31 best hair products for men for strong, healthy hair, according to hairstylists | CNN Underscored (2024)

Table of Contents
Hair products for men quick picks What’s the best hair care routine for men? Products for men’s hair loss The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Rogaine Men’s 5% Minoxidil Foam, 3-Month Supply Hims Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair-Strengthening Oil Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum Products for healthy hair Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Repairing Treatment Ouai Hydrating Scalp Serum KMS HeadRemedy Deep Cleanse Shampoo Kerasilk Activating Scalp Foundation Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser Wen by Chaz Dean Tea Tree Cleansing Conditioner Our favorite men’s hairstyling products The Best Paste Matte Firm Hold Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray Wen by Chaz Dean Men’s Styling Creme Men’s styling products for curly hair JVN Complete Air Dry Cream Goldwell StyleSign Defining Wax Balmain Hair Curl Cream Innersense Organic Beauty Quiet Calm Curl Control Bread Beauty Supply Elastic Bounce Leave-In Hair Cream Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème Men’s styling products for straight hair Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Volume Powder Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil Goldwell StyleSign Mattifying Paste Sachajuan Finish Cream Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Malin+Goetz Sage Styling Cream Styling products for men’s hair growth Maya Chia Power Fol Multi-Correctional Scalp and Hair Treatment Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray Aveda Thickening Tonic Keeps Thickening Pomade K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer LolaVie Sculpting Paste LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil Act+Acre Showerhead Filter FAQs References

From pomades to gels, shampoos to conditioners, there are 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.

Seen Related article A complete guide to scalp care: Scalp treatments for dandruff, dryness and oiliness

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.

“Giving your scalp a good scrub is important for two main reasons,” he 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 — echos 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 those who want to boost hair growth.

Weleda Related article 15 dermatologist-approved hair growth products to help with hair loss and thinning

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 to take action against receding hair loss “as soon as you notice your hair starts getting thinner” and to incorporate a healthy scalp treatment into your regimen.

Expert Recommended

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 likecamellia and larch nourish the hair follicles while preventing breakage, as hyaluronic acid keeps the scalp and hair moisturized.

Weleda Related article Does rosemary oil for hair growth really work? We asked 3 dermatologists to find out

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.

Editor Favorite

Serafino recommends Olaplex’s cult-favorite treatment for damaged or dyed hair since it repairs and strengthens follicles while helping to bond the hair.

Read our review

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 asserts 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.

Our favorite men’s hairstyling products

Dean recommends taking a tailored approach, using different products and ingredients for specific hair types, which we’ll get into in the next sections. 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 shares. "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.

Innersense’s curl control styling cream is one of Bernabe’s favorites. The blend of shea butter, rooibos tea and honey extract is designed to hydrate and define curls while also eliminating frizz and unwanted texture.

When it comes to curly hair, argan oil is a secret weapon that will naturally reduce frizz while also providing a desirable sheen. Bread’s hair cream is infused with argan oil along with hydrolyzed quinoa protein, mango butter and caprylic/capric triglyceride to enhance the shape of wavy, curly and coily hair types while adding moisture and shine.

When styling frizzy hair or curls, Bernabe utilizes this silklike 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 it from 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.”

Editor Favorite

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 explains.

This nongreasy product is perfect for maintaining and holding straight hair while also providing a desirable sheen. The everyday cream can be applied on dry or damp hair for anytime styling.

With more than 5,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray is a certified bestseller for styling straight hair, as its buildable formula allows for instant texture and a touchable hold that is certain to last.

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 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.

Aveda’s Thickening Tonic is crafted with a botanical blend of organic amla, an ingredient that promotes hair growth. The tonic is meant to be used on towel-dried hair and will provide an instantly thickened appearance.

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.

31 best hair products for men for strong, healthy hair, according to hairstylists | CNN Underscored (2024)

FAQs

What should men do for healthy hair? ›

For healthy hair for men, always use natural, gentle products (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, and pomade) whenever possible and be careful not to overwash your hair. After every shampoo, follow up with a good conditioner. Don't forget to check in with your barber for regular trims and man hair styling tips.

What hair product do most men use? ›

Pomade has become the more preferred hair product for men these days, compared to gels and waxes. Applying pomade to your finished style will give it a really nice hold and a noticeably natural look. Pomade will work really well in slicks backs, pompadours, side parting styles and even messy styles.

Which product make hair strong? ›

Biotin: Biotin is a popular hair growth booster and can actually increase keratin production. Caffeine: Similar to biotin, caffeine also boosts hair growth by stimulating the follicles. Green Tea: Some hair growth products include green tea, which, similar to caffeine, also stimulates the follicles.

What is the most important product for hair? ›

5 Essential Products that will Define your Hair
  • Dry Shampoo. Your salon suite hairstylist has likely told you that the less you wash your hair, the better it is for your hair health. ...
  • Leave-In Conditioner. ...
  • Texturizing Spray. ...
  • Volumizer. ...
  • Essential Oils.
Jul 16, 2020

How can I strengthen my hair naturally for men? ›

  1. Dial down the heat. ...
  2. Boost your vitamin intake. ...
  3. Go easy on the shampoo. ...
  4. Massage your scalp. ...
  5. Up the protein in your diet. ...
  6. Try an egg yolk mask. ...
  7. Use a cool rinse. ...
  8. Use aloe vera on your hair and scalp.
Sep 24, 2019

What hair product can I use everyday men? ›

Here are four hair care products that men with awesome hair cannot live without:
  • Shampoos and Conditioners. Using a good shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for your hair type is key. ...
  • Hair Oils. Hair oils like argan, coconut, and olive oil contain fatty acids to nourish hair. ...
  • Pomade. ...
  • Hair Spray.
May 10, 2024

How to choose your hair product for men? ›

It all comes down to products with strong hold, gentlemen. Products with high hold will keep thick strands in place for hours on end, while men's hair products with medium to low hold are ideal for guys with thin hair who need to secure hair in place without weighing it down too much.

Should I use hair gel or pomade? ›

While pomade offers a pretty good hold, it isn't as strong as gel, which makes it more pliable throughout the day. If your hairstyle is a little simpler and doesn't require a strong hold, you will find that pomade is the better fit. It adds a bit of volume and hold while also maintaining a bit of flexibility.

What is the best hair strengthening product? ›

Similar to Olaplex, L'Oréal Professional Smartbond is an in-salon treatment that protects and strengthens hair during the colouring and/or lightening process. And just like Olaplex, they have a at-home conditioner that you can use to strengthen your hair in between salon appointments.

Which is the number one hair regrowth product in the world? ›

One such ingredient that both she and Dr. Mirmirani recommend is minoxidil, “which is a drug with a long and proven track record for hair growth,” says Dr. Mirmirani. “These minoxidil serums will have a benefit, but are often more costly than over-the-counter minoxidil solution or foam.”

What really strengthens hair? ›

A diet that includes iron-rich protein feeds your scalp and hair by building strong keratin, the protein that strengthens hair, improves texture and stimulates growth. Consume lean meat, fish, low-fat cheeses, egg whites, spinach and soy to keep your head happy in more ways than one.

What should I put in my hair everyday? ›

Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair. Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair. Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type. Protect hair when swimming.

Which hair care brand is best? ›

List of Best Hair Care Brand in India
BrandProduct
Skya TransdermicHair Growth Vitalizer Tablet
Skya TransdermicHair Growth Vitalizer Oil
BodywiseHair Health Gummles
KerastaseGenesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo
8 more rows
Dec 29, 2023

What is the number one premium hair care company in the world? ›

Top markets in 2023 were the US, Canada and Europe, including the UK, and Australia.

What is a good hair care routine for men? ›

The Man's Guide To Taking Care Of Your Hair
  • GO GENTLE. ...
  • WASH REGULARLY. ...
  • KEEP YOUR SCALP HAPPY. ...
  • INVEST IN THE RIGHT PRODUCTS. ...
  • TIPS TO MOISTURIZE. ...
  • PICK THE RIGHT MOMENT FOR YOUR HAIRCUT. ...
  • PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM CHLORINE.

How do I take care of my man's hair? ›

Limit washing to twice or thrice a week and always condition your hair. This would ensure the hair health and avoid losing out on essential oil from scalp. Wet hair tends to be weaker and vulnerable to damage. So avoid rubbing your hair after washing as it will lead to excessive breakage.

What are 3 ways to keep your hair healthy? ›

Tips for healthy hair
  • Wash oily hair more frequently.
  • Concentrate shampoo on the scalp.
  • Use conditioner after every shampoo.
  • Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair.
  • Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type.
  • Protect hair when swimming.

References

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