(Part 2) Top products from r/malehairadvice

Oh, thank you! Okay, so my way of styling is actually the same for all of the pictures, but results vary depending on how long and thick it's gotten on the top.

So first off, after washing my hair I use this hair meringue whilst it's still wet. You basically just rub it all over and it adds a little extra volume after you blow dry. My hair tends not to be very naturally voluminous, so it's helps a little. Following this I blow dry upwards and in the direction which side I want to spike to give it a bit more natural standing.

My hair's usually awkwardly in the middle of not quite straight and not quite curly, so I then straighten after this. I straighten upwards and in the direction of where I want to style, because again it helps with the volume a bit in my experience. I should also note that this was easiest for the first picture because my hair had been freshly bleached, so it's texture was already quite strawy and easy to manipulate like this.

From there, I've currently been using this clay, as it's the only one I've found so far that gives me good hold and doesn't mess too much in terms of overall hair texture. It tends to look fairly natural and not wet or clumpy. I basically just rub through and pull in the direction of how I want it to fall.

Writing that up makes it seem like a lot of steps I guess haha, but it usually only takes ~5 minutes!

For an extra step which you might benefit from ( I looked at your new post about struggling with keeping volume ), would be this hairspray. I used it a lot when I had longer and thicker hair, and was going for more of a general spiked look. Has the strongest and fastest drying hold I've ever used. The volume will honestly stay all day, as long as your hair isn't shoulder length and you're trying to fix it vertical haha. For a good bonus, if you wait until the day after and just straighten your hair without doing anything else to it, you'll be able to do some awesome volume styling. One thing to note in using it though, is that it will basically just freeze your hair however you've styled it, and you will be able to feel it especially crispy to the touch. It's not the most noticeable hairspray texture I've seen, but it obviously won't leave as natural a texture as just using wax or clay. Hope I could help!

Okay.

You need some shape to your hair. You also need to stop using a comb. Using a comb makes all the hairs look too uniform and will make any thinning or balding stick out like a sore thumb. Combs should really only ever be used when trying to achieve that hipster hard part/Mad Men look. I'm a big fan of more natural hairstyles. I would highly suggest growing out your hair a bit (while you still can) and using some sort of fiber or pomade product. I don't have a hair loss problem personally but my friend does and uses Rogaine and has had great results. In the long run, you may just need to bite the bullet and keep your head shaved. But for now, while you're young and in college, there's no reason why you can't try to have a good head of hair for a bit. When using either fiber or pomade, you just need to use about a quarter-sized amount in your hair. There's no real method to it. Just work it into your hair spiking pieces here and there. Maybe twisting some sections for extra texture. The longer your hair is on top, the more you can do with it. You could go with either of these and look a lot better.

Shorter Hair

Medium/Messy Hair


My suggestions for products are below.

1. Layrite - Good hold. Will give some shine to your hair. Water based so it washes out easily.
   
   
2. Fiber Grease - Asian product so the directions and labeling are oddly worded. But smells like apples and has very good hold with good shine. Water based as well so it will wash out easily.
   
   
   
3. American Crew Fiber - Decent hold. A lot of people on this sub like this one. Provides more of a matte/natural look to your hair. It's a little more "waxy" feeling. Still washes out, just not as easily as water based pomades.
   
   
4. Rough Rider by Kevin Murphy - Most expensive option. Probably the best hold out of all the products mentioned here. A small amount goes a long way, this container will last you a long time. More of a "clay" feel in your hands. You may want to use this in combination with a "shiny" fiber like the Fiber Grease as Rough Rider has more of a matte finish to it.
   
   EDIT: I agree with u/rogertaylorswift. Keep the sides clean and trimmed but leave yourself some length on top to play around with. A little product goes a long way. The key is not using too much. Then you get into the realm of seeming like you're "trying too hard" as you mentioned. All these products are available off Amazon. I wouldn't go crazy trying to find them in China when you can just get them delivered to your dorm room.
   

I've tried all three of these. I'd say, if I had to choose, I like Claymation the best, but it's certainly not my favorite matte hair product.

Original was way to sticky when applying it and got really tacky when I ran it through my hair. Quicksand was a bit too dry to apply , but did have good hold. Claymation seemed to apply better, but the hold wasn't what I wanted.

So as a followup, I have two products the I lean towards. The Kevin Murphy - Night Rider, which has great hold, but when you emulsify it in your hands it seems to get a bit clumpy. And my absolute favorite is the Mister Pompadour Beeswax Paste which spreads really well and has great hold for my style, which is typically a looser style.

Thick, Wavy-ish (not so curly) Hair Care Guide I kinda made. I'm no expert so don't take this as gospel.


Maintaining your (usually dry hair):


Use Shea Moisture Leave In conditioner. This is the one I use. You can pick the "curly" one if you want to emphasis your curls.

I found it on another thread and the guy said he washes his hair at night, pats it with a towel to dry and then put it in.

Comb your hair (i usually comb it back) so it gets all around. Don't use a comb that's too thin you'll take the product out.

Use a kinda generous amount (like 2-3 finger tips) and mix it in your hair like you would a normal conditioner. It won't stain your pillow, but I'd recommend a pillow case.

Wash it out in the morning.

Shampoo less because our hair usually gets really dry. I personally use head and shoulders once every 1.5 weeks.

It'll take a while to notice an actual change in texture but your hair should feel smoother and easier to control.

(This won't get rid of the curly, wavy texture. It's only part 1.)

Note: Using another Coconut Oil product like this is also recommended by some. To spray some on your hair after a shower and apply it like a conditioner (massage it around your hair) and you won't need to comb it in. It's recommended to leave it in for 30 minutes wash it off and then style your hair.

This is something I'm starting to test but I can't say it works or doesn't.

Styling Product:

Most pomaded don't usually work on this type of hair because our hair usually "counters" the pomade.


Things that I've found that work are Suavecito Firm Hold and Layrite Superhold

I prefer Layrite's because it's less sticky and doesn't have as strong of an odor.

Strong gels work too, but I think gel looks worse and if you live in a hot area it'll sweat off within 30 minutes and just be uncomfortable on your forehead.


Before You Style:

This is typically after a shower. You're going to want to nearly dry your hair lightly by patting your hair with a towel. Then blow dry your hair in the way you want. If you don't have a blow drier I'd invest in one but just towel dry and then put product in.


Notes:

Often people with our kind of hair want to style something like a pompadour or something with straighter hair. The main issues are that our hair is actually too short and we'll need to use something special to straighten it.

Too short
To get certain hair styles you need a certain length. Guys with our type of hair usually keep it short because it's almost like a blow fish where our hair is short (which you can usually see after a shower) but then it increases its volume and puffs/curls up.

So before being disappointed or confused as to why you can't get a certain style, it might be because your hair actually isn't as long as it looks.

Straightening
To straighten our type of hair (for a long period of time, since product usually unwinds) you'll need a flat iron, something like keratin straightening treatment or something like this

That's pretty much everything I know. It's probably not all correct so edit whatever and just build on the education of this hair type.

Edit: Fixed a link

I love sauvecito's matte pomade, it's a little pricey but I've been using the same canister for over half a year. Good hold and then I mix with a hair tonic for styling. The brown reuzel grooming tonic will keep a good hold and leave a dry look, plus the combo on my hair let's it stay neat with minimal amounts of product (I actually have to use another tonic with oil after these two because my hair is super fine and dry and needs a little oil). All available on amazon :)

This one [matte pomade](Suavecito Premium Blends Matte Pomade - 4 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESAEPEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6P5OybBZVJNT2)

Okay, that second paragraph is good advice. I kinda did that the first time around in March (there's a pic up there) - they said it was achievable, but definitely products play a major role. However, my hair is damaged, so I need to fix that first. I googled up something (kinda) near me, and it has like 43 reviews (all claiming that this one person is really good) and high rating. The price is 20 for men. The website doesn't look all that great though. The pictures (like 53 of them) are mostly girls, but all look fairly decent. There's another place (further) and it's like 15 for men, but has 90 reviews with high rating. Most of them seem to be girls.

Anyway, back to what I mentioned before, my hair is damaged, so AFTER the haircut - how do I make sure it grows out healthy and lush, non-damaged, non-frizzy, and thick as possible? That's my biggest issue. I don't want to get a haircut just to fuck up again - I don't mind trims, but fuck ups bother me lol. And, I guess, how to get thicker bangs (and hair) cause the pic's speak for themselves lol. That's where I read about keratin stuff, but yeah. To complicate it further, I'm not sure what products to buy and how frequently to use it. I'd really like someone who can help me on this via Skype or something. It'll mean so much<3.

And, I found these products, but again there's so many to choose from and dunno how frequently to use:
https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hershberger-Hair-Hydration-Keratin/dp/B003N209EO?ie=UTF8&keywords=sally%20hershberger&qid=1416181022&ref_=sr_1_2&s=beauty&sr=1-2
https://www.amazon.com/Nexxus-Treatment-Pro-Mend-Binding-Leave/dp/B004H4VQ4Y?ie=UTF8&keywords=nexxus%20split%20end%20binding&qid=1416180906&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Hair-Concepts-Soy-Tri-Wheat-Conditioner/dp/B0009EXOO6?ie=UTF8&keywords=healthy%20sexy%20hair&qid=1416180954&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1

Suavecito Premium Blends Matte Pomade - 4 oz
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESAEPEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_JT9ppOmFI83LK

This is what I use. It's a mix of oil and water, but it holds pretty well (running your hand through your hair once or twice "refreshes" it. The matte texture is great because it just looks like my natural hair, so you can't see the product anyways:)

Proof

I use http://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Professionnel-Sculpte-Sculpting-Unisex/dp/B002PLO7KG and for me its one of the best I have ever tried and I have tried a lot. you can check my post http://www.reddit.com/r/malehairadvice/comments/1ar9k2/listened_to_your_advice_went_very_short_on_sides/ how it looks with it, I dint use much of it.

Also I bought a tub of Toni&guy fibre it is quite good, have been using for few days.

Also some people recommend american crew fibre, never tried it myself atleast in europe it isnt very popular imo, but on forums online some people love it, might just be some clever advertising. But different products suit different people so you might need to try a couple until you find one you like

It looks pretty matte, so you could either just go for a volume powder which are pretty cheap and since you dont have that much hair it would help them look like "more". I am currently using Schwarzkopf Osis Mess up wax, and it is great! Good hold and a matte look.


It is also a lot (3,4 oz) I got one pack of it for like 4 months now, and it's half empty.

Super Light works for me, but I wouldn't call my hair very thick.

I also have the regular Murray's but prefer the light. Regular Murray's can be used the same way. If that doesn't work, the stronger version is liquid beeswax, or the straight beeswax. These things are cheap and they last forever. Just a tiny dollop is enough.

As for boar's hair brush I've got one a lot like this, including the nylon reinforcement.

Boar's hair brushes are too forgiving to straighten-out freshly toweled damp hair, so get it straight with the strong coarse brush, something like this, then finish with boar's hair.

For a rougher look I sometimes go back over some of it with the coarse brush after the boar's hair, puts fingerlike ruffles back in.

If I don't use the boar's hair to straighten, my hair has a tendency to form into strangs and curl back up. The boar's hair is just fantastic in making all the hairs touch each other equally and no separate, thus keeping them straight.

Don't even need to bother with a hair dryer, and iron-straightening is completely unnecessary (unless you have some seriously wiry hair).

try something with a stronger hold. I really like bed head's matte separation wax. It provides a pretty strong hold, doesn't feel overly heavy, and it smells pretty good too

link here

Depends on your style, something with some shine and high hold would probably work the best but of course if you don't like high shine then it wouldn't work. I would say a paste would work good for your hair, american crew made makes one here. Or you can shop around for a more expensive one (I think alpha M makes one but i've never tried it).

Also make sure you aren't shampooing your hair every day, it dries it out and it's unneeded. My current routine is conditioning most days and shampooing once a week tops.

I am still new to this... but I have been having some good luck with [Night Rider] (http://www.amazon.com/Kevin-Murphy-Night-Rider-Texture/dp/B003PDI2QI).

Put it in when your hair is still really wet from a shower... I find that I usually need to get my fingers wet and wet my hair even more after I have started adding it in. Again, still new and only use a little amount (it seems to go a long way), but I think it leads to good things.

Thank you so much! I've been using Agadir Argan Oil on my hair the last few weeks and love that it's lighter and less sticker than gel I've used in the past. I'll play around a bit!

I use a 1-inch flat iron and 3/4-inch curling iron for these styles every morning because otherwise my asian hair would just be flat, stiff, and straight.

If you guys who also have a two-block have any styling questions I’d be glad to help you out :)

List of items I use:

Argan Oil: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005DYJZ7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PKAUAbAJPNH9P

Alligator Hair Clips: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012FGQ29O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XJAUAb2GQYZKV

Hair Dryer: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075GW2G16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lLAUAbK1DM6BC

1-inch Flat Iron: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003TJ1JL8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zNAUAbZVWBSE3

3/4 Inch Curling Iron: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079W3HTQ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tOAUAbVCB51NA

Hair Wax: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000V2ACHI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jPAUAbA1ZB9W4

Hair Spray: https://well.ca/products/pantene-pro-v-airspray-hairspray_113775.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6L-PzriL2gIVEHZ-Ch3lmwTLEAQYASABEgLdPfD_BwE

I would try and stay away from hairspray. There are way better products to use to keep your hair in place.

I just purchased Kevin Murphy Matte Texture Paste. I rub some in my hand to get it warm and then work it into the roots of my hair only. Helps build some volume.

Hey guys,

This is actually me....Thanks /u/bandholz for sending me the link.

Addressing the questions:

For this hairstyle I used a combination of:
KMS Sea Salt Spray

And

L'Oreal Homme Fiber Paste

I used the sea salt spray first as a primer and then applied heat while styling, then applied the fiber paste.

This was during the fall winter. During summer it's really humid where I live so I use a clay like Bumble & Bumble SumoTech because it's dry and doesn't get weighed down by the humidity.

It helps to let your hair grow quite a bit on top and keep the sides short.

As far as the comment on no side burns...well I would grow them if I could. It's really patchy and looks bad when I try, so I just keep them clean shaven... wish I could get my beard like /u/bandholz!

I actually tried this today and it should work great and for $9 definitely worth a try

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000V2ACHI

Its all about styling buddy. A good pomade is what you need to get that like the Suavecito Original because of its Medium hold and shine. If you wanna stronger hold, go for the Firme instead!

Gatsby Moving Rubber products are great; you can easily get that look by using the purple one (Wild Shake). They're like $10 on Amazon and eBay.

http://www.amazon.com/GATSBY-MOVING-RUBBER-SHAKE-2-8oz/dp/B000V2ACHI/ref=pd_bxgy_bt_img_y

Get some on your fingers, tilt your head down, and just style it up. If it's not staying up, you used too little (or it could be that your hair's too long, but with the purple, it shouldn't happen). If it looks like there's too much of it in your hair....you put too much of it in your hair.

You looked like the cool "leave me alone I'm a depressed and brooding artist" before. But now, you look like a chill approachable guy. Don't know which you would rather have. As for styling I don't think you really need to style much, looks good as is. Something like this fits you. Just give damp hair a tousle with some Suave Groom n Clean

The conditioner, yes should be washed out. There is argan oil, then there are argan oil infused products, like whatever conditioner you are using. Straight Argan Oil is applied after the shower. Here's what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Agadir-Argan-Oil-Treatment-4-Ounce/dp/B001U9M2EW/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1462983499&sr=1-7&keywords=argan+oil

one of the best $8 solutions you can do is add Argan oil/Morroccan oil to your regiment (after washing, apply liberally). Something like this.

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I love this stuff too! You can still get it. Link

I use this when it’s damp and comb/brush my hair how I want. It’ll look wet at first but once it dries, comb/brush it out in the same direction. The hair looks dry and separated, but still stays how it was styled. I don’t mind the wet look for a bit but I’ll usually muss it up with my hand throughout the day. You can add a bit of water later and it’ll style right back up again too without more product.

Suavecito Premium Blends Matte Pomade - 4 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESAEPEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jPfTzbZMECRRT

Premium blends* not natural.

I've never used the regular matte finish stuff. But I'd imagine it's a fairly similar outcome. Holds nice without being greasy or looking like you have a bunch of product in your hair.

Leave-in conditioner. Makes your hair soft, keeps it in place, and smells amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Hair-Concepts-Soy-Tri-Wheat-Conditioner/dp/B0009EXOO6

Looks good if you ask me. If you really want to thin it, you can just ask your stylist to do it or get some thinning shears and do it yourself.

They are a bit too expensive for me at the moment.

Can you recommend any of these?
1 2 3

sprinkle a bit on your hair and style with your fingers. this makes your hair dry-ish and gives it tons of volume.

have you thought about getting a perm?


this will help give you an idea on how you’d want to style it, and how to use the powder.

Can you link to a good boar's brush? My hair is very thick and curly/wavy so I am assuming I would need this one: http://smile.amazon.com/Murrays-Light-Pomade-Dressing-Super/dp/B001RQIRVK?

Argan oil. You're welcome.
https://www.amazon.com/OGX-Renewing-Penetrating-Sustainable-Ingredients/dp/B005DYJZ7M

I've used this a few times. I think it could replicate the look if your hair is the right length. http://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Grease-Pomade-7oz-210g/dp/B0019IZ6B0/ref=cm_cr_pr_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
Good felxible hold and shine, and it doesn't make the hair crunchy or stiff.

Ol' fashioned hair grease.

I use Suave Groom and Clean.

It is best described as "Water-based Hair Grease". When used in very small amounts it give my hair a shine but doesn't make it icky greasy. Brylcream would also work but it is SUPER oily and makes me break out on the hair line. use small amounts of both... like... pea-sizeish.

also use conditioner.

Thanks!
Aveda Grooming Clay.
It's $27 on Amazon, they actually had it at the salon for $22. I still find that extremely expensive, but I'll use it till I run out then find something cheaper.

non-shine clay

Edit: like this

This one ? https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Professional-Hair-Brush-Colors/dp/B001QX4GDC

Oh. Thats reasonable. Ask your stylist, he should do it for you. Or do it yourself with this http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-Stainless-2000-Thinning-Shears/dp/B000WHWIWO

Pomade. My personal go-to.

Keune Matte Effect

Here what i use. Last you about 6 months of daily use. (dont use too much!)

http://www.amazon.com/American-Crew-Defining-Paste-Ounce/dp/B002CMVU7Q

This?

I have very similar hair to you right now, with a very similar issue.

Some days its unavoidable even with spray and blow drying like if its pissing down outside. But like you I shampoo on alternative days, towel dry till damp and blowdry every day. The hairspray(s) I use:

If i'm smart and know I'm running out i'll order this.

If not, once i've recovered from my mental breakdown, i'll pop out and buy this. Tbh this lasts longer than the other one but makes it look a bit more static and stuck.

Ya, that product probably would achieve the look, but in my experience the hold would fade throughout the day. I'd personally recommend a water based matte clay type product.

My personal recommendations (I have used all three):

Baxter Clay Pomade

Keune Matt Effect

O'douds Matte Paste

I am kind of lying on the O'douds, as I am currently using one of their pomades, and not the paste, but I'm sure the paste works the way I think it will. All of these will probably require very little to achieve the look you want, and may even require being thinned out with some water.

I hate to reiterate this, but the link TELLS YOU the product to use!

However, if you've tried it and it didn't work try using a volumizing powder... this one gives me a look sort of similar. It has a stickiness to it when applied but my hair is still malleable and sort of fluffy.