How To Choose The Best Hair Products for Men
Everyone wants to have luscious locks—that’s just a fact. Unfortunately though, finding the perfect products to achieve a sturdy quiff or tousled curls is easier said than done. The market for hair care (be it designed for men or women) is just way too crowded.
When you approach a shelf of hair products in any store, you’re bound to be confronted with a massive array of bright bottles, all claiming to be better, or more effective, or healthier than the next. But how do you know which products are right for you? Well, after this review of the best hair products for men, you will.
The best hair product brands for men list will be all of those things combined: better, more effective, and healthier than other conventional options. A truly well-formulated product will help style your hair, maintain its strength and shine, and fight damage. If you’re a man looking for a new everyday hair product to spice up your styling routine, look no further.
Reasons to Use Men’s Hair Products
You should always have an arsenal of hair care products at the ready. After all, there are several reasons to use men’s hair products, including to:
- Maintain clean, healthy hair and scalp
- Achieve desired styles
- Fight damage
- Encourage hair growth
Some of the best men’s hair products can be used to help wash your hair and keep it clean and full of good natural oils and nutrients. Meanwhile, other serums, sprays, and gels can be used to achieve a desired style or shape (think: curl cream).
Even still, there are other formulations that will fight against damage and dryness. If you are someone who applies heat to their hair (be that a blow drier or styling tools), this is especially important. Finally, some products will even encourage hair growth.
10 Best Hair Product Brands for Men
Now that you know the varieties available, let’s take a look at the 10 best hair care product brands that provide products that target men’s needs.
1. Bumble and Bumble
Topping off our list of the best hair products for men is the already-popular company Bumble and Bumble. Currently one of 27 brands owned by Estée Lauder Companies, it opened as a salon in New York City in 1977. By the next year, it had already skyrocketed in popularity, being named as one of Vogue’s Top 10 Hair Salons in the city.
By 1990, the salon had launched its first product, Brilliantine—a men’s hair grooming paste. In 2001, the company launched the first-ever salt-infused spray called Surf Spray, which went on to win CEW Product of the Year.
Today, you can find Bumble and Bumble products on most luxury hair care shelves, including at Sephora and other beauty stores. Its cruelty-free collection includes products for pretty much any hair goal you can think of, such as those that treat thin, dry, damaged, limp, or colored hair. Not sure what you need? Take the quick Hair Quiz!
Styling creams like Sumotech and washes like the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo remain ever-popular with men all over the world. In terms of cost, you’re looking at roughly $31 for 8.5 oz of shampoo or 1.5 oz of cream.
All in all, there is no denying the high-quality formulations, competitive pricing, and overall effectiveness of this legacy brand.
2. American Crew
No list of the best hair products for men can truly be complete without mentioning American Crew. Created and formulated specifically for men, this company aims to “empower men through quality grooming practices and products.”
The brand also writes that in 1944, company founder David Raccuglia anticipated that men would one day pay more attention to their hair and skin. But, they would want to maintain their masculinity. Today, men all over the world count on this company to provide for their hair care needs—it seems like Raccuglia was spot on in his predictions.
American Crew has a wide variety of hair products for sale, including shampoo, conditioner, pre and post-shave products, skincare, cologne, and more. The bread and butter of the company is its men’s styling products. Items like Prep and Prime Tonic and the Pomade remain brand staples for their reliability, high-quality formulation, and ease of use.
Related: Read our American Crew Hair Review to learn more.
The brand’s styling products typically fall within the $16-$19 range, while most shampoos are $14 for 8.4 oz (hint: it’s one of the most affordable on this list!). The company also provides handy videos with grooming tips for its offerings—which are perfect for those newer to self-care routines or those wanting to try a new look.
With any American Crew product, you are bound to improve your look and achieve the tousled hairstyle you’ve been dreaming of—all without having to go to the barber. You don’t have to be a professional to use these items, which is why they’re easily among the best hair products for men.
