Best hair styling products for men

It’s not just women who spend ages on their barnet. There a plenty of guys who like to have their hair styled to the nines, too. But with a wealth of waxes, gels and sprays on the market it can be tricky to decide which product is best to get your desired look.

Whether you’re after a neat quiff like Zayn Malik or are taking inspiration from David Beckham’s latest slicked-back style, we’ve compiled a selection of men’s styling aids for Insta-worthy hair.

TIGI Bed Head For Men Matte Separation Workable Wax

If your hair is oily or thick, then you’re best suited to a matte wax. TIGI’s Workable Wax contains beeswax to help you achieve texture and definition. The humidity-resistant product provides a dry finish that’s ideal for those aiming for a more natural yet well-groomed look. Use on either dry or damp hair.

£6.95, Feel Unique, Buy it now

Uppercut Men's Deluxe Pomade

Pomade was a grooming staple in Don Draper’s era and works well for thin or frizzy hair and various lengths. Perfect for getting the slicked-back look, this one offers a medium-high shine and a long-lasting hold that doesn’t feel stiff. Apply to washed hair and ensure product is spread evenly from root to tip.

£14.50, Mankind, Buy it now

American Crew Alternator

The secret to using spray is to not go overboard. American Crew’s Alternator can be used to both style and finish your look and is made with Acrylate Derivative Polymers, which allow you to restyle your hair with ease. Suitable for all hair types, it provides a medium-strength hold while giving you a nice shine. Spray 8-12 inches from hair.

£8.10, Mankind, Buy it now

Redken For Men Work Hard Power Paste

For an ‘I Woke Up Like This’ style, look no further than Redken’s Power Paste. The product is designed for shaping all kinds of sculpted styles. Protein and carbs keeps the hair looking healthy, while polystretch fibres keep the style flexible. Warm up a small amount in hands and work through dry or damp locks.

£9.75, Feel Unique, Buy it now

L'Oréal Studio Line Invisi Hold Gel Strong

If you're after a sculpt hold that lasts all day, gel is your best bet. Clear and natural-looking, this L'Oréal offering provides an extra strength hold and is enriched with minerals that care for your hair. For texture, apply evenly though hair using fingers. Or for a slick Leo DiCaprio-inspired look, smooth over hair with top of palm.

£3, Superdrug, Buy it now

VO5 Extreme Style Matt Clay

Zayn Malik’s picture-perfect hairstyles over the years include plenty of choppy looks that might seem hard to copy. VO5’s budget-friendly clay will help you achieve a similar thickness to strands and has a matte finish. It’s easy to wash out and is ideal for maintaining frizzy hair.

£4.39, Boots, Buy it now

Fudge Hair Shaper

Styling cream is a lesser known product that tends to be less clumpy than wax and is extremely lightweight. With a super-strong hold factor of 10, this matte moulding crème from Fudge leaves hair pliable and contains wheat protein to improve the condition of hair. Rub between hands and apply evenly through hair.

£12.95, Look Fantastic, Buy it now

Aveda Men Pure-Formance Pomade

If you’re looking for a product with a rich and appealing scent, then Aveda’s Pomade is for you. The non-greasy formula has a spicy aroma of citrus, spearmint and lavender, while offering texture to thin and wavy hair. Suitable for short and medium lengths.

£22, John Lewis, Buy it now

Verdict

It all depends on the look you’re after. For the slicked-back do, try the Uppercut’s Deluxe Pomade. Guys who prefer a neat quiff like Zayn are best off with VO5’s Extreme Style Matt Clay. Or if you need something to simply finish and lock in your style, then American Crew’s Alternator should do the trick.