Hair products for men quick picks
For hair loss: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
For healthy hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Repairing Treatment
For curly hair: Goldwell StyleSign Defining Wax
For straight hair: Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Volume Powder
For hair growth: Maya Chia Power Fol Multi-Correctional Scalp and Hair Treatment
From pomades to gels, shampoos to conditioners, there’s a plethora of men’s hair care products on the market. But don’t be intimidated by this abundance of choice. With the right knowledge and application for your hair type, the best products will take your hair game to the next level.
What’s the best hair care routine for men?
Kristan Serafino, celebrity hairstylist and groomer to stars like Willem Dafoe and Rob Lowe, notes that having a consistent routine is important. Whether you’re looking for less frizz, more growth or a healthier scalp, your hair will feel more manageable when you’re consistently caring for it.
To start, you’ll need a reliable shampoo (and maybe even conditioner) to keep your hair clean. “Using the correct shampoos and conditioners for your hair type is a game changer,” says Anna Bernabe, a Los Angeles-based groomer with clients including Shawn Mendes, Billy Porter and Evan Mock. Steven Picciano, professional hairstylist and Goldwell national artist, adds that shampooing is a must for a healthy scalp, while celebrity barber Mark Marrero asserts that, “Using a conditioner is important for men as well, as it helps to nourish and moisturize the hair, making it more manageable and healthier.”
“Giving your scalp a good scrub is important for two main reasons,” Marrero explains. “First, we must stimulate the scalp to encourage good blood flow and keep our scalp healthy. After all, healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp. Second, if we do not remove the products we put into our hair, over time they will combine with sweat and can leave a buildup, which could potentially cause dandruff or other issues.”
According to Picciano, for most guys, a good shampoo simply means the one sitting in the shower when they need it. “For those who are looking for something more targeted to their needs, I would start by assessing the hair you have,” he says. For example, he says those with thick and curly hair can benefit from a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, while fine and curly hair can go with a moisturizing shampoo and skip the conditioner. Meanwhile, thick and straight hair can go with a moisturizing shampoo and a volumizing conditioner. Fine hair that is also straight can benefit from a volumizing shampoo and then a leave-in conditioner in place of a traditional one.
From your basic cleansing routine, you can also decide if you want to incorporate styling products. “Men should look for a product that aligns with their needs, which could be hold or flexibility, shape or separation, shine or matte finish,” says Bernabe. “Every hair product is designed for those different needs.”
A common question is whether men should use pomade or gel to style their hair. Both are great options, but a pomade will allow for more flexible hold than a gel. Picciano advises against using a gel if you have thin hair as “it will make it look less dense.” Those with thicker hair can handle the added bulk and hold that a gel provides. Darcy Gilmore — a Los Angeles-based celebrity groomer, who has worked with the likes of Adam Levine, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend and more — echoes the other experts, adding, “Rather than try to make a heavy pomade work on thin hair, research or even ask friends before purchasing.”
Ahead, find the best men’s hair care for hair loss, healthy hair, styling curly and straight hair and boosting hair growth.
Products for men’s hair loss
With age and genetics, most men will experience some sort of hair thinning or loss as they get older. Experts warn that both of these factors are permanent, meaning there’s often little men can do to reverse hair loss. However, there are a variety of products available — which focus mainly on nourishing the scalp and hair follicles — that can both slow hair loss and gradually rebuild hair health. Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Chaz Dean also advises taking action against receding hair loss “as soon as you notice your hair starts getting thinner” and incorporating a healthy scalp treatment into your regimen. Marrero adds that, “Men experiencing hair loss should avoid hair products containing sulfates, parabens, silicones, isopropyl alcohol and sodium chloride. Instead, opt for gentle, natural and sulfate-free products with ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil and biotin.”
For thinning hair, experts recommend The Ordinary’s daily serum. The lightweight solution combines a series of peptide and plant-based extracts that will increase the thickness of your hair.
Rogaine’s tried-and-true, expert-approved formula has always been a go-to for men experiencing hair loss. The product’s unscented foam makes it easy to apply and the inclusion of 5% minoxidil improves hair follicle activity and protein production.
Hims is a subscription-based service, and you’ll have to fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a Hims medical provider before you order the hair loss spray. It’s a bestseller due to the inclusion of both finasteride — a prescription-only medication, hence the medical consultation — and minoxidil, which are clinically proven to address hair loss.
Rosemary oil is an expert-approved ingredient that has shown potential to stimulate hair growth and boost density. This popular oil includes a blend of rosemary, mint and biotin that can condition the strands and encourage circulation on the scalp, thus aiding in hair follicle stimulation and growth.
Dr. Barbara Strum’s nutrient-rich serum sets itself apart from traditional competitors with a formula that addresses hair breakage, dehydration and irritation. Vegan ingredients like?camellia and larch nourish the hair follicles while preventing breakage, as hyaluronic acid keeps the scalp and hair moisturized.
Products for healthy hair
“Hair health should include a healthy washing regimen of shampoo and conditioner, weekly skin (scalp) exfoliation and the use of quality styling products,” says Serafino. Along with the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, consider adding a scalp serum or hair mask to build the hair’s strength and luster.
Serafino recommends Olaplex’s cult-favorite treatment for damaged or dyed hair, since it repairs and strengthens follicles while helping to bond the hair.?
Scalp serums, like Ouai’s hydrating topical solution, are an underrated addition to your weekly hair routine due to their ability to balance and hydrate the scalp. Powered by hyaluronic acid and peptides, this product supports a healthy scalp, which in turn, promotes stronger, fuller hair.
Picciano says that a quality shampoo is a must in order to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. He recommends this clarifying shampoo for an extra-thorough cleanse.
Although Picciano encourages a conversation with a doctor when it comes to hair loss, he says this treatment "has proven to be very helpful in overall scalp health as well as helping to plump up the hairs we see and help encourage new hairs to grow in healthy."
This sulfate-free cleanser is formulated for fine hair and loose waves. It works to eliminate impurities in the hair while also promoting overall strength and elasticity.
“The Wen Tea Tree Cleansing Conditioner is a non-lathering way to clean your hair and scalp without stripping out all your moisture and natural essential oils,” says Dean. It gives new meaning to the typical 2-in-1 product, cleansing the hair without removing its natural oils.
For the gents that want to maintain their color, Marrero recommends Rewind It 10. "[This]?is a top-notch men's hair dye that I highly recommend for covering stubborn grays while nourishing your scalp with natural ingredients," he shares. "This ammonia-free formula is gentle on your skin and hair, avoiding harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or breakouts. With Rewind It 10, you can achieve a natural-looking hair color while keeping your scalp healthy and happy."
Our favorite men’s hairstyling products
Dean recommends taking a tailored approach, using different products and ingredients for specific hair types. But a great styling paste, spray or cream is a smart place to start, and from there, you can find what works best for your hair.
When applying your product, keep this tip from Bernabe in mind. “I like to distribute styling cream, pomade and mousse on damp to wet hair so it can absorb evenly. If I’m pressed for time, I work in products like matte pomades or texturizer spray into dry hair.”
The Best Paste’s products are perfect for all hair types and textures looking for a styling product with a smooth and lightweight finish. “My husband uses the matte firm hold and is obsessed since its lightweight and easy to wash out without feeling he is damaging his hair,” says Serafino.
There’s a reason Oribe’s products are a favorite among celebrity stylists and groomers. Its thickening spray is no different. Use the top-rated product prior to applying heat to the hair or simply as a volumizing styling agent.?
“This cream will help add volume, body, shine and hold with 11 amino acids, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and silica,” explains Dean, Wen's founder. He also recommends Wen by Chaz Dean Men’s Hair Control Texture Paste, a pomade that infuses beeswax, castor oil, bamboo water, 11 amino acids and more for a medium to firm hold.
