Hair Styling
These actually fall into two categories and depending on the type of hair you have and the style you require, you may need to use products from each.
Styling Products
These products are usually applied before the hair is dried.
Gels – Come in various strengths for hold and shine. Good for wavy/curly hair definition by controlling frizz. Can be used for moulding, sculpting or slicking hair back (Lock stock and Barrel - hair gel).
Mousses – Give a more definite, textured look to hair. Add body and hold styles in place for longer.
Finishing Products
These products are usually applied after the hair is dried
Brilliantine’s – These are used specifically for men’s hairdressing and come in two forms, the first is liquid which is mineral oil based with perfume and colour and the second is cream which is mineral oil mixed with wax and perfume. They both add shine to hair and can help to create texture and definition.
Hair fixing sprays – This is like a hairspray but contain synthetic plastic polymers which hold the style in place but make it easy for the style to be brushed out (Korres - spray gel).
Hairspray – Come in different strengths but keep hair firmly in place whilst adding extra shine. Lacquer is the strongest form of hairspray and makes hair very stiff for maximum holding of demanding styles.
Wax – Good for use on very curly hair and also used to define hair shape and dress out dramatic looks on straight hair. Wax has really taken off in the hair products market recently and wax can be found labelled as many different ‘extreme hold’ names such as putty and gum depending on the brands you use but they all do the main same job which is to define and hold with a natural look (men-u - grooming wax).
If you are the kind of man who likes to experiment with the latest or more daring styles then you will need to invest in some of these products to help maintain the look.
Also see our article on hair products as this will give you advice and products on how to maintain your hair in general depending on your own hair type.
If in any doubt about which styling products would be best for you, ask your hair stylist at your next salon visit.
Styling Tools
Use brushes to help manage longer hair and use narrow tooth combs for shorter hair
If you want to use hair straighteners for a smooth and shiny salon finish then select smaller or larger plated models depending on your length and hair definition
If you use a hairdryer then remember to always blow dry down the hair shaft otherwise you will open the hair cuticles and the result will be a flyaway head of fuzz! Smaller hairdryers are better for men as they tend to have shorter hair and the hair can be dried more accurately
If you shave your head and don’t want to go as short as a razor cut then invest in an electric shaver for a close yet even finish, these can also be used on beard and facial areas- see article on shaving.