Maintaining long hair as a man can be a rewarding journey, offering numerous styling options. However, to keep your long locks looking their best, it’s crucial to use the right hair styling products. This article explores the 15 best hair styling products for men with long hair, covering a range of needs from moisture and shine to hold and texture.
15 Best Hair Styling Products for Men with Long Hair
1. Pomade: A Classic for Smooth Styles
Pomade is a timeless hair product that works exceptionally well for men with long hair. It provides a sleek, shiny finish without the stiffness that other styling products might cause. Pomades are typically oil-based or water-based. The oil-based versions offer a stronger hold and are more resistant to humidity, while water-based pomades are easier to wash out.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of pomade to damp hair, combing it through to distribute evenly. Style as desired, whether you’re aiming for a slick back, side part, or any other smooth style.
2. Leave-In Conditioner: Essential for Moisture
Long hair requires extra moisture to prevent dryness and breakage. A leave-in conditioner is an excellent choice for men who want to keep their hair hydrated, soft, and manageable. It also helps to detangle hair, making it easier to style.
How to Use: After washing your hair, apply the leave-in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends where hair tends to be the driest. Comb through to distribute evenly and style as usual.
3. Hair Cream: For Natural, Flexible Hold
Hair cream is a versatile product that offers a light to medium hold while keeping hair soft and touchable. It’s ideal for men who want a natural look with a bit of control. Hair cream also helps to tame frizz and adds a subtle shine to the hair.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of hair cream to damp or dry hair. Work it through with your fingers or a comb, then style as desired.
4. Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for Textured, Beachy Waves
For men who want to add texture and volume to their long hair, sea salt spray is a must-have. It creates a natural, beachy look by enhancing the hair’s natural wave pattern. Sea salt spray is also great for achieving a tousled, effortless style.
How to Use: Spray onto damp hair and scrunch with your hands to enhance waves. You can let your hair air dry for a natural look or use a blow dryer with a diffuser for added volume.
5. Hair Oil: The Secret to Shiny, Healthy Hair
Hair oil is a great product for men with long hair, especially those with dry or coarse hair types. It adds shine, reduces frizz, and nourishes the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. Hair oils can also protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling and environmental factors.
How to Use: Apply a few drops of hair oil to your palms and rub them together. Run your hands through your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas that need extra moisture.
6. Hair Mousse: Boosts Volume and Adds Body
Hair mousse is an excellent option for men who want to add volume and body to their long hair. It provides a light to medium hold, making it easier to style without weighing the hair down. Mousse also helps to define curls and waves.
How to Use: Shake the can well and dispense a golf ball-sized amount of mousse into your palm. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the roots for volume, then style as desired.
7. Hairspray: For Long-Lasting Hold
Hairspray is a staple for anyone looking to lock in their style. It provides a strong hold that lasts all day, making it perfect for more structured hairstyles. There are different types of hairspray available, ranging from light to extra strong hold.
How to Use: Hold the can about 12 inches away from your hair and spray evenly over your styled hair. For added volume, you can lift sections of your hair and spray underneath.
8. Styling Wax: Great for Textured, Matte Styles
Styling wax is a go-to product for men who want to add texture and definition to their long hair. It provides a strong hold with a matte finish, making it ideal for messy, tousled styles. Wax is also versatile enough to be reworked throughout the day without losing its hold.
How to Use: Warm a small amount of wax between your palms and apply it to dry hair. Use your fingers to style, adding definition to specific sections as desired.
9. Hair Gel: For High Shine and Maximum Hold
Hair gel is known for its strong hold and high shine, making it perfect for sleek, polished styles. It’s ideal for creating structured hairstyles that need to stay in place all day. However, it’s important to choose a gel that doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy or sticky.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of gel to damp or dry hair, combing through to distribute evenly. Style as desired, whether you’re going for a slicked-back look or a spiked style.
10. Dry Shampoo: A Quick Fix for Oily Hair
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for men with long hair, especially on days when you don’t have time for a full wash. It absorbs excess oil and refreshes the hair, giving it a clean, voluminous look. Dry shampoo is also great for adding texture and grip to freshly washed hair.
How to Use: Shake the can well and spray the dry shampoo onto your roots, holding the can about 6 inches away. Let it sit for a minute, then massage it into your scalp and brush through.
11. Curl Enhancer: For Defined, Frizz-Free Curls
For men with naturally curly or wavy hair, a curl enhancer can help define and control curls while reducing frizz. These products often contain ingredients that add moisture and shine, making your curls look their best.
How to Use: Apply the curl enhancer to damp hair, scrunching with your hands to encourage curl formation. You can let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for more defined curls.
12. Hair Clay: For a Strong, Textured Hold
Hair clay is another excellent option for men with long hair who want to add texture and hold to their style. It provides a matte finish with a strong hold, making it ideal for creating messy, undone looks. Hair clay is also great for adding volume and thickness to fine hair.
How to Use: Warm a small amount of clay between your hands and work it through dry hair. Use your fingers to style, focusing on adding texture and definition.
13. Volumizing Spray: For Lift and Fullness
Volumizing spray is perfect for men with long hair who want to add lift and fullness to their style. It works by lifting the roots and adding body to the hair, making it appear thicker and more voluminous.
How to Use: Spray the volumizing spray onto damp hair, focusing on the roots. Blow dry your hair while lifting the roots with your fingers or a round brush for maximum volume.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Hairstyles for Men with Long Hair
14. Thermal Protection Spray: Shield Your Hair from Heat Damage
If you regularly use heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands, a thermal protection spray is essential. It creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and keeping your hair healthy.
How to Use: Spray the thermal protection spray evenly over damp hair before using any heat styling tools. Comb through to distribute the product, then style as desired.
15. Texturizing Paste: For a Flexible, Reworkable Style
Texturizing paste is a versatile product that provides a medium hold with a matte finish. It’s perfect for creating styles that can be reworked throughout the day, offering flexibility and control. The paste adds texture and definition, making it ideal for a variety of hairstyles.
How to Use: Rub a small amount of texturizing paste between your palms and apply it to dry hair. Style with your fingers, adding definition and texture where needed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hair styling products is essential for maintaining and enhancing your long hair. From pomades to texturizing pastes, each product offers unique benefits that cater to different styling needs. By incorporating these products into your routine, you can keep your long hair looking its best, whether you’re going for a sleek, polished look or a messy, textured style. Remember, the key to great hair is not just the product but also how you use it, so experiment with these products to find the perfect combination for your hair type and style.