Men's Hair Styling 2025: The Ultimate Product Selection Guide
Transform your hair style with the most comprehensive styling guide. Discover which product suits your hair type, how to apply it correctly, and which brands professional barbers choose.
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn in This Guide
If you're wondering why your hair doesn't hold its style, what the difference is between pomade and clay, or how to choose the right product, you're in the right place.
Since 2003, The Two Barbers has helped thousands of men discover their ideal styling routine. In this guide, we've compiled our experience with 60+ premium brands and 2,500+ products.
Part 1: Hair Types
Before choosing a product, you need to understand your hair type. We use the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, the most recognized classification system worldwide.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair grows directly downwards without a natural wave or curl.
- Type 1A (Fine & Flat): Very thin, lacks volume. Ideal: clays, powders, lightweight products.
- Type 1B (Common Straight): Medium thickness, minimal volume. Versatile - most products work well.
- Type 1C (Coarse & Resistant): Thick strands, dense hair. Requires strong-hold pomades and waxes.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a natural S-shape pattern. The secret for this type is sea salt spray - spray it on damp hair, scrunch with your hands, and let it dry naturally for the perfect beach look.
Type 3-4: Curly and Coily Hair
For curly hair, avoid matte clays that dry it out - prefer styling creams with moisturizing ingredients. Coily hair (Type 4) requires hydration first, styling second.
Part 2: Styling Products - The Complete Breakdown
Now that you know your hair type, let's see what each product does and when to use it.
Pomade - The Classic Barbershop Essential
Pomade is the most traditional styling product with a waxy or creamy texture. Ideal for: Slick Back, Side Part, Pompadour, Quiff.
| Feature | Water-Based | Oil-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Washability | Easy with water | Requires 2-3 washes |
| Reworkability | Can restyle all day | Excellent |
| Hold | Medium to Strong | Maximum |
| Shine | Medium to High | Very High |
Top Pomades - The Two Barbers Recommendations
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Clay - The Matte Volume Beast
Hair clay contains natural clays (bentonite, kaolin) that absorb natural oils and provide extreme texture with a matte finish. Ideal for fine or oily hair.
Top Clays - The Two Barbers Recommendations
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Wax and Paste - Flexible Styling with Texture
Wax offers flexible hold with a natural texture - ideal for messy, "just-rolled-out-of-bed" looks. Paste is the golden mean between pomade and clay, with medium hold and a satin finish.
Top Waxes and Pastes
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Styling Cream - The Gentle Choice
Styling creams are lightweight, moisturizing products ideal for a natural look without a "crunchy" feel. Perfect for curly and wavy hair.
Top Styling Creams
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Sea Salt Spray - Beach Waves Made Easy
Sea salt spray creates natural wavy textures (beach waves) and adds volume. Perfect as a pre-styler before other products.
Top Sea Salt Sprays
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Styling Powder - Instant Volume
Styling powder gives instant volume and texture at the roots. A game changer for fine hair that needs lift.
Top Styling Powders
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Gel - The Wet Look Classic
Gel offers strong hold with a wet look finish. It dries hard (crunchy), making it ideal for sleek and clean styles.
Top Gels
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Which Product for Which Hair Type
Use this table to find the ideal product for your hair type:
| Hair Type | Pomade | Clay | Wax | Paste | Cream | Salt Spray | Powder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A (Fine) | Caution | Ideal | Good | Good | Caution | Ideal | Ideal |
| 1B (Straight) | Good | Ideal | Good | Ideal | Good | Good | Ideal |
| 1C (Coarse) | Ideal | Ideal | Good | Good | Caution | Caution | Good |
| 2A-2C (Wavy) | Good | Caution | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal | Caution |
| 3A-3C (Curly) | Caution | Avoid | Caution | Good | Ideal | Caution | Avoid |
| 4A-4C (Coily) | Avoid | Avoid | Caution | Caution | Ideal | Avoid | Avoid |
Step-by-Step Tutorials
1. Classic Slick Back
What you need: Strong hold pomade and a comb
2. Modern Textured Crop
What you need: Clay and Powder
3. Beach Waves
What you need: Sea salt spray
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Tips
✓ Do this
- Start with less - you can always add more
- Warm the product well in your palms before application
- Experiment - everyone is different
- Layer products for custom results
- Invest in a good haircut - 50% of styling is the cut
✗ Avoid this
- Don't apply product to soaking wet hair (except creams)
- Don't overdo it with the amount
- Don't use matte clays on curly hair
- Don't ignore your hair type
- Don't rinse oil-based products with water only
Starter Kit - What to Buy First
If you're starting from scratch, these 3 products cover 80% of your styling needs:
Tip: Orders over 59€ get free shipping!
Why Choose The Two Barbers
Remember: Styling is a journey, not a destination. Every man is unique, and you'll find the perfect routine through experimentation and consistency.
Now go style like a pro!