A Guide to Men's Hair Styling Products

There are so many options when it comes to men's hair styling products, but what do they all do and when is it best to use them. From gels, waxes, clays, pastes, pomades, creams and sea salt sprays where do you even begin and what is actually the difference?

The right styling product depends on two things, your hair type and the finish you are after.

Here's a Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Hair Styling Product. (Shop Hair Products)

Hair Gel - Strong Hold and High Shine

Hair gel has been a men's styling favourite for decades and for good reason. It's designed to provide strong hold, helping keep your hairstyle firmly in place. Gel is particularly suited to structured hairstyles where you want very little movement.

Hair gel is ideal for:

Short hair styles
slicked-back styles
Spiky hairstyles
Defined looks
Strong, long lasting hold
High shine finishes

One of the biggest characteristics of traditional hair gel is it's shine. If you want a wet-look or highly polished finish, gel can be a great choice.

Downside, some gels can leave your hair feeling stiff or crunchy once they dry. If you prefer hair that remains touchable and moveable, you may prefer a wax or clay.

Hair Wax - Flexible Hold & Natural Shine

Hair wax sits somewhere between a structured gel and a matte clay. Men's hair wax provides hold while allowing your hair to remain flexible, making it a popular everyday styling product.

Unlike some traditional gels, wax generally doesn't leave hair feeling as hard or crunchy.

Hair wax is ideal for:

Short to medium-length hair
Textured hairstyles
Side parts
Quiffs
Messy Styles
Restyling throughout the day
A natural to medium-shine finish

Wax is particularly useful if you like to change your hairstyle throughout the day. You can run your fingers through your hair and reshape it without completely starting again. It's a great product if you want your hair styled rather than cemented.

Hair Clay - Matte Finish & Texture

If you goal is a modern, textured hairstyle with little or no shine, men's hair clay is worth considering. Hair clay is popular for creating that effortless, slightly undone look while still providing control and definition.

Hair clay is idea for:

Short to medium Choppy Cuts
Messy, undone styles
Textured crops
Quiffs
Fine hair that needs extra texture
Matte hairstyles

Clay generally provides a matte or low shine finish making it a popular choice for todays current styles.

Clay is also great for adding the appearance of thickness and texture, which can be useful for men with finer hair.

Sea Salt Sprays - Texturising, Low Hold

Sea salt sprays are good for the undone, tousled beach vibe. It can be used as a pre spray to add grip before wax or clay is used.

Pomade Paste - Low - Medium Hold, Matte Finish

These are good for natural finish and movement in the hair. They are lightweight and pliable, they are a great product for men who are just getting into styling their hair, pomade is more forgiving to apply. It's a middle ground between a wax and a clay.

The easiest way to think about it; Gel = hold and shine, Wax = hold & flexibility and Clay = texture and matte finish.

Which Hair Styling Product is Best For:

Fine Hair

If your hair is fine or tends to fall flat, clay can be a great option because it can add texture and the appearance of fullness. Avoid applying too much as this can weigh fine hair down.

Thick Hair

Thick hair often needs a product with enough hold to control it. A strong wax, clay or gel depending on your preferred finish.

Straight Hair

Straight hair is generally easy to style, but it can sometimes lack texture. A matte clay can help create separation and definition, while wax can provide a more polished finish.

Curly or Wavy Hair

For naturally curly or wavy hair, the goal is often to control the shape without making the hair look overly stiff. A flexible wax or styling cream may work well, depending on the look you're after.

FAQ

Q - Should you apply hair products to wet or dry hair?

A - It depends on the product and the result you are after. Dry hair generally gives you more texture and a stronger matte appearance, where as damp hair can create a smoother more controlled and sometimes shinier finish.

Q - How to apply Hair Wax or Clay?

A - Start with a small amount, rub the product between your palms, work it through the hair rather than coating the surface, start at the back and sides and then move forward. Use your fingers to create texture and separation, only add more product if at the end you desire more hold.