Best Men’s Hair Products: Lessons From Real-Life Grooming Wins

From chaotic stag weekends to hangover-free Sundays, men’s lives rarely stand still – and neither do their grooming needs. A recent SLMan podcast jumped from Jake Paul’s latest fight to date-night plans, dodgy stag-do budgets and, crucially, the product that finally tamed one host’s unruly hair. It’s a reminder that for many UK men, haircare has moved beyond a quick 2‑in‑1 shampoo grab at the supermarket. The right products now sit alongside wellness fixes, training plans and style choices as part of a broader, modern routine.

Using that conversation as a cultural touchpoint, this guide breaks down what actually matters in men’s hair products today – from taming thick, stubborn hair to choosing low-fuss styling for date night or big-event weekends. Think of it as a grounded, UK-focused edit of what works, why it works, and how to build a routine that fits your real life, not an airbrushed campaign.

Why Men’s Haircare Is Having a Moment

For a long time, men’s grooming in the UK was framed as either ultra-basic or hyper-luxury – a quick blast of all-in-one wash, or a full barbershop ritual. Now there’s a more realistic middle ground, shaped by podcasts, social media and male-focused platforms where conversations about wellness, style and self-presentation sit side by side.

On the SLMan episode, haircare cropped up in the same breath as ROWBOTS classes, sauna-and-ice-bath sessions in Bermondsey, and new-season menswear. That blend is telling: hair is being treated less as vanity, more as part of feeling sharp, performing well and navigating busy weeks that might cover everything from pay-per-view boxing to Christmas shopping marathons.

In practical terms, that means modern men are looking for products that:

• Work with their hair type, not against it.
• Are quick to use and easy to understand.
• Can handle sweat, rain and long days without constant touch-ups.
• Support a healthy-looking scalp and hair without complicated jargon.

Many UK stylists note that once men experience a product that genuinely solves a daily irritation – frizz that won’t flatten, fine hair that collapses by midday, or curls that look shapeless – they rarely go back to the “whatever’s in the shower” approach. That moment where a product finally “tames” your hair can be a genuine turning point.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Hair Type & Lifestyle

Instead of hunting endlessly for a miracle product, it’s smarter to match a few well-chosen formulas to your natural hair type and the way you actually live: office days, gym sessions, nights out, weekends away. Hairporium’s editorial team regularly sees that once men understand this basic pairing, routines become almost effortless.

Thick, Unruly or Wavy Hair

This is the kind of hair that often inspires comments like “nothing works” – until, as in the podcast, someone stumbles across a cream or paste that finally adds control.

• Cleanse: A moisturising shampoo used a few times a week, not every day, can help reduce dryness and frizz. On non-wash days, simply rinse with lukewarm water.
• Condition: A light conditioner through mid-lengths and ends helps soften thick strands. Leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
• Style: Look for creams, clays or pastes with a medium hold and a matte or natural finish – heavy gels can make hair look stiff and dated.

If you’re dealing with cowlicks or that stubborn front section which never lies flat, many barbers recommend working product into slightly damp hair, then blow-drying on a low heat while brushing or directing hair with your fingers. It’s a 90‑second step that often makes the difference between “chaotic” and “under control”.

Fine or Thinