If you find yourself staring at the shelf of hair products at your local drugstore, wondering what the difference is between forming cream and styling gel, we’re here to help.
With the wide variety of hair products being offered by many different brands, it’s impossible to say that if you buy a specific type of product you will get a specific type of finish and hold every time.
The key is to not look at the type of product (gel, pomade, cream, etc.) but the characteristics of the product (hold, finish, shine).
Start by determining some basic characteristics you’re looking for in a hair styling product.
What Kind of Finish?
There is matte, shiny, and just about everything in between.
The use of a matte finish pomade allows hair to have a dry look. Matte works well for most men because it creates a natural look and is a great everyday product.
Shiny pomade will give hair more of a wet effect. Shiny pomades are great for special events, or if you have dark or gray hair. They increase definition in the latter, otherwise not accomplished with a matte pomade.
Level of Hold
Most hair product lines still subscribe to the standard levels for hold: light, medium, and strong.
Light Hold: Just enough to feel like there's something in your hair while staying very malleable and soft. Minimal style hold.
Medium Hold: This will hold your hairstyle, but is still light enough to run fingers through hair to refresh it if needed.
Strong Hold: Don’t expect to mess with your hair if you lock your style in with a strong hold product. However, you can count on some serious style safety on a windy day.
A few of Reuzel hair products that are great for creating texture that lasts all day, available for purchase at all Nic Grooming Barbershop locations.
Water, Oil, or Wax-based?
Water-based (or water-soluble) can be rinsed out of the hair using only water, while wax or oil (non-water soluble) based products cannot.
Most hair products available in stores are water-based — they are easy to wash out and work with during applications.
Oil or waxed-based products are less common, but get the job done in a pinch. Because they cannot be rinsed out with water, removing the product is a more involved process, usually taking several shampoos.
For those who like to roll out of bed and feel like there’s some hold in your hair, or if you desire a very strong hold, an oil or waxed product may be the best hair product for you.
Last but not least…Application!
Another vital aspect of product use is application. You can have the perfect product, but without proper application, it won’t do what you want.
Less is more — Start with a small amount (pea-sized) and rub it between your hands to soften the product.
Begin in the back: Work the product towards your crown, ensuring to run your fingers close to the scalp so all product is evenly distributed throughout the hair.
Comb: Work towards the front of the head, finishing at the hairline. Then, use a comb or your hands to style hair exactly where you want it to lie.
An important thing to remember is to avoid using a large amount of product and placing it right at the front of your hair. This weighs hair down and won’t help to hold the rest of the hair in place.
A great hairstyle starts with a great haircut, but the correct product can add the finishing touches to give you what you desire. If you're still stumped at the store, you can always find help from a professional.
Your barber knows your hair and can advise you on the best hair products. Stop in any of the four Nic Grooming Barbershop locations in Philly for assistance, even if you aren’t getting a haircut! Our barbers will help you find the best hair product for you.
We carry all of Reuzel’s infamous Pomades at our Philadelphia barbershops.
Once you know what product is best for you, shop our online store!