When it comes to men’s hair products, choice overload is real.
Walk into any store or browse online, and you’re met with endless options, all claiming to give you the “perfect” look. Pick the wrong one, and you risk hair that’s flat, greasy, or just not cooperating. That’s why finding the best men’s hair styling products matters.
Whether you’re aiming for a matte, casual vibe or a sleek, polished style, knowing which formula works for your hair type, preferred hold, and desired finish makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best hair products for men in 2025, grouped by hair type, hold, and finish so you can skip the trial-and-error and start styling with confidence.
How to Choose the Right Men’s Hair Product
Your hair’s texture, desired style, and daily routine all play a big role in picking the right product. Fine hair often benefits from lighter formulas like powders or sprays that add lift without weighing it down.
Thicker hair responds well to the stronger control of clays and pomades, making them some of the best men’s hair styling products for structure and longevity.
Clays give a firm hold with a matte finish, perfect for a textured look, whereas pomades deliver a slick, classic style with added shine.
Creams, pastes, and waxes offer a natural, re-workable hold, while powders provide instant volume, and sea-salt sprays create a relaxed, beachy texture.
By matching your hair type and style goals to the right formula, you can get a look that lasts all day without the guesswork.
Editor’s Top Picks Grouped by Best Use
Not all men’s hair products perform the same for every hair type.
That’s why we’ve grouped our top choices by their ideal use, helping you find the best men’s hair styling products that align with your style and daily routine.
1. Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Trusted by barbers worldwide, this clay pomade is known for balancing control with a natural look. It’s a go-to for men who want definition without shine and prefer a styling product that can handle everyday wear.
- Best for: Achieving structured, textured styles that hold shape all day.
- Hold level: Firm yet pliable, allowing for easy restyling.
- Finish: Matte, natural appearance without greasiness.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Side part, messy quiff, modern crop.
This is an easy pick if you value a clean, natural finish with styling flexibility and long-lasting control.
2. Hanz de Fuko Claymation
A hybrid between clay and wax, this product delivers the best of both worlds: strong hold with re-workable flexibility. Designed for creative styles, it’s perfect for guys who want lasting control without stiffness.
- Best for: Creating bold, detailed hairstyles that can be reshaped throughout the day.
- Hold level: High hold with flexibility to adjust style.
- Finish: Matte with a natural texture.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Pompadour, textured crop, spiky style.
If you like experimenting with different looks but still want all-day control, this hybrid formula won’t disappoint.
3. Kevin Murphy Rough Rider
This gritty, moldable clay is infused with bamboo and soybean extracts for added strength and hair health. It’s built for men who like a rugged, natural style that stays put.
- Best for: Rugged, voluminous styles that need strong control.
- Hold level: Strong, long-lasting grip.
- Finish: Matte with a slightly textured feel.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Messy quiff, tousled crop, short textured cut.
A solid choice if you want a high-performance clay that keeps your style intact while maintaining a natural vibe.
4. Uppercut Deluxe Clay
Designed for easy application and even easier wash-out, this clay offers strong control with a low-shine finish. It’s ideal for men who want reliable hold without the heaviness of traditional products.
- Best for: Sleek yet re-workable styles that last all day.
- Hold level: Strong hold that remains pliable.
- Finish: Low-shine, natural look.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Side part, slick back, textured crop.
This clay is a dependable everyday choice for versatile styling that won’t weigh hair down.
5. Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay
This lightweight clay uses micro-fibres for structure without stiffness, making it perfect for refined yet casual styles. It works equally well on short and medium hair lengths.
- Best for: Defined looks with a soft, touchable feel.
- Hold level: Strong hold with flexible movement.
- Finish: Matte with a clean, understated appearance.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Crew cut, comb-over, messy fringe.
A great pick for men who want style control that feels as natural as it looks.
6. Jack Black Clay Pomade
A blend of natural oils and botanical extracts creates a matte finish with lasting structure. It’s built for all-day wear without flaking or drying out hair.
