The best men’s hair products make the difference between “just got out of bed” and “just stepped out of the barbershop.”
A sharp cut’s only half the game—what you put in your hair after the clippers stop matters just as much. If your style falls flat by noon or looks greasy by five, it’s time to upgrade.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the real-deal products that keep your hair looking clean, styled, and put-together—without the crunch, flakes, or fuss.
Let’s get your routine dialed in.
Best Men's Hair Products by Category
Whether you’re after volume, control, shine, or a natural finish, it all comes down to choosing the right tool for the look you want.
Below, I’ve broken down the best men’s hair products by category—so you can skip the trial and error and get straight to what works.
Best Pomade for a Sleek, Polished Finish
When you want control and shine without the grease, pomade delivers every time.
This one’s built for sharp styles—slick backs, side parts, anything that needs structure without stiffness. A solid pomade keeps your hair locked in and looking clean from morning to night—no flakes, no crunch, no drama.
Top Pick: Layrite Superhold Pomade
-
Strong hold that actually lasts
-
Water-based—washes out clean, zero greasy residue
-
Subtle barbershop scent
-
Perfect for medium to thick hair and structured styles
Runner-Up: Baxter of California Clay Pomade
-
A drier finish with more texture
-
Still gives you polish, just without the shine
Best Hair Clay for a Matte, Textured Finish
Clay is what you reach for when you want texture, control, and a natural finish—no shine, no stiffness.
It’s perfect for styles that need shape without looking overly styled. Great for crops, quiffs, or short to medium cuts where a bit of volume and grit makes all the difference.
Clay adds thickness and structure while keeping things smooth and touchable.
Top Pick: Beard Beasts Matte Hair Clay
-
Medium hold with a clean, matte finish
-
Adds texture and bulk—especially useful for finer hair
-
Lightweight feel, no flakes or tackiness
-
Subtle scent that stays in the background
Runner-Up: Hanz de Fuko Claymation
-
Slightly stronger hold with more grit
-
Best for styles that need firm shaping and definition
Best Styling Cream for Lightweight Control
Styling cream is for guys who want their hair to look better—but not like they tried too hard.
It’s light, smooth, and gives just enough hold to keep your hair in check while still letting it move.
Perfect for medium to longer hair, or for those clean, relaxed styles that need soft structure instead of hard hold. Think natural flow with a little refinement.
Top Pick: American Crew Forming Cream
-
Light to medium hold with a medium-shine finish
-
Easy to apply and rework—great for everyday use
-
Adds subtle volume and keeps frizz under control
-
Clean, masculine scent with no greasy feel
Runner-Up: MITCH by Paul Mitchell Clean Cut Styling Cream
-
Semi-matte finish with medium hold
-
Creamy texture that works well for side parts and loose styles
-
Ideal if you want polish without feeling product in your hair
Best Hair Gel for Strong Hold and Gloss
Gel’s not dead—it just needed a glow-up. And this one brings the hold without the crunch.
If you're after serious structure, high control, and a clean, professional finish, this is where hair gel still wins. Perfect for slicked styles, side parts, or anytime you need your hair to stay exactly where you put it.
Top Pick: MITCH by Paul Mitchell Iron Grip Strong Hold Gel
-
High hold with a medium shine finish
-
Works on all hair types and textures
-
Alcohol-free formula—no flakes, no dryness
-
Great for styles that need all-day control with a clean, groomed look
Runner-Up: Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel
-
Medium hold with high shine—best for lightweight, glossy styles
-
Easy to apply and rinse out
-
Ideal for short-to-medium hair needing flexible shape and gloss
That’s your lineup of the best men’s hair products—not just what looks good on the shelf, but what actually performs.
Match the right product to your style and hair type, and suddenly everything clicks: better hold, better texture, better results.
Now let’s talk about choosing the right one for you.
How to Choose the Best Men’s Hair Products for Your Hair Type
Even the best men’s hair products won’t work if they’re not built for your hair.
This is where most guys go wrong—they grab what looks good, not what works for their texture, thickness, or length. Here’s how to pick the right product based on what you’re working with.
Thick Hair
Thick hair doesn’t mess around—so your product shouldn’t either.
You need strong hold and control without turning your head into a helmet.
Go with:
-
Clay for texture and volume without shine
-
Strong-hold pomade for slick, structured styles
-
Gel for clean styles that stay locked in all day
Thin or Fine Hair
Thin hair needs support—not weight.
The wrong product can crush volume and make your scalp the main attraction.
Go with:
-
Matte clay to add thickness and texture
-
Lightweight styling cream for natural movement
-
Volumizing powder or spray if you want extra lift
Curly or Wavy Hair
Curly hair wants freedom—but just enough structure to stay in shape.
Too heavy and it gets crunchy, too light and it goes wild.
Go with:
-
Styling cream for soft definition and moisture
-
Light pomade or cream-based paste for tighter curls
-
Avoid gels with alcohol—they’ll dry you out fast
Oily Hair
If your hair feels greasy before noon, your product shouldn’t add to the problem.
The wrong formula will just pile on the shine and make things worse.
Go with:
-
Dry clay or fiber with a matte finish
-
Water-based pomades that wash out clean
-
Skip heavy creams and oils—they don’t do you any favors
Whatever your hair type, dialing in the right product is where good style turns great. The best men’s hair products don’t fight your hair—they work with it, bringing out the texture, control, and finish your cut deserves.
How to Actually Use Hair Product (Without Screwing It Up)
Most guys mess up their style before they even leave the mirror—and it’s not the product’s fault. The difference between polished and “meh” often comes down to prep, not the jar in your hand. Here’s how to get it right.
-
Start with dry or towel-dried hair
Water kills hold. Unless you're using a cream, always work with dry or damp hair—not dripping wet. -
Warm it up first
Clays, pomades, pastes—rub it between your palms. Cold product clumps, spreads unevenly, and kills control. -
Apply from the back to the front
This one move alone fixes half of all bad styles. Start at the back, where hair is thickest, and finish at the front for better distribution. -
Fingers give texture, combs give structure
Want natural movement? Use your hands. Want clean lines and sharp shape? Grab a comb. -
Less is more—then build if needed
A fingertip amount goes further than you think. Adding more is easy. Fixing too much? Not so much. -
Don’t forget the final shape
The product does most of the work, but your hands do the rest. Rake, twist, adjust—it’s the last 10% that makes it look intentional.
Master these moves, and suddenly your product works harder, your style lasts longer, and you stop wondering why it never looks quite right. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it right.
Final Thoughts: Your Hair, Upgraded
The truth is, great hair doesn’t come down to luck—it comes down to having the right tools, the right product, and the know-how to use them. The best men’s hair products don’t just hold your style—they elevate it. They bring texture, control, and polish without ever trying too hard.
Now you’ve got the full playbook. Whether your hair’s thick, fine, curly, or somewhere in between, you know exactly what to reach for—and how to use it without screwing it up. Clean cut. Sharp finish. Job done.
