The Complete Hair Product Guide for Men: What to Use and When

Walk into any store and you will find dozens of hair products marketed to men: pomade, clay, wax, cream, gel, mousse, paste, putty, fiber, spray. It is overwhelming. Most men either grab whatever is cheapest or ask their barber for a recommendation without understanding why.

This guide will teach you what each product actually does so you can make informed choices for your hair type and style.

Understanding Two Key Properties

Every hair product can be evaluated on two scales:

Hold

How firmly the product keeps your hair in place.

• Light hold: Hair moves naturally, minimal structure
• Medium hold: Maintains shape but allows some flexibility
• Strong hold: Hair stays locked in position all day

Shine

How much light the product reflects.

• Matte: No shine, natural look
• Low shine: Subtle, healthy-looking
• High shine: Glossy, wet-look finish

The right combination depends on your style. Combine product choice with knowledge of your face shape for the best results. A slicked-back look needs high hold and high shine. A textured crop needs strong hold and matte finish.

Product Types Explained

Pomade

• Hold: Medium to strong
• Shine: Medium to high
• Best for: Classic styles, side parts, pompadours, slick-backs
• Water-based: Easy to wash out, restyle throughout the day
• Oil-based: Stronger hold, harder to wash out, more traditional shine

When to use: When you want a polished, structured look with visible shine.

Clay

• Hold: Strong
• Shine: Matte
• Best for: Textured styles, messy looks, volumized hair
• Key benefit: Creates the illusion of thicker hair

When to use: When you want strong hold without any shine. Excellent for textured crops and modern styles. These products also help maintain your fade between visits.

Wax

• Hold: Medium to strong
• Shine: Low to medium
• Best for: Thick hair, piece-y definition, structured styles
• Key benefit: Excellent for separating and defining individual sections

When to use: When you need control over thick or coarse hair.

Gel

• Hold: Strong to extra strong
• Shine: High (wet look)
• Best for: Slicked-back styles, very structured looks
• Key benefit: Sets firmly once dry

When to use: When you need maximum hold and do not mind a wet-look finish. Modern gels are less crunchy than the gels from the 1990s.

Cream

• Hold: Light to medium
• Shine: Natural to low
• Best for: Longer hair, casual styles, everyday use
• Key benefit: Lightweight, does not feel heavy

When to use: For a natural, effortless look. Great for men who do not want to look like they used product.

Sea Salt Spray

• Hold: Light
• Shine: Matte
• Best for: Wavy, textured, beachy looks
• Key benefit: Adds natural-looking texture and waves

When to use: When you want that relaxed, coastal look (perfect for life in Ventura County). Product needs shift with the seasons, so keep that in mind.

Hair Spray

• Hold: Light to strong (varies by product)
• Shine: Varies
• Best for: Finishing and locking in a style
• Key benefit: Sets your style after shaping with another product

When to use: As a final step to lock in your pompadour, quiff, or any style that needs to last all day. Product application is part of your post-haircut care routine.

Pre-Styler (Volumizing Spray/Mousse)

• Hold: Light
• Shine: None
• Best for: Adding volume and body before styling
• Key benefit: Creates a foundation for other products

When to use: Apply to damp hair before blow-drying for maximum volume. For facial hair products, see our beard grooming guide.

Choosing Products by Hair Type

Understanding your hair type is fundamental to selecting the right product.

Thin or Fine Hair

• Avoid: Heavy products like oil-based pomade and thick wax
• Use: Volumizing mousse, matte clay (sparingly), light cream
• Goal: Add volume and texture without weighing hair down. See our thinning hair guide for more detailed advice

Thick Hair

• Avoid: Light products that cannot control your hair
• Use: Wax, strong-hold clay, oil-based pomade
• Goal: Control and shape without fighting your hair all day

Curly Hair

• Avoid: Heavy gels that create crunchiness
• Use: Curl cream, light pomade, leave-in conditioner
• Goal: Define curls, reduce frizz, maintain natural texture

Straight Hair

• Use: Almost anything works — choose based on desired style
• For shine: Pomade
• For texture: Clay or paste
• For natural look: Cream

How Much Product to Use

The most common mistake is using too much. Using too much is one of the most common mistakes men make. Guidelines:

• Short hair (fade, buzz): Pea-sized amount
• Medium hair (2-4 inches on top): Dime to nickel-sized amount
• Longer hair (4+ inches): Nickel-sized, add more if needed

Always start with less and add more. You can build hold, but removing excess product means starting over.

Ask Your Barber

The best product advice comes from someone who knows your hair. After your next haircut, ask your barber what they used and why. Pairing the right product with your fade style makes all the difference. Most barbers, whether in Oxnard, the 805 area, or Santa Barbara, are happy to make specific recommendations.

Get Personalized Product Advice

At Oxnard Haircuts, we help every client find the right products for their hair type and style. We will show you exactly how to apply it before you leave.

Book your appointment by DMing us on Instagram @blancokutzzz. Walk-ins are also welcome at our Oxnard, California location!

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