- Best for: Structured styles with natural texture.
- Hold level: Firm hold for long-lasting control.
- Finish: Matte and smooth.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Textured crop, modern quiff, side sweep.
This is a solid option if you want a high-quality matte pomade that’s easy to work with.
7. Moroccanoil Texture Clay
A nourishing clay infused with argan oil, shea butter, and bentonite clay. It provides a strong, workable hold with a matte finish, adding texture without drying hair.
- Best for: Textured, natural-looking styles.
- Hold level: Strong, flexible control.
- Finish: Matte, non-greasy.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Messy quiff, textured crop, modern pompadour.
This versatile clay offers a strong hold while being hair-friendly, making it perfect for men seeking control without stiffness.
8. Layrite Superhold Pomade
With its water-based formula, this pomade delivers maximum hold and a polished finish. It’s perfect for classic, high-structure styles.
- Best for: Slick, structured looks with all-day hold.
- Hold level: Strong, non-flaking grip.
- Finish: Medium to high shine.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Pompadour, slick back, side part.
Layrite is a must-have for fans of classic barber-shop styles that need serious staying power.
9. Reuzel Blue Pomade
This strong-hold, high-shine pomade is water-soluble for easy rinse-out. It’s made for bold, polished styles.
- Best for: High-shine, long-lasting styles.
- Hold level: Strong hold for structured looks.
- Finish: High gloss.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Classic pomp, slick back, executive contour.
Reuzel Blue is ideal for anyone chasing a sharp, glossy finish with uncompromising hold.
10. Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade
Known for its strong hold and smooth application, this pomade keeps hair in place without flaking.
- Best for: Maximum control in classic or modern styles.
- Hold level: Very strong, all-day grip.
- Finish: Medium shine.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Side part, slick back, high pomp.
If you need strength and style in one, Suavecito Firme delivers consistently great results.
11. American Crew Pomade
A versatile water-based pomade that works for most hair types, adding control with a touch of shine.
- Best for: Flexible, polished looks.
- Hold level: Medium hold with easy restyling.
- Finish: Medium shine.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Side sweep, slick back, loose pomp.
A staple for men who want one go-to product for both work and casual styles.
12. American Crew Fiber
A texturising product that thickens hair while providing strong control. Ideal for short to medium styles that require volume and grip.
- Best for: Fuller, more defined short styles.
- Hold level: High hold that stays soft.
- Finish: Low shine.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Short textured cut, crop, spiky look.
Perfect for men seeking extra volume without compromising control.
13. Bed Head for Men Matte Separation Wax
Humidity-resistant and re-workable, this wax delivers texture and hold with a natural finish.
- Best for: Textured, tousled styles.
- Hold level: Medium to strong, easily adjustable.
- Finish: Matte.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Messy quiff, textured fringe, loose crop.
Ideal for effortless looks that still require definition and control.
14. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream
This cream combines long-lasting hold with a refreshing tea tree scent, leaving hair with a natural look.
- Best for: All-day shape with natural movement.
- Hold level: Medium hold.
- Finish: Matte.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Side sweep, natural quiff, relaxed crop.
A refreshing choice for men who prefer a clean, matte style that lasts.
15. Bumble and bumble Surf Spray
A sea-salt spray that adds volume and grit for that effortless beach hair look.
- Best for: Windswept, textured styles.
- Hold level: Light hold for casual looks.
- Finish: Matte with a salty texture.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Loose waves, messy fringe, beachy quiff.
A quick spray can change flat hair into a textured, lived-in style.
16. Sachajuan Ocean Mist
A lightweight sea-salt spray that delivers soft hold and subtle volume. It creates a natural, windswept texture that works well alone or as a prep step before heavier styling products.
- Best for: Effortless, beach-inspired looks.
- Hold level: Light, buildable grip.
- Finish: Matte, airy texture.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Tousled waves, casual fringe, layered cuts.
This spray is a go-to for adding grit and volume, making it ideal for easy-going styles with movement.