3. Baxter of California
Baxter of California claims to be “the original experts in men’s grooming and personal care.” Having been in operation since 1965, its products certainly speak for themselves. From shampoos to pomades and cleansers to razors—its collection includes a full range of men’s grooming essentials.
Describing the efficacy of its products as getting “the job done in the simplest, most powerful way possible,” the brand knows that a premium product doesn’t have to be pretentious. If you are looking for a brand sans frills, this is it.
Baxter of California’s hair products are what the company was built upon. Items like the Cream Pomade leave hair soft, shiny, frizz-free, and tousled—all without being heavy or sticky. Meanwhile, it offers shampoo for daily or deep-cleaning needs.
In terms of cost, the Daily Fortifying Shampoo (the brand’s most popular formulation) is $22 for 8 oz, while styling products range from $20-$28. You’ll also find a helpful Tips & How-To’s section on its site.
There’s a reason why we included Baxter of California’s offering in this list of best hair products for men. Fairly priced and high quality, once you buy from this brand, your bathroom is sure to fill up with more of its products—they’re that good.
4. Hanz de Fuko
Hanz de Fuko already has a massive cult following of men’s hair product enthusiasts. Launched in 2009 by David Alfonso and Christopher Dent, this company is currently based in San Francisco. The brand knows that men’s hair care is a form of self-expression and designs its products with that in mind.
All of its products are made with natural ingredients. Plus, the actual packaging designs are as sleek and appealing as the product formulations. If you’re looking for a men’s hair care company with style, this is it.
Several of the company’s products have even been awarded the renowned GQ Grooming Award. Some examples include Claymation, a super high hold, matte styling wax, and Heavymade, an extreme hold, high shine, 100% vegan pomade.
All of the company’s products are also incredibly fairly priced within the luxury hair market—you’ll find most styling products and shampoo (8 oz) for $23. At Hanz de Fuko, there is going to be something to suit every man’s hair needs.
5. Aveda
In recent years Aveda has become synonymous with quality. Offering both men’s and women’s hair care products, this company was started in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher. Inspired by the ancient art of Ayurveda, it aims to “promote balance in mind, body and spirit, the prerequisite to achieving the guest’s beauty goals.”
Today, it has dozens and dozens of products available for sale, all of which are vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable. Even the brand’s manufacturing processes are powered by 100% wind and solar energy. For hair care with a social conscience, Aveda is a stellar provider.
Within Aveda’s line of hair products, items like the Invati Men Nourishing Exfoliating Shampoo (a cleansing shampoo with salicylic acid to strengthen thinning hair) and the Invati Men Scalp Revitalizer (a leave-in conditioner that strengthens hair root follicles) are among the most popular. Its shampoos cost roughly $24-$32 for 8-10 oz and its styling essentials are $28.
From our research on the brand, its customer service team is frequently complimented for being absolutely stellar. If you are perhaps just starting to create a hair care routine and have no idea what sort of products to buy, any Aveda employee would be able to happily assist you.
6. L’Oreal
L’Oreal is perhaps one of the most well-known hair care brands on the planet—and not without reason. Having been in business for over 100 years (since 1909!), this company knows all about how to create and market well-made, high-quality hair products for both men and women.
L’Oreal knows that if you look good, you probably feel good too: “We believe that beauty, the quest for beauty, unites us all…It is a fundamental need that goes beyond mere ‘appearance’ and taps deep into human aspirations: a sense of belonging, self-realization, self-confidence.” Its collection is formulated to do just that.
There are 36 brands under L’Oreal ownership. This includes Garnier, Shu Uemura, Niely, and many, many more. Any item purchased from one of its brands is guaranteed to be time-tested, high-quality, and some of the best hair products for men.
Looking specifically at the L’Oreal Paris men’s line, its products are all about ease, simplicity, and efficacy. You’ll find multiple 3-in-1 multitaskers, such as the popular Total Clean 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash that retails for $5 (13 oz). But, there are also styling pastes, waxes, and creams for roughly $7.
