Hair can be a game-changer for everyone, even men! Whether the hair is thick, curly, straight, or just unruly, the right products and knowledge can turn the final hairstyle into a stunning work of art. If the myriad of hair styling products for men has been making you dizzy, read along. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India decodes the various products available for men.
Before we jump into the various hair styling products for men to pick off the shelves, let’s understand why we need them. Ideally, these products serve one of the many functions, such as providing hold, texture, shine, or mattifying effect. Serving these are:
Sea Salt Sprays
Texture | Very Low Hold | Low Shine
These are texturising products. If the need of the hour is accentuated texture, volume, and bounce, sea salt spray is the go-to. Primarily, it will help you add bounce and movement to the hair.
Suitable for: Mostly suitable for all hair types. It works wonders with flat, fine, and limp hair that needs a boost of volume.
How to use: Before styling, use 3-5 spritz on damp hair. Using it on the roots will give a greater lift and movement. Those with long hair can use it from mid-length to ends as well.
Texture Powder
Texture | Low Hold | Low Shine
This, too, is a texturising product. A texture powder is a dry and lightweight powder that helps achieve noticeable volume and texture. The powder provides low hold through the day, hence, also allows restyling as and when required. The natural finish of this product looks seamless and effortless, all at once.
Suitable for: Texture powder suits most hairstyles. For those seeking decent texture and hold, this is the product. However, if greater volume and texture are what you’re looking for, opt for sea salt spray over this.
How to use: Take a few shakes on your hands, rub well, and apply. If you want to comb or run your fingers through your hair during the day, fret not, the powder will allow you to do so easily, without the need for reapplication.
Putty/Mud
Medium to High Hold | No to Low Shine
Putty is a suitable product for anyone looking for an easy-to-carry hairdo. It adds texture and movement to hair and is perfect for creating messy looks.
Suitable for: It’s best suited for short to medium hair.
How to use: Scoop, rub it between dry hands and apply to damp hair. Make sure your hands are not wet as that won’t allow even distribution.
Paste
Medium to High Hold | Low to Medium Shine
A versatile all-rounder, a paste is a must-have in your kit. It provides hair separation and flexibility and also provides texture and volume. It allows us to achieve a free-flowing, natural look. Apart from that, it offers good hold, too.
Suitable for: All hair types, but specifically great for medium and long hair.
How to use: Scoop and rub it between your palms until the product disappears and apply it to damp hair. Continue with styling, as you like.
Pomade
High Hold | High Shine
Pomades can help achieve a good amount of shine along with a good hold and a sleek look. It’s a great choice for classic styles like slick back and pompadour.
Suitable for: Best for short and medium hair. Also good for thick and curly hair.
How to use: Apply a dime-sized amount to the hair, going for the roots first. Distribute it even with a fine-tooth comb.
Gel
Super High Hold | Super High Shine
Gel offers the strongest hold ever. If you aim for hair that doesn’t move a bit, the gel is your buddy product. This product will keep your hair in place, irrespective of any environmental situation. Also, it will leave it looking shiny and super polished.
Suitable for: All hair types. If you have thick, unruly hair, you might want to steer clear of gel as it might appear like a blob of hair on your head. For such hair, pomade is a better pick.
How to use: Apply a dime-sized amount to wet hair. Don’t use too much else it might look greasy.
Cream
Frizz Control | Low hold | Low Shine
A cream is a lightweight product that provides a light, natural hold to the hair. It’s best to tame frizz and flyaways and to achieve a naturally polished and conditioned look.
Suitable for: Suitable for all hair types. Particularly ideal for medium and long hair due to its nourishing properties.
How to use: Take a small amount and apply it to damp or dry hair. Be cautious as applying to roots can cause dandruff.
