The men’s grooming industry is booming. There are always new hairstyle trends and products coming out just calling your name. For the modern-day bloke, there’s simply a lot of stuff out there: mousses, pomades, waxes, gels. How do you know which hair product will work for you?
Rather than making you wade through countless expanses of hair goop, we are starting a Hair Type Guide series that will identify the best hair products for every hair texture. Because while we encourage trying out Alex Turner’s rockstar quiff, your hair type determines the specific product you use to achieve that swanky hair goal. A pomade that works on thick hair, for instance, may weigh down thin hair.
Today we’ll be covering the best products for thick hair. Luckily for you, thick hair can withstand most types of hair goop, even very heavy products like petroleum-based pomades and creams. Just be sure to stay away from volume-building agents like mousse, which will give your hair unnecessary puffiness.
Here are the details on products that make thick hair look mighty fine:
Gel
Gel has the ability to hold thick hair in place for old-school styles like pomps and side sweeps, with one caveat – you have to be happy with wearing your hairstyle from dusk til dawn. Gel does not allow for restyling – once it’s dry, it’s set, and retouching it will cause flaking. Plus, if you do try to meddle with your hair again, your style will break from its shape.
Thick hair will benefit from gels with strong hold if stiffness is what you’re going for; otherwise, for a natural look, opt for a lighter gel.
Tip: Use a blow dryer for maximum hold. For a shinier, less stiff finish, let hair dry naturally.
SHOP: Dr. Miracle’s Edge Holding Gel
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Cream
With less hold than gels but more moisturizing ingredients, creams tame flyaways and add a touch of shine while giving you natural hold. Creams soften coarse, curly, or thick hair, resulting in lightweight flexibility and more touchable locks.
We highly recommend creams for creating those loose, textured crops that are on trend for summer.
Tip: To optimally tame frizz, apply cream when hair is still wet.
SHOP: Suavecito Brilliantcreme
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Serum
Like creams, serums reduce frizz and soften hair. Unlike creams, serums offer little to no hold. As such, we consider it part deep conditioner, part styler. Apply to just-washed, wet hair and rinse out for extra smoothness and shine; to use as a finisher, work serum into your hair to polish off your style with glossiness.
Tip: In case you frequently flat iron or blow dry your hair, some serums contain coating mechanisms that protect hair follicles from heat damage.
SHOP: Taylor of Old Bond Street Fragrance Free Brilliantine
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Wax
Thick hair often requires similarly thick hair products that withstand your hair volume and strength. For strong, pliable hold with little to moderate amounts of shine, wax fits the bill. Thicker in consistency than most pomades, it’s the thick hair dude’s weapon for achieving messy styles as well as structured yet touchable styles. Wax is a good option for short hairstyles, and works best on straight or slightly wavy, thick hair.
Wax allows you to restyle throughout the day in case you have hairstyle ADD.
Tip: If your hair is a force to be reckoned with (i.e. it’s hard to tame), apply wax and then blow dry for maximum hold.
SHOP: Gatsby Perfect Hold Hair Wax Extra Hard
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Pomade
Pomades are what many folks consider to be the foundation of the Don Draper look. Pomades offer flexible hold without flakes, and are strong enough to rein in medium to thick hair. Petroleum-based pomades work well with thick hair because they are thicker than water-based pomades, offering more control over how well your quiff or ducktail holds.
Because pomades are creamier than waxes, they are a solid choice for those with a full head of hair who are looking for a strong hold and classic shiny finish.
Tip: Never just slap pomades on; always start by putting the product into your palm, rubbing your hands together, and applying to hair from the back of the head forward.
SHOP: American Pomade Ultimate Sin
