Must-haves you need to have a great hair-day each time you step out.
What do Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Chris Evans have in common other than their prolific careers and huge fan following? Fabulous hair! Yes, they do have access to the best hairstylists and products, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change up your hairstyling game. Unless you’re a professional, it may be difficult to know what to buy and what to avoid. So, here’s our list of the good stuff you need.
1. DRY SHAMPOO
What it does: Adds volume, texture and removes grease
Ideal for: Men with thin/fine hair
Guys who wash and shampoo their hair daily, please stop. Once every three days will do. Shampoo can dry out the hair and scalp by stripping off natural oils. Use a dry shampoo instead. It’s great for those days when you don’t have the time to wash your hair with a regular shampoo or are simply lazy. Dry shampoo absorbs the excess oil from the scalp and hair—reviving it instantly while giving hair a matte finish.
2. A MOULDING PASTE
What it does: Gives hair medium hold and shine
Ideal for: Guys with short to medium-length hair who love styling it
A moulding paste adds texture and definition when applied to dry hair. The good thing is that it’s ‘mouldable’ when applied on towel-dried hair, meaning your hair won’t be set in stone—you can still work it or let your lover play with your mane! A paste is also great for men with thin hair: When applied to dry hair, it will give a light lift without smothering the follicles to make it look like you have more volume.
3. CLAY STYLER
What it does: Gives high hold, texture and medium shine
Ideal for: Men with thick locks who mean business
If you need more texture or hold, then a clay styler is the way to go. If you like wearing headgear like hats, this isn’t for you. Style your hair with a clay pomade/spray only if you aren’t going to change up your hairstyle or meddle with it throughout the day. Easily the best way to tame thick hair.
4. STYLING CREAM
What it does: Light hold, natural look/feel and shine
Ideal for: Guys with longer hair
Long or short, these reworkable creams smooth frizz and give you control without making your hair look too ‘stiff’ or ‘styled’. The styling creams are perfect for days when you want a fluid, natural style. They’re great for keeping the strays on longer locks in check. Take a coin-sized amount of cream in your palm, and run your fingers through to tame flyaways. The best ones come with natural ingredients which nourish and hydrate your hair.
5. SALT SPRAY
What it does: Adds volume, texture and definition
Ideal for: Men who want hair with some character
If you want to be a bona fide beach head, get yourself a salt spray! If you want to make curls curlier, this is the product for you. A salt spray adds texture and definition to any style or type of hair. Replace the paste with it, if your hairline is receding faster than the Amazon Rainforest: A simple spritz volumizes thinning hair in no time.
6. HAIR SERUMS
What it does: Softens and nourishes
Ideal for: Men with curls and volume
Audrey D’Souza, Educator, TIGI India, says, “Light, non-greasy serums that help to control your hair without weighing it down are a god-send. They are absolute must-haves because they provide your hair with the nourishment it needs while smoothing dry ends and making it manageable.” If you have curly hair, a serum is a must-have.
7. POMADE
What it does: Gives medium hold and high shine
Ideal for: Guys who have a formal itinerary
A lot of products today use the word ‘pomade’ a bit too liberally, but a true pomade will give you medium-to-high hold and shine when applied to damp hair. It’s perfect for short and medium styles, for special occasions when you need an old-school business look. A little pomade goes a long way unless you want to look like a greasy mess! It’s the original MVP in slicked-back hairstyles. Remember the series Madmen?
8.BLOW-DRYER
What it does: Sets, styles, detangles and dries
Ideal for: Guys with long hair
A hairdryer should be your best friend if you have long hair. It can set and dry your hair and keep it looking neat. Always set your blow-dryer to medium heat to reduce heat-induced damage while styling. If drying is the only agenda, do so using the cool-mode to blast dry. Use a leave-in conditioner or a heat-protectant spray before using one.
Let the days of good hair begin. Cheers!
[Image Credit: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle