Your 5-minute guide to men’s hair products

The haircare industry has expanded exponentially over the last decade. Advancements in tech have made it easier to understand more about how hair grows and how it reacts to different ingredients. Truth is, there are some things that are best left up to the salon experts, but there’s so much you can DIY if you know what to look for. Here’s a round-up of the men’s hair products you need. 

Fix it with gel

Gel is a crowd-favourite. Most gels on the shelf are translucent and give hair a sculpted hold that lasts for at least three hours, depending on the strength of the hold. The most important thing to consider when buying a gel is your hair type. “Gel hardens shortly after it’s applied, so it’s not the best option for fine hair because it can make the hair appear thinner after application,” says Bev Stopford, gents’ hairstylist from Zampelli Hair Studio.

Wax on wax off

Wax is the miracle-worker of men’s hair products when it’s in the right hands. It’s used to create a range of looks from messy bed-heads to more structured styles. What differentiates wax from gel is that it doesn’t harden over time and it typically provides a shinier finish than other products. If you have thick, curly hair, remember that “wax is not water-soluble and tends to leave a build-up on the surface of thick or coarse hair,” says Bev.

Play with paste

If you’re new to the big wide world of men’s hair products, then pastes are a great place to start. These versatile products are water-based, so they wash out easily and tend not to leave residue. A paste can be used to add volume and texture, so it’s a great product to use just before blow-drying. Bev gives paste the thumbs up: “Paste produces a natural look and is easy to remove. The trick? Apply it to dry or thoroughly towel-dried hair.”

Have you tried pomade?

Pomades should be your go-to for touch-ups during the day. Oil-based pomades are recommended for dry or coarse hair, while water-based pomades are a more lightweight styling aid that may not provide as firm a hold as the oil-based variant. Pomades are thicker than waxes, making them suitable for thin or curly hair. What’s great is that they come in varying strengths, so you can choose the right one for your styling needs. “For a natural finish, a pomade is the one to go for,” recommends Bev. 
 

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