There are literally hundreds of men's styling products on the market and many specifically target men. With all of the options out there, choosing the right product can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Before you go mad and start pulling your hair out, take a look at my picks for the best styling products for men. These products will help you take your men's haircut to the next level.
1) Redken for Men Maneuver Working Wax
Best for: Smooth Control and Natural Shine
This product is my hands-down winner for versatile styling. The product gives you clean, pliable hold and leaves a smooth, natural finish. Not too shiny, not too flat. It's perfect for messy, textured styles as well as smooth, professional looks. Rumor has it that Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford has known to use this product to get his look just right. This one's always on my bathroom counter.
2) American Crew Tea Tree Defining Paste
Best for: Separation and Texture
This product is similar to Redken for Men Maneuver, but with a bit more of a matte finish. It provides a pliable hold and gives the hair structure and support for a thicker appearance. This is a great product for more casual, textured styles and, used sparingly, can thicken up fine hair.
3) Goldwell for Men Shaping Agent
Best for: Fine Hair or Light Control
This is a very light product that provides a bit of control without being too sticky. It gives a natural shine and is excellent for smoothing down fly-aways. For guys who think their hair looks better the day after a shampoo, this product is perfect. Goldwell for Men Shaping Agent is also a good option for guys with fine hair as it will not cause the hair to separate and expose scalp.
4) Matrix Men EnerGel Flexible Styling Gel
Best for: High Shine That Dries Stiff
Admittedly, I'm not a fan of gel. I think hair should be moveable and touchable. For those who simply must have all-day firm control, a fixative gel is a good option. This Matrix Men product gives high hold and shine but contains ingredients that allow the hair to bend and not flake when touched (a problem with cheaper gels).
5) Men-U Grooming Wax
Best for: Travel
Sometimes good things come in small packages. This super concentrated formula (it comes in a 2.5 ounce bottle perfect for travel) requires only a very small amount to achieve big looks. This product gives a good, versatile hold without being stiff and is suitable for blow drying. I was a bit skeptical at Men-U's claim that you can get up to 80 applications from one bottle, but for a shorter style only one or two pumps is all you need.
Now that you know about a few great options, go and get groomed. For more information on styling products, check out my Men's Guide to Styling Products.
