The perfect hair cut.
You walk out of the barbershop,
look into a mirror,
and think to yourself…..
I wish my hair would look this good everyday.
Unless you live with a hair stylist or barber – the only way to achieve a salon-type hair style is knowing what product suits your hair and learning how to apply it.
So the question is:
Which hair products should you use and why?
In the below video I am going to discuss a few products, but there is one line I really love (and made by my friend Aaron Marino)
Based out of Atlanta Pete & Pedro a wide range of products and I have been using 4 of them for the last year and LOVE them…..
…..but more on that later in this article!
Click here to watch the video Hair Products Antonio Recommends on Youtube.
Click here to watch the video Hair Products Antonio Recommends on Youtube.
Want a full guide to Men's hair?
Click HERE to Download this FREE 58-Page eBook
POMADE – For Classic 1950’s Hairstyles
A semi-solid product made from mineral oil and used to groom hair and impart shine.
Pomade offers a strong hold and groomed finish. Use it to define curly hair and also give some all-day natural hold to your hair without looking too greasy.
You can apply pomade to totally dry hair but it works best if there is a small amount of moisture. Your hair will look slick and sharp.
Water-based pomades are easier to apply and wash out. It's softer, non greasy and gives the hair definition and smoothness.
Hold: Pomades provides a medium to strong hold.
Hair Types: Pomade is creamier than wax – it may be the way to go if you have coarse, curly or thick hair.
Hair styles: Pompadours, quiffs and short fades. Slicked back or a combed slick look similar to Don Draper’s on Mad Men.
Click here to grab my favorite Pomade at Pete & Pedro.
HAIR PASTE – Sculpted Hair Without Shine
Paste offers a medium hold with added texture and increased definition for all hair types.
The wax-like consistency provides a natural, pliable hold for different lengths. Paste gives your hair a matte finish. It is easy to distribute through hair.
It adds texture without appearing greasy on most hair types but may be a little too heavy for fine hair.
It also looks best used on short to mid length styles because of its ability to control wavy or unmanageable hair.
Hold: Medium hold with low shine.
Hair Type: Good for controlling thick and heavy hair, curls or hard to control hair.
Hair Styles: It is excellent for short styles, pompadours and classic side parts.
Click here to grab my favorite Paste at Pete & Pedro (My favorite overall hair product).
Want a full guide to Men's hair?
Click HERE to Download this FREE 58-Page eBook
GEL – You Won’t Touch Your Hair All Day
With a jelly like consistency – gels provide a strong hold.
Gels are available in several strengths and consistencies. Use a light gel for thin hair a heavier gel for curly, wavy or thick hair.
Gel hardens and becomes stiff when applied to hair. The hold lasts all day long – creating a slick and shiny look you won’t need to touch up.
They contain mostly alcohol and water – so when dry it can leave hair hard, crusty and flaky. However gels are easy to wash out because water-based.
Hold: Medium to very strong hold.
Hair Type: Gels are versatile and can be used on most hair types.
Hair Style: Most styles that require a strong and rigid hold. Medium to long hair lengths.
Click here to grab my favorite Gel at Pete & Pedro. I also like American Crew's Gel as well.
PUTTY – Muscle For Your Hair
Similar to a clay, mud, or fiber – putty provides a flexible strong hold on your hair. Best for short to medium hair styles.
It provides a matte finish (low shine) and firm hair control and hold.
Hold: Strong hold with low shine.
Hair Type: Perfect for medium and short hair lengths.
Hair Style: Intentionally tousled hair style.
Click here to grab my favorite Putty at Pete & Pedro.
FIBER AND CLAY – Sticky Hands But Awesome Hair
Fiber is thick, almost like dried-out wax. It can’t be simply combed into your hair.
You have to work it into your palms so the fiber “relaxes” and starts to spread.
Since the fiber binds the strands of your hair together, you could end up pulling out some hair if you’re not careful.
Hold: Fiber and clays provide the strongest holds once set into your hair.
Hair Type: Clays and fibers work best with thin and fine hair. They add volume to your hair. This product is generally used for a shorter cut.
Hair Styles: You can get the “bedhead” kind of look using fiber since it has a matte finish. Fiber is used for texture or spiking.
Click here to grab my favorite Clay at Pete & Pedro (Please note – Aaron's clay is softer and easier to apply than others I tried).
CREAM – For Hair To Run Your Hands Through
Creams add extra shine and control without sacrificing your hair's natural look. They offer a light hold and suit all hair types.
It adds definition to curls, shine and texture to short hair. An ideal option if your lady likes to run her fingers through her hair.
Creams reduce frizz and add softness. The texture is similar to a moisturizer. Using a cream will leave your hair looking natural and soft.
Hold: Medium strength.
Hair Type: Ideal for longer locks creams contain moisturizing ingredients. Great to tame fly-away hair.
Hair Styles: Use creams on damp or dry hair to add strength and flexibility without stiffness or greasiness.
Click here to grab my favorite Cream at Pete & Pedro.
HAIR WAX – For A Retro Feel
Waxes have a thicker and tougher consistency than gels or pomades.
The finish is either matte or shiny – depending on the product and if you use it on dry or wet hair.
Wax is pliable. You can restyle your hair through the day. Perfect for someone who needs to go right from the office to the bar.
It comes in a solid form. Warm some in your hand before applying evenly throughout dry hair.
Hold: Offers a strong hold with texture. Will hold everything in place but leaves a sticky residue.
Hair Types: Wax is recommended for straight or slightly wavy hair. It tends to clump in curly hair.
Hair Styles: Anything spiky or can be skimmed over the top of the hair for a neatly groomed style. Wax works well for sculpted retro looks.
There are other factors that will affect your choice of hair product.
Do you want your hair to have a matte or shine finish?
How do you want you hair to smell?
You really have to get your hands into these products and try out a range of products to find one that works for your hair.
To help you do this – you need to check out Pete & Pedro.
I highly recommend their products.
You can send Aaron and his team questions about your hair and they will help you decide which product suits you!
Pretty darn good customer service, right?
Want a full guide to Men's hair?