7. Jack Black
Not to be confused with the well-known comedy actor, Jack Black is a skin and hair care company that has been in business for the last 21 years. At its launch, the brand realized a gap in the market—many companies were catering self-care products to women, but what about men?
According to its website, this brand focuses on “no-nonsense products.” Today, the brand offers items that are formulated with what it considers the best, highest-quality ingredients—and Jack Black never tests on animals. What’s not to like?
Though the company is mostly known for its men’s skincare offerings, its hair care items are popular, too. For example, the Body Building Hair Gel, a unique alcohol-free gel that “delivers flexible, natural-looking hold and control without the crunch, buildup, or flaking,” is a continual best-seller.
Other items like the Clay Pomade, a buildable pomade with a matte fragrance-free finish, are also a hit. You’ll find these Jack Black products for $19-$24, or shampoo for $39 (16 oz).
No matter the product you decide to buy from Jack Black, it is guaranteed to be high quality, effective, and easy to use. Why not get a head start and try to improve your hair care routine today?
8. Kerastase
High quality, well-made, and reasonably priced—Kerastase offers some of the best hair care products for men. Perhaps offering the most customizable routine of the brands on this list, the company writes that it “[creates] bespoke products and treatments that satisfy the desire for exceptional hair.”
Understanding that hair type, scalp concerns, and other external variables matter, this company knows that no hair care routine will suit all people. That’s why Kerastase’s products are so personalized, allowing you to find your product to match every possible need.
The brand offers its Hair Diagnostic Test to help you determine which sorts of products are best suited to your hair type and goals. But, any Kerastase product is bound to improve the strength, volume, and overall style of your locks.
The brand offers shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and more. There are certain items that continue to be well renowned season after season, like the Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo (for frizzy or unruly hair) and the Huile Sublime Repair Oil (for curly and coily hair). Each item harnesses the power of effective ingredients, like Manuka honey or Shorea butter.
As one of the more luxurious retailers on this list, you’ll find treatments for $49-$55 and shampoos for roughly $46 (8.5 oz) on its site. Still, no matter the product, your hair is bound to thank you for buying from this company.
9. Bed Head
Bed Head has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Easily recognized for its bright, fun packaging, this company was launched in 1996 by Anthony Mascolo.
With the goal of helping people embrace their unique style, the brand’s full range of hair products is known for being affordable, easily accessible, and full of personality. Take this excerpt from its site: “At Bed Head, we champion creativity by inspiring others to express their individuality, unapologetically.”
Though most of the company’s products are unisex, some items are more popular with the masculine crowd. The Manipulator Matte Hair Wax Paste With Strong Hold helps to keep short styles in place, while the unique Bigger the Better Volume Foam Shampoo for Fine Hair, an aerosol shampoo, maintains clean hair and scalp for twice as long as usual.
Bed Head is a very affordable brand—you’ll find most, if not all, products well under the $20 mark. If you’re looking to find high-quality hair care products that are full of personality, but don’t break the bank, this company may be just what you’re looking for.
10. Fudge
The final brand to be mentioned in this list of the best hair products for men is Fudge. With a dedication to giving “free-thinkers unnaturally good-looking hair,” this company will help you achieve any number of unconventional, out-of-the-box hairstyles. Take this excerpt from its website:
“We live in a world of side hustles that celebrates versatility, entrepreneurialism, and experimentation…But when it comes to hairstyles, most of us stick to what we know.” If you are trying to elevate your own personal style and be an individual, this company is for you.
The brand even has a sustainability promise where it aims to offer fully reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic by 2025. Today, the company is already using 30% less plastic, as well as aerosol cans that are fully recyclable.
In terms of actual products, Fudge has a number of ever-popular, high-quality items for sale. This includes targeted products like the All Blonde Color Boosting Shampoo or the Damage Rewind Reconstructing Conditioner, which retail for $15-$18 (8.5 oz). For styling, the Matte Hed Extra 85G ($18) is popular amongst men for maintaining style even in humid climates.
