Beginner’s Guide To Men’s Hair Styling Products
Beginner’s Guide To Men’s Hair Styling Products
Walk into any barbershop or browse a grooming website and you'll find dozens of different hair styling products. Pomades, clays, pastes, waxes, creams, gels, and sprays all promise the perfect hairstyle, but for beginners, the choices can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news is that choosing the right styling product doesn't need to be complicated. Once you understand what each product does, finding the right one for your hair type and preferred style becomes much easier.
Whether you're aiming for a classic slick back, a textured crop, or a natural everyday look, this beginner's guide will help you navigate the world of men's hair styling products.
Why Hair Styling Products Matter
A great haircut is important, but the right styling product is what helps you achieve the finished look.
Hair styling products can:
- Add hold
- Create texture
- Increase volume
- Control frizz
- Add shine
- Improve hairstyle longevity
Without the right product, even the best haircut can be difficult to manage.
Understanding Hold And Finish
Before looking at individual products, it's important to understand two key terms you'll see on almost every styling product.
Hold
Hold refers to how well the product keeps your hair in place.
- Light Hold – Natural movement and flexibility.
- Medium Hold – Good control while maintaining some movement.
- Strong Hold – Keeps hair firmly in place throughout the day.
Finish
Finish describes how your hair looks after styling.
- Matte Finish – No shine, natural appearance.
- Natural Finish – Slight healthy-looking sheen.
- High Shine – Glossy, polished appearance.
Once you know the hold and finish you prefer, choosing products becomes much easier.
Pomade
Pomade is one of the most popular styling products and a favourite in traditional barbershops.
Best For:
- Slick backs
- Side parts
- Pompadours
- Classic hairstyles
Benefits:
- Smooth control
- Excellent styling precision
- Medium to strong hold
- Available in matte or high-shine versions
Pomades are ideal for men who prefer neat, polished hairstyles.
Hair Clay
Hair clay has become increasingly popular for modern men's hairstyles.
Best For:
- Textured crops
- Quiffs
- Messy styles
- Natural-looking volume
Benefits:
- Matte finish
- Strong hold
- Added thickness
- Increased texture
Clay is particularly useful for men with fine or thinning hair because it can create the appearance of fuller hair.
Hair Paste
Hair paste offers excellent versatility and is often recommended for beginners.
Best For:
- Everyday hairstyles
- Medium-length hair
- Relaxed professional looks
Benefits:
- Flexible hold
- Natural finish
- Easy application
- Lightweight feel
If you're unsure where to start, a quality hair paste is often a safe first choice.
Hair Wax
Hair wax provides control with a slightly firmer feel than many pastes.
Best For:
- Short hairstyles
- Defined texture
- Spiky styles
- Casual looks
Benefits:
- Good hold
- Reworkable throughout the day
- Moderate shine options
Wax works particularly well for shorter hair lengths that need structure.
Styling Cream
Styling creams focus more on control and conditioning than strong hold.
Best For:
- Longer hair
- Curly hair
- Natural styles
Benefits:
- Soft finish
- Reduced frizz
- Lightweight control
- Healthy appearance
Creams are excellent for men who dislike the feeling of heavy styling products.
Hair Gel
Hair gel was once the dominant styling product for men.
Best For:
- Strong hold styles
- Wet-look hairstyles
- Maximum control
Benefits:
- Very strong hold
- High shine
- Long-lasting performance
Modern gels have improved significantly, although many men now prefer pomades or pastes for a more natural appearance.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray has become extremely popular for creating texture and volume.
Best For:
- Beach-inspired styles
- Fine hair
- Natural texture
Benefits:
- Added volume
- Lightweight texture
- Matte finish
Many barbers use sea salt spray as a pre-styler before applying clay or paste.
Matching Products To Hair Type
Fine Hair
Best choices:
- Clay
- Sea salt spray
- Lightweight paste
These products help add volume and texture without weighing hair down.
Thick Hair
Best choices:
- Pomade
- Strong paste
- Wax
These provide enough control to manage heavier hair.
Curly Hair
Best choices:
- Styling cream
- Paste
- Lightweight pomade
These help define curls while reducing frizz.
Thin Hair
Best choices:
- Matte clay
- Sea salt spray
- Volumising paste
Avoid heavy, oily products that may flatten the hair.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Using Too Much Product
One of the most common mistakes is applying too much product.
Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. It's much easier to add product than remove excess.
Choosing Products Based On Brand Alone
The most expensive product isn't always the best for your hair type or style.
Ignoring Hair Type
A product that works perfectly for thick hair may perform poorly on fine hair.
Applying Product Incorrectly
Most styling products work best when distributed evenly through slightly damp or towel-dried hair.
Building A Simple Starter Collection
If you're just beginning, you don't need a shelf full of products.
A simple starter setup could include:
- A pomade for classic styles
- A clay for textured looks
- A sea salt spray for volume
- A quality shampoo and conditioner
This combination allows you to create a wide variety of hairstyles without overcomplicating your routine.
Final Thoughts
The world of men's hair styling products can seem confusing at first, but understanding the basics makes all the difference. Whether you choose pomade for a classic slick back, clay for texture, or paste for everyday versatility, the right product can completely transform your hairstyle.
Experimenting with different products is part of the process, and over time you'll discover exactly what works best for your hair type and personal style.
At Shaving Time, we believe great grooming extends beyond shaving. The right hair styling products can help complete your look and give you the confidence that comes from looking your best every day.
