just the right place. Problem is, most guys have a hard time recreating that style at home in the bathroom mirror.

Well, that’s where the right styling product and advice can help. By choosing and using a product perfectly suited to your hair type and style, your lid can get that “just left the barber” look (minus the hair in your shirt).

Still not finding the advice you need? Try filling out our personalized hair styling profile.

 


OFFICIAL GROOMING GUYS STYLING PRODUCT GRID

 

STYLING PRODUCT

WHAT IT’S BEST FOR

CELEBRITY EXAMPLES

OUR PICKS
Pomades
Sleek, shorter or texturized styles
David Beckham

Billy Jealousy Ruckus
Waxes

Adding shine and control to short styles

Matt Damon, Colin Farrell

Grooming Lounge Some Hair Stuff

 
Muds, Fibers

Disheveled and longer styles

George Clooney, Colin Farrell
Grooming Lounge Some Hair Goop                        
Creams

Controlling frizz, fly-aways and conservative styles

Christian Bale, Colin Farrell
Gels

Strong holds and wet looks

Gordon Gekko

 
 Hairsprays Volume and greater control

Mitt Romney, Jimmy Johnson

 Can we show you some pomades?

 

POMADES

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.

How To Use:

  1. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub hands together until product warms.
  2. Work product through slightly damp to dry hair, going from ends to root.

 

WAXES

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.

How To Use:

  1. Dry hair completely as oil and water don't mix.
  2. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub hands together until product warms.
  3. Work product through hair, going from ends to root. 

 

MUDS & FIBERS

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.

How To Use:

  1. Dry hair completely.
  2. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub hands together until product warms.
  3. Work product through hair, going from ends to root. 

 

CREAMS

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.

How To Use:

  1. Wash hair and smooth cream into wet or dry hair.
  2. If you have fine hair, use a very small amount to avoid a greasy look. 

 

GELS

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, course hair, a light hold gel won’t offer enough control and thus a firm gel is the proper choice.

How To Use:

  1. Work into wet hair, comb and let dry naturally for a wet look.
  2. Use on drier hair to hold a style in place.
  3. Put in wet hair, blow dry and add more to lock strands in place.
  4. Reactivate when needed by wetting hands and running through hair.