No matter the kind of product you buy from Fudge, it is guaranteed to be effective and well-formulated. Not to mention, like many brands mentioned in this list, this company is priced very competitively for the luxury haircare market.
What Can The Best Men’s Hair Products Do?
It’s no secret that the hair care market is overcrowded and competitive. It is even filled with brands claiming to do good for your hair despite being packed with chemicals, parabens, and other harsh ingredients.
A truly great hair product, though, should be well-made, include safe and naturally-derived ingredients, and be capable of doing a number of things, including:
- Fighting hair damage
- Promoting a healthy scalp
- Helping to achieve your desired style
- Gentle on your skin
- Be better for you
Any stellar hair product should prevent damage. Whether it be damage from heat-based style tools like straighteners and curling irons or even UV damage from the sun, a great product will protect your natural hair and make sure it is healthy, happy, and steadily growing.
Alternatively, the best hair products for men promote a healthy scalp. This means it should clear up build-up, eliminate excess sebum, and encourage the production of a healthy amount of natural oils.
Plus, they should also help you achieve your desired style. Whether it be a shampoo designed to lock moisture into your curly hair or a pomade that will help lift your quiff to peak heights, a good product should be workable and easy to use.
Finally, if a product is harmful to you and your hair, it cannot be deemed good. A truly well-made product is gentle, despite being effective, and does not contain toxins or harsh chemicals that may negatively affect the health of your body or your hair.
What Products Should Men With Different Hair Types Use?
Most products are specifically formulated for different hair types.
For example, if your hair is fine or straight, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good heat-protecting spray in your arsenal. Not only will this protect the integrity of your locks, but it’ll also help give you that extra volume too. You may even want to check out dry shampoo to add texture and grip to straight hair, especially when styling.
Alternatively, if you have thick hair, you may want to start experimenting with hair oil. Just a small amount of these products will make styling your hair easier without having it feel heavy and weighed down. Shine spray can also help elevate your style, as thick hair can sometimes seem dull and flat.
If you have curly hair, you’ll want to add a deep conditioner to your shower routine. This will keep your curls tight, shiny, and moisturized. After your shower, a leave-in conditioner should be applied and combed through to maintain your hair’s integrity.
Anyone with wavy hair knows the struggle of frizz. To maintain your pouf, a frizz-control conditioner should be used to keep your hair clean, shiny, and in order. It’s always best to choose a conditioner that is natural, rather than one filled with silicone and parabens—otherwise you might make the problem worse in the long run.
Finally, if you have kinky or coily hair, styling oil or silicone serum is bound to be a must-have. Simply apply a generous blob of product in your hands and curl large chunks of hair around your fingers until fully coated with product. Then, you can set it and forget it. This will help your curls look clean, tight, and shiny.
Things To Consider When Buying Men’s Hair Products
Choosing the right men’s hair products for your personal use can seem like a Herculean task. But, it is vital to keep a number of factors in mind when shopping around, including:
- Hair color and type
- Allergies
- Skin sensitivity
- Ingredients
- Cruelty-free and vegan formulations
- Price
Some best hair products for men are only suitable for those with certain hair colors or types. For example, a shampoo meant for maintaining the vibrancy of blonde hair should not be used by someone with dark hair. It is important to read the product labels and descriptions before making a purchase.
Another important factor to consider is allergies. If you have any sensitivities that you know of, you should always read the ingredient lists to ensure it is safe for you.
Additionally, if you are someone with a strong social or environmental conscience, you may want to make sure that the product you are purchasing is vegan and/or cruelty-free. Usually, this information is accessible online or on a brand-specific website.
Finally, price is also an incredibly important consideration to make when buying new hair care products. If you haven’t already noticed from our list, there is a wide range of prices, and you don’t want to be spending outside of your budget. Plus, just because an item is perhaps more expensive, does not mean it is necessarily of better quality.
All in all, we hope this list has helped you find the best hair products for men to suit your unique hair type and needs. Happy styling!
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