17. BYRD Texturizing Surfspray
Infused with sea salt and coconut water, this spray adds texture with a subtle, fresh scent.
- Best for: Light, natural texture with volume.
- Hold level: Light, buildable control.
- Finish: Matte with a soft, tousled effect.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Beach waves, messy crop, relaxed fringe.
A great option for a laid-back, low-maintenance style boost.
18. American Crew Boost Powder
This weightless powder adds instant lift and thickness to hair for a fuller look.
- Best for: Root lift and volume in fine hair.
- Hold level: Light, natural hold.
- Finish: Matte.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Volumised quiff, messy fringe, layered styles.
An easy way to change flat hair into a more dynamic style in seconds.
19. got2b POWDER’ful Volumizing Styling Powder
A budget-friendly option for instant volume and texture, with a weightless feel.
- Best for: Quick root boost without heaviness.
- Hold level: Light, flexible hold.
- Finish: Matte.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Spiky look, casual quiff, messy crop.
Perfect for quick, on-the-go styling that adds life to limp hair.
20. Uppercut Deluxe Styling Powder
A buildable styling powder that adds volume with a natural finish and easy restyling.
- Best for: Lightweight volume and texture.
- Hold level: Light to medium, adjustable.
- Finish: Natural matte.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Loose quiff, textured crop, layered fringe.
An excellent choice for men who want flexible volume without visible product.
21. Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel
A no-flake gel that offers strong control with a natural sheen. It can be reactivated with water for touch-ups.
- Best for: Defined, high-control styles.
- Hold level: Strong, long-lasting grip.
- Finish: Natural shine.
- Suitable for hairstyles: Slick back, side part, spiked styles.
This is a reliable gel for men who need precision styling that stays put.
Pro Tips for Applying Men’s Hair Products
Getting the most out of your hair product isn’t just about what you use; it’s about how you use it. These expert tips will help you get salon-worthy results at home.
- Always emulsify clays or waxes between your palms before applying to prevent clumps.
- Layer volumizing powders under clays for extra lift and fullness.
- Apply sea-salt spray to damp hair for texture, then finish with clay for hold.
- Work gel into towel-damp hair, comb into place, and re-activate with a splash of water later.
- Start with a small amount of product, adding more only if needed to avoid weighing hair down.
With the right technique, your hair product will perform better, last longer, and give you a more polished finish every time.
Wrapping it Up
Finding the best men’s hair styling products is all about knowing your hair and your style goals.
Thick, fine, curly, or straight, every hair type has a product that works with it instead of against it.
Start with one solid good product that matches your style goals, then experiment as you learn what your hair responds to best.
And don’t forget, how you apply it matters just as much as what’s in the container.
With the right match and good technique, you can take your hair from ordinary to effortlessly sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Wash My Hair when Using Styling Products?
Washing frequency varies by product and hair type; typically, 2-3 times weekly avoids buildup. Use gentle shampoos to prevent stripping natural oils and maintain scalp health between washes.
Can Using Multiple Hair Products Together Damage My Hair?
Layering compatible products is fine, but excessive use can cause buildup, heaviness, and dullness. Begin with a light approach, avoiding products with conflicting ingredients or heavy oils to maintain hair health.
Are Natural or Organic Hair Products Better for Men’s Hair?
Natural products often contain fewer chemicals and may be gentler, but effectiveness depends on ingredients. Choose based on your hair’s needs, sensitivity, and desired results rather than the “natural” label alone.
What Hair Product Is Best for Thinning Hair to Add Volume?
Lightweight powders, mousses, or texturizing sprays work well to lift fine hair without weighing it down. Avoid heavy waxes or pomades that can flatten and mask volume.
How Can I Avoid My Hair Product from Making My Scalp Greasy or Flaky?
Use the right product amount and type for your hair. Wash regularly to remove buildup, avoid alcohol-heavy formulas, and select lightweight, non-comedogenic products to keep scalp balanced and healthy.