Men’s styling products for curly hair
“Curly hair requires more moisture” explains Serafino. Dean agrees, noting that using products that condition and add hydration will help enhance your style. Look for products that are packed with oils like argan and coconut.
Perfect for frizzy or curly hair, the JVN Complete Air Dry Cream brings a natural texture to curls while also reducing frizz by over 97%. We tested the bestselling product and loved the smoothness and softness it brings to all hair types. “If I’m trying to get curly hair to have defined curls and less frizz, the hair needs to be wet before working in the product,” says Bernabe.
"For curly hair, I recommend something with the same level of hold, but with higher shine like Goldwell StyleSign Defining Wax," Picciano says, who is an artist for the brand. "Curly hair needs to be put into place, but also needs a smooth and shiny surface."
For curly hair, Gilmore suggests the Balmain Hair Curl Cream. The lightweight cream contains UV protection and is infused with silk protein to help activate, define and control curls throughout the day.
Marrero recommends this light yet conditioning spray that protects and adds shine with silk amino acids.?"It’s the only product that maintains my curls throughout the day, especially in this Florida humidity," he shares.
When styling frizzy hair or curls, Bernabe utilizes this silky cream crafted with avocado, coconut and apricot oils that gives curls instant definition.
Men’s styling products for straight hair
According to the experts, straight hair works best with lightweight formulas rich in proteins and protectants. And to avoid falling flat, “fine and thin hair usually needs body-building products to help hold a shape,” says Dean.
“A nice grooming trick for straight hair is to use a ‘grippy’ product to create weight and control for specific styles,” says Gilmore. “I love Osis+ Dust It to create a thicker appearance in the hair and to hold straight hair styles in place longer. It also makes the hair look temporarily thicker.”
While the styling market is mainly composed of creams, gels and pomades, a durable styling oil is equally as useful. Olaplex’s bonding oil is ideal for all hair types, especially straight, as it helps to increase shine and softness while also providing buildable texture that can be styled in various ways.
"This paste has medium hold and the ability to absorb light with a shine factor of negative two, which means fine hair will appear thicker and straight hair will have the ability to be shaped and have all-day hold without being overly shiny or wet looking," Picciano, who is affiliated with the brand, says.
Marrero says Layrite's products are ideal for straight hair. "They allow you to shape your straight hair how you like it with a strong hold that lasts all day," he explains.
Malin+Goetz’s durable styling cream, used on damp or towel-dried hair, is perfect for straight hair, as its moisturizing formula helps to tame flyaways and any unwanted frizz. For times between wash days, Gilmore says you can apply the product to dry hair as “second-day hair is great for the messy, lived-in look or an unfinished look.”
Styling products for men’s hair growth
These double-duty products not only promote fullness and growth, but they also help make your hair more manageable in the moment. That means they’ll help give your natural hair the hold, shape, shine or oomph that it needs to look its best while delivering nourishing ingredients to encourage growth.
Bernabe also swears by Maya Chia’s scalp and hair treatment, a lightweight solution that helps to regrow hair while also thickening and styling. The product is fast-absorbing and features a blend of amino acids, peptides and collagen.
For an everyday product, Bernabe recommends Oribe’s Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray. The vegan-friendly product is ideal for all hair types and textures and helps to provide thickness, volume and overall health to thinning hair.
Crafted with science-backed ingredients like biotin, caffeine, green tea and saw palmetto, Keeps’ Thickening Pomade is an everyday product meant to thicken the hair while also encouraging growth with continued use.
“I have been really enjoying [the] K18 leave-in mask lately,” says Gilmore. “It is a leave-in conditioner used after shampooing that is a new cult favorite for a reason.” The leave-in hair mask is designed for all hair types and is proven to reverse damage caused by bleach, heat and color through a unique blend of K18 peptides. The treatment makes hair more manageable and easy to style while also promoting follicle health and growth.
