MEN don’t like to ask for directions, that’s a well-known fact. In our experience, they won’t ask for styling advice, either.
When it comes to using hair styling products, men tend to give it a try, put too much or use the wrong product and consequently are convinced that it’s not for them.
It used to be so easy, GEL for a hard, set effect, Hair Cream for a wet look; no product for a natural style.
In the last few years, a multitude of products and brands with weird names have come up and nobody knows which is which.
Urban Turban cuts through the confusion and helps you make a good choice without even having to ask your girlfriend or barber.
First off, let’s talk about the price point. You wouldn’t aspire to buy the cheapest Chinese car and then complain about the lack of comfort and performance, would you? Same applies to hair styling products. Most of the low-priced products just don’t perform, meaning they tend to be sticky (in a bad way), make your hair feel dirty, attract dust, are hard to wash off, smell bad and probably make your hair dry.
A good product can cost anywhere from P1,000 to 2,000 but in many cases they will last you for a year, make you look and feel good. In other words, going back to the car analogy (‘coz guys understand cars) these grooming products are like the Beemer you love to drive.
So, here’s a list of product categories and their application: Keep in mind that less is definitely more.
WAXES
Waxes are similar to pomades, but offer a more flexible hold. A great choice for lending shine and control to short cuts, they’re also perfect for managing very thick hair.
How To Use:
1. Towel-dry hair or blow-dry.
2. Apply a small amount to index, middle and ring finger and rub hands together until product warms.
3. Work product in by lightly tapping hair then rubbing hands together repeatedly to avoid leaving gobs of product in one spot, going from ends to roots.
MUDS, FIBERS and PUTTY
A mud (or fiber OR Putty) is the choice for finer hair when maximum control is needed. This type of styler is great for giving texture to short, disheveled styles and for adding separation to longer styles. These products usually give off a non-glossy, matte finish.
How To Use:
1. Use in towel-dried or blow-dried clean hair.
2. Apply a small amount to 3 fingers and rub hands together until product warms.
3. Work product into hair little by littler, going from ends to roots.
GELS
Gels are usually the best option to create a wet, sleek look. Quality gels will have “memory” once dry, enabling comb-through that can provide a structured, yet dry appearance. Cheap supermarket gels tend to break and flake off in the hair, so it’s important to get the good stuff.
How To Use:
1. Work into wet hair, comb and let dry naturally for a wet look.
2. Use on drier hair to hold a style in place.
3. Put in wet hair, blow dry and add more to lock strands in place.
4. Reactivate as needed by wetting hands and running through hair.
Man up and bend it like Beckham!
