Hey men, here’s a simple but effective trick if you want to look more put together without putting in a lot of effort:
Style your hair!
A lot of guys have misconceptions about what it means to “style” one’s hair. You don’t have to go out and get yourself a ridiculously trendy haircut. You don’t even have to make your hair “look like” any particular style. Styling your hair simply means adding a bit of product to your hair to help bring out your hair’s best features, regardless of how it’s cut.
Think of it like wearing a t-shirt that fits properly. At the end of the day, it’s just a t-shirt—but when it fits well, it complements your body and makes you look good, and when it’s too tight or too loose, it makes you look sloppy and unkempt. In the same way, a tiny bit of hair product can go a long way toward developing a more mature look for yourself, even if it’s only to add a bit of sheen.
But what kind of hair product is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the different types of hair product, what they all mean, and which ones you should try.
What Is Hair Mousse?
Hair mousse is an aerosol cream or foam that’s typically applied to wet hair for one of two purposes: either to give it a long-lasting wet look (when air dried) or to give your hair more volume (when blow dried). There’s no clumping with good mousse, and even though it does provide a little bit of hold, it’s the weakest of all hair products for that purpose. It can be used on both long and short hair, but is mainly used for long hair.
Recommended hair mousse products:
What Is Hair Gel?
Hair gel is a sticky, goopy substance that contains alcohol. Once applied, the alcohol evaporates within minutes and leaves behind a stiff hold that will keep your hair in shape for a long time. However, hair gel tends to crack when disturbed and can result in large visible flakes. It’s best used in short hair for very specific looks, such as spikes. Note that the alcohol in hair gel strips moisture from your hair and scalp, and can cause damage with long-term use!
Recommend hair gel products:
- Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel for Men
- Gentlemen Republic Refined Molding Hair Gel
- Majestic Pure Hair Gel for Men
What Is Hair Pomade?
Hair pomade, sometimes called hair paste or hair putty, is a wet mixture—it can be oil-based or water-based—that’s applied to hair mainly for extra shine and a little bit of hold. It’s perfect for slicking back medium-length hair or creating a wet look in ponytails. Oil-based hair pomades are good for those who have naturally dry hair or those who want their styling to last even after the hair gets wet (as oil-based products don’t wash out with water).
Recommended hair pomade products:
What Is Hair Wax?
Hair wax is a waxy, pliable substance that’s mainly used for hold. However, unlike hair gel, hair wax doesn’t harden as it dries out. It also takes a longer time to evaporate, allowing you to restyle your hair if you wish as long as it hasn’t dried yet. Hair wax typically has a matte appearance so it doesn’t add shine to your hair. It’s perfect for people with short and medium hair, especially for a “clean messy look” or to make messy hair a little more presentable.
Recommended hair wax products:
What Is Hair Clay?
Hair clay is very similar to hair wax, except it’s made from clay-based ingredients rather than waxy substances. The clay feels gritty in the hand and offers a bit more hold than hair wax, but is extremely matte (zero shine) and helps provide a soft look to hair. Best used for short and medium length hair. However, avoid applying too much—excess clay residue may be visible as streaks in your hair. Hair clay is the most expensive option for consumer-grade hair styling products.
Recommended hair clay products:
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