The Best Hair Products for Men in 2026
A barber's guide to choosing the right pomade, clay, wax, or gel for your hair type and desired style.
Walking into a grooming aisle or browsing products online can be overwhelming. Pomade, clay, wax, gel, cream, paste — the options seem endless. As a barber who works with these products daily, here is my straightforward guide to finding exactly what you need.
Understanding Hold and Finish
Every hair product can be evaluated on two axes: hold strength (how firmly it keeps your style in place) and finish (how it looks, from matte to high shine). Understanding where your desired style falls on these axes makes choosing easy.
A slicked-back look needs strong hold and high shine. A textured crop needs medium hold and a matte finish. A casual, tousled style needs light hold with a natural finish. Once you know what you want, the product choice becomes obvious.
Pomade
Pomade is the classic barbershop product and remains one of the most versatile options. Water-based pomades provide strong hold with shine and wash out easily. Oil-based pomades offer incredible hold and that classic greaser shine but can be difficult to wash out.
For most men, a water-based pomade is the better choice. It styles easily, rinses clean, and will not build up in your hair over time. Look for products that list water as the first ingredient and avoid anything with petroleum as a base.
Clay
Clay products have become increasingly popular because they deliver a natural, textured look that photographs beautifully. They typically offer medium to strong hold with a completely matte finish, making your hair look styled but not “product-heavy.”
Clays work best on shorter to medium-length hair. Apply to towel-dried hair, working through from the back to the front. The heat from your hands activates the product, so warm it between your palms before application.
Wax and Fiber
Hair wax and fiber products sit between pomade and clay. They offer medium hold with a low to medium shine and excellent pliability. This means you can restyle your hair throughout the day without needing to reapply.
These products are ideal for men who want a polished look without the wet appearance of gel or pomade. They work particularly well for creating separation and definition in medium-length styles.
Gel
Gel gets a bad reputation from the crunchy, helmet-hair styles of the 1990s, but modern gels have come a long way. Today’s formulations provide strong hold with flexibility, and many offer a range of finishes from matte to high shine.
Gel is still the go-to for clean, formal styles where you need hair to stay precisely in place. It is also excellent for curly hair, where it can define curls without creating frizz.
Sea Salt Spray
For a casual, beachy texture with minimal effort, sea salt spray is unbeatable. It adds volume and creates that effortlessly cool tousled look. Spray into damp hair, scrunch with your hands, and let it air dry.
This product works best on medium to long hair and is an excellent option for men who want style without feeling like they are wearing product at all.
The Bottom Line
The best product is the one that achieves your desired look with minimal effort. Do not be afraid to experiment, and ask your barber for recommendations tailored to your specific hair type and style. At BarberKraft, we carry a curated selection of the products we actually use and believe in.