6 must-have hair styling products for men

The world of men’s haircare is a confusing place. And it’s not because our male counterparts have been bombarded with a litany of particularly hard to understand products, it’s because they just don’t seem to want to use any of it. 

Whether they’re espousing the value of shampoo that also doubles as body wash or buying jumbo jars of hair gel for that crisp Y2K hair finish we all know and love – the lads in our lives just can’t seem to get their shit together when it comes to taking care of their precious strands.

That’s why we’ve created an easy guide on all things styling – we’re talking about everything from the products you can use for taming your unruly bonnet to the tools you’ll need for grooming expertly coiffed hair that’ll make you look like you just stepped out of the salon.

This is men’s hair styling for dummies.

Volumiser and Texturiser

When it comes to styling shorter crops or adding a bit of body to longer styles, there’s nothing quite like a bit of volumiser or texturiser to make the job that bit easier. Utilise gritty and gripping formulas by working the product through your hair. A good rule of thumb is to apply texturising products to the tips and mid-lengths of your hair, while volumisers should be applied at the root to add body where needed. Just remember not to get too heavy-handed with application, otherwise you’re going to be looking like an unwashed beach bum with a head full of salt spray post-styling.

We recommend:

SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist Texturiser And Volumiser and COLOR WOW Raise The Root Thicken and Lift Spray.

Styling Paste

If your hair is giving off Miley Cyrus “Can’t Be Tamed” vibes 24/7, then we suggest adding a styling paste to your grooming kit. A bit more heavy duty in terms of staying power than a texturiser and certainly a more hydrating option, styling paste is going to allow you to really manipulate your hair into a variety of styles whether it’s wet or dry.

We recommend: 

ELEVEN Australia Matte Texture Styling Paste and KEVIN.MURPHY Night Rider.

Hairspray

When it comes to keeping your hair in place, hairspray does the job like no other. Lucky for us, though, advancements in technology means there’s a bit more on offer these days than the dance recital-approved L’Oreal Elnett. In fact, hairspray has had a bit of a makeover, with flexible-hold picks coming up trumps over products that leave your bonnet feeling like a stiff helmet of hair. Swiftly spritz a sheer coating of the stuff onto your hair before you head out the door for a style that’ll hold up all day minus the crunch-factor.

We recommend:

R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray and Kérastase Laque Couture Hairspray.

Hair Dryer

A hairdryer is an investment. Make the right choice on the right model and you won’t have to worry about repurchasing for years, if not decades. Not only will the blasted thing keep you from having to endure cold, wet hair post-shower but it’ll also help with styling particularly stubborn strands and manageability, giving you that sleek salon finish that we’re all after regardless of gender. 

We recommend:

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and ghd Helios hairdryer.

Heat Protectant

If you’re planning on becoming a regular blow-dryer or you're a fan of heat-styling tools, then you must invest in a heat protectant. They come in a range of formulas and finishes so there’s something to suit everybody’s needs. Fine hair? Opt for a blow-dry spray that adds texture and body as well as protects against heat. While thicker and dehydrated strands should seek out hydrating options like heat protectant oils and serums.

We recommend: 

Wella SP Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir and evo mister fantastic blowout spray.

Hairbrush

Look, every well-kempt man should be trying to brush his hair every morning at the very least. Invest in a boar bristle brush if you have fine hair to minimise drag and hair fall out, or opt for a classic paddle brush if you have thicker hair in need of detangling. The only gentlemen who are an exception to this rule are our curly-haired boys, who should all be investing in a silk hair wrap or silk pillowcases to keep their locks healthy and curls defined.

We recommend:

Mason Pearson Pocket Pure Boar Brush and Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush.

Now that you've taken care of the hair on your head, let's sort out that facial hair. These 7 beard oils are the key to softer stubble.

Main image credit: @troyesivan