Award-winning Jim Shaw reveals his top 4 essential men’s styling products and guides you on choosing the right one for your hair.
Finding the right hair products can feel like navigating a minefield. Award-winning men’s hairdresser Jim Shaw simplifies the selection process by sharing his four staple products that every man should consider adding to his hair routine, along with guidance on which hair types they suit best.
Pomade: For Sleek and Controlled Styles
Pomade is your go-to for a strong, steady hold at the end of your styling routine. Being thicker than gel, Jim recommends it particularly for men with thicker hair, as it can sometimes weigh down finer hair, making it look limp. Pomades excel in creating slick hairstyles, especially sharp side partings, providing excellent hold for flyaways.
Mousse: Enhance Curls and Add Volume
Mousse is a fantastic product for those with curly hair, working wonders when scrunched in or diffused. It also adds a natural-feeling volume to the hair while taming frizz and providing a light hold. If your style tends to lose shape or fall flat throughout the day, mousse applied to towel-dried hair before blow-drying can be a game-changer.
Clay: Strong Hold with a Matte Finish
Unlike gels that can leave a shine, clay offers a powerful grip with a natural, matte finish. This makes it an incredibly versatile product, capable of holding curls in place or sculpting a strong, high quiff without leaving the hair feeling dry or crispy. While clay works well on most hair types, Jim advises using it sparingly on finer hair to avoid weighing it down.
Hairspray: The Ultimate Finishing Touch
Last but certainly not least, hairspray is a classic that can be used in conjunction with all the other products mentioned. A staple in many men’s routines, it’s the perfect finisher to lock your style in place all day. Offering versatile styling options, from adding overall volume to creating a natural look with lasting hold, hairspray remains a classic for good reason.
Choosing the right styling product ultimately comes down to understanding your hair type and the look you want to achieve. Jim Shaw’s top four provide a solid foundation for any man looking to elevate his hair game.