Choosing the Right Hair Product for Your Style

Published on June 4, 2025 by Nairobi Barber

Navigating the world of men's hair products can be daunting. With so many options—pomades, waxes, clays, gels, creams—how do you know which one is right for your hair type and desired style? Choosing the correct product is key to achieving that perfect look, whether it's a sharp, classic cut or a more relaxed, textured style. This guide will help you understand the different types of hair products and how to select the best one for your needs.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before diving into products, it's crucial to understand your hair type. Different products work better with different hair textures and thicknesses:

• Fine Hair: Can easily be weighed down. Look for lightweight products like mousses, light creams, or texture sprays that add volume without heaviness.
• Thick Hair: Can handle heavier products. Waxes, pomades, and clays are often good choices for control and hold.
• Wavy/Curly Hair: Prone to frizz. Creams, serums, and some pomades can help define curls and reduce frizz. Avoid products that are too drying.
• Straight Hair: Versatile, but may need help holding a style or adding texture. Most product types can work, depending on the desired finish.
• Oily Hair: Matte finish products like clays or some dry shampoos can help absorb excess oil. Avoid overly greasy pomades.
• Dry Hair: Hydrating products like creams or oil-based pomades can add moisture and shine.

Common Hair Product Types and Their Uses

Here’s a breakdown of popular men's hair styling products:

• Pomade:
  • Best for: Classic, slicked-back styles, pompadours, side parts.
  • Finish: Varies from high shine (oil-based) to medium or low shine (water-based).
  • Hold: Medium to strong. Water-based pomades are easier to wash out.
• Wax:
  • Best for: Textured looks, definition, styles that need pliable hold.
  • Finish: Typically matte to low shine.
  • Hold: Medium to strong. Great for adding separation and control.
• Clay:
  • Best for: Adding volume, texture, and thickness, especially for fine hair. Good for messy, natural looks.
  • Finish: Matte.
  • Hold: Medium to very strong. Often contains ingredients like bentonite that can absorb oil.
• Gel:
  • Best for: Styles requiring very strong hold and a wet look (though matte gels exist). Spiky styles, firm control.
  • Finish: Typically high shine, can sometimes flake when dry.
  • Hold: Strong to extra strong.
• Cream:
  • Best for: Natural-looking styles, light control, reducing frizz, adding subtle texture and shine. Good for longer hair or curly/wavy hair.
  • Finish: Low shine to natural.
  • Hold: Light to medium.
• Mousse:
  • Best for: Adding volume and body, especially to fine or thinning hair. Can also help define curls.
  • Finish: Natural.
  • Hold: Light to medium. Applied to damp hair before blow-drying.
• Sea Salt Spray:
  • Best for: Creating a textured, beachy, matte look. Adds volume and a bit of grit.
  • Finish: Matte.
  • Hold: Light. Often used as a pre-styler.
• Hair Spray:
  • Best for: Finishing a style, locking it in place, controlling flyaways.
  • Finish: Varies from matte to shine.
  • Hold: Light to extra strong, depending on the product.

Matching Products to Hairstyles

Consider your desired hairstyle:

• Pompadour/Quiff: Needs volume and hold. Start with a volumizing mousse or sea salt spray, then use a strong hold pomade or clay. Finish with hairspray if needed.
• Slick Back: A medium to high shine pomade is classic. Ensure even distribution for a smooth finish.
• Textured Crop: Clay or matte wax works perfectly to enhance texture and provide a reworkable hold.
• Messy/Bedhead Look: Light wax, cream, or sea salt spray can give that effortless, tousled appearance.
• Side Part: Pomade (for a classic look) or a styling cream (for a softer, more modern take).

Tips for Application

1. Start Small: Always begin with a small amount of product (pea-sized to dime-sized). You can always add more, but it's hard to remove excess.
2. Warm it Up: Rub the product between your palms to warm and emulsify it. This ensures even application.
3. Apply Evenly: Work the product through your hair from roots to tips. For volume, focus on the roots. For texture, focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
4. Damp vs. Dry Hair: Most products apply best to towel-dried (slightly damp) hair, but some (like certain clays or waxes for matte texture) work better on completely dry hair. Check product instructions. Blow-drying after application can often help set the style and add volume.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

The best way to find the perfect hair product is to experiment. What works for one person might not work for another due to differences in hair type, density, and personal preference. Don't hesitate to ask your barber for recommendations during your next visit—they can assess your hair and suggest products that would suit your desired style.

With the right product and a little practice, you'll be able to master your hairstyle and keep it looking sharp all day long. Good luck!