Men’s Hair Styling Basics
The right hairstyle can add years of youth, sharpen your features, and boost confidence.
Styling isn’t just for models — it’s a skill every man can learn, starting with the right tools, products, and techniques.
1. Know Your Hair Type
Understanding your hair type makes product choice and styling easier:
- Straight: Lies flat, reflects light easily
- Wavy: Natural bend, medium volume
- Curly: Defined spirals or coils, high volume
- Fine: Smaller diameter, can look limp
- Thick: Dense, more texture and volume
Pro Tip: Thicker or curlier hair often needs heavier products for hold; fine hair benefits from lightweight volumizers.
2. Essential Styling Tools — Recommended Picks
- Blow Dryer: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer — Powerful yet lightweight, cuts drying time in half
- Round Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush — Smooths hair while adding lift
- Comb: Kent Handmade Comb — Gentle on scalp, precise parting
- Hair Clippers/Trimmer: Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip — Pro-grade tool for clean side fades
3. Core Hair Styling Products — With Recommendations
| Product Type | Best For | Hold Level | Finish | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade | Sleek, classic styles | Medium | Glossy | Suavecito Original Hold Pomade |
| Clay | Textured, matte looks | Strong | Matte | Baxter of California Clay Pomade |
| Wax | Defined, separated strands | Medium | Semi-matte | Gatsby Moving Rubber Spiky Edge |
| Cream | Natural movement, light control | Light | Natural | American Crew Forming Cream |
| Hairspray | Locking in style after shaping | Varies | Varies | Kenra Volume Spray 25 |
| Sea Salt Spray | Beachy texture, light volume | Light | Matte | Blind Barber 40 Proof Sea Salt Spray |
4. Styling Step-by-Step
- Start Clean: Wash with a shampoo suited to your hair type — try Brickell Men’s Daily Strengthening Shampoo .
- Towel Dry: Remove excess water, but keep hair slightly damp.
- Pre-Style: Apply a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer .
- Blow Dry: Use a brush for direction and lift.
- Apply Product: Warm between palms, work from back to front for even distribution.
- Lock It In: Finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for all-day hold.
5. Haircuts & Face Shape
Your cut should match your head shape:
- Oval: Most styles work well
- Square: Side volume + soft texture on top
- Round: Height on top, short sides to elongate
- Receding Hairline: Textured crop or side sweep to blend
See our Camouflage Styling for Receding Hairline for specific tips.
6. Common Styling Mistakes
- Using too much product — weighs hair down and looks greasy
- Skipping heat protection — damages hair over time
- Ignoring hair health — no style looks good on brittle, dry hair
- Sticking to one style forever — trends and personal features change
7. Quick Everyday Styles — Products to Use
- Slick Back: Suavecito Original Hold Pomade + Kent Comb
- Textured Crop: Baxter of California Clay Pomade + finger styling
- Side Part: American Crew Forming Cream + comb
- Messy Volume: Blind Barber 40 Proof Sea Salt Spray + blow dry + Gatsby Moving Rubber
Bottom Line:
Mastering styling basics isn’t complicated — it’s about matching your hair type to the right products, tools, and techniques.
Once you’ve got the fundamentals, you can adapt your style for different occasions and even use it to subtly hide thinning areas.
Next Step: Explore our Hair Thinning Causes guide to understand your hair’s long-term needs.