My Picks for Five Best Mens Styling Products

There are literally hundreds of men's styling products on the market and many specifically target men. With all of the options out there, choosing the right product can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Before you go mad and start pulling your hair out, take a look at my picks for the best styling products for men. These products will help you take your men's haircut to the next level.

1) Redken for Men Maneuver Working Wax
Best for: Smooth Control and Natural Shine

This product is my hands-down winner for versatile styling. The product gives you clean, pliable hold and leaves a smooth, natural finish. Not too shiny, not too flat. It's perfect for messy, textured styles as well as smooth, professional looks. Rumor has it that Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford has known to use this product to get his look just right. This one's always on my bathroom counter.

2) American Crew Tea Tree Defining Paste
Best for: Separation and Texture

This product is similar to Redken for Men Maneuver, but with a bit more of a matte finish. It provides a pliable hold and gives the hair structure and support for a thicker appearance. This is a great product for more casual, textured styles and, used sparingly, can thicken up fine hair.

3) Hairbond Moulder
Best for: Medium to Thick Hair

Moulder offers great, flexible hold with a matte finish. This is one I also use for more casual, texturized styles. It works like a wax, but without the greasy texture. This one also smells like apples, so it's very pleasant on the nose as well.

From a performance and variety standpoint, this is a near perfect product line. There is enough variety in the selection to satisfy most any style. They also offer a lighter cream and a shampoo and conditioner which I don't have access to at the moment (although I will certainly update this review once I do.

4) Baxter of California Hard Water Pomade
Best for: High Shine That Dries Pliable

Baxter of California Hard Water Pomade is a water-based pomade that offers great hold with a super high-shine finish -- absolutely perfect for a well-groomed pompadour our slick, side-parted style. This pomade is unique in two ways. It contains elastic fibers which really enhance the hold as well as flecks of a sparkling material which adds to shine. This product, of course, won't make you look like you have glitter in your hair, but the shine will definitely be high with this one. The scent is a pleasant light, clean fragrance. 

5) Men-U Grooming Create & Shape
Best for: Travel

Sometimes good things come in small packages. This super concentrated formula (it comes in a 3.4 ounce jar perfect for travel) requires only a very small amount to achieve big looks. This product gives a good, versatile hold without being stiff and is suitable for blow drying. I was a bit skeptical at Men-U's claim that you can get up to 80 applications from one bottle, but for a shorter style only one or two pumps is all you need.

Now that you know about a few great options, go and get groomed. For more information on styling products, check out my Men's Guide to Styling Products.