Men's grooming Men's short cropped wavy hair

Men’s Grooming 101: The Hair Care Edition

Products will be your B.F.F.

Hair can be so finicky and really annoying if you don’t have the right tools or products to style it just right. We know spending time fussing with your ’do is the last thing you want to deal with, so we’ll keep this simple: Hair care products can really define your style. Once you know what product is for, you’ll have a way easier time during your next trip to the drugstore. Read on as we break down the best men’s grooming products from serum to wax to gel.

Products for Men’s Grooming 101

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #1: Wax

Men's grooming Men's short cropped wavy hair
Finding the right product for your hair will be your everything.

Using wax is your best option if you want to achieve a slicked back, controlled style. Whether you favor one side of your hair, or want your locks to have a little edge, you’ll get a lot of use out of hair wax. We love AXE Messy Look: Matte Wax. This sticky substance contains little to no water that works to hold onto your style to help create texture and hold. Just remember with wax, a little goes a long way!

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #2: Pomade

men's grooming pomade
Use pomade to help create a controlled style.

Similar to wax, pomade is a blend of oil, water, and wax that can create shine and texture. SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Waves Pomade is a great option because the argan oil-infused formula helps to keep hair soft and moisturized. This product is best when it comes to men’s grooming on natural hair. It is easy to work into your hair as you create a controlled style. Plus, it can be easily washed out. Just like wax, be sure to use this product sparingly.

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #3: Paste

men's grooming paste
Add definition and control to any style with paste.

A paste is great to maintain a style when faced with weather issues. This product is best for tapered haircuts and fade styles because it helps to add definition while creating a controlled look. Suave Men Styling Paste is one of our favorite pastes because it adds hold and a matte texture without being too sticky. Business guys who have to have a polished look really dig their signature tub of paste.

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #4: Hair Spray

men's grooming hair spray
Need to lock in your style? Use hair spray.

You probably get the gist of what hairspray does and have may have used it at some point in your life. After you get your style all done, hair spray works to hold your look in place so it keeps stays amazing all day long. Try, TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray to achieve these benefits of a hair spray.

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #5: Cream

men's grooming cream
Use a cream to help define curly and wavy hair no matter what length.

When it comes to men’s grooming, cream is the perfect option for men with wavy or curly hair. It’s great for taming frizz and flyaways without worrying about added hold, stiffness, or weighed down hair. SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream is a great option because it will help define natural texture, smooth hair, and add shine. This mild hair care product is similar to a conditioner, except you leave this one in.

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #6: Hair Gel

men's grooming hair gel
Opt for gel when achieving any slicked-back look.

Guys that rock big hair like mohawks (or fohawks) and everything in between will definitely benefit from gel. One of our favorite gels for men’s grooming is Bed Head for Men by TIGI Power Play Firm Finish Gel. This gel helps to hold your style in place while creating a shiny, frizz-free and non-greasy look.

Men’s Grooming Must-Have #7 (and 8!): Shampoo and Conditioner

Men's long hair
The right care regimen is everything to your grooming.

Yes, we know you already know what shampoo and conditioner is, but like many guys you may not be using the right formula. We recommend using shampoo and conditioner (as a system) to achieve their maximum benefits. To make it even easier, many shampoos and conditioners are available as a 2-in-1 system, with popular varieties being for dry and damaged hair, flaky scalp, thick hair, and more. One of our favorites is Dove Men + Care Hydration Fuel 2-in-1 Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner. This product helps hydrate your strands, leaving them feeling more moisturized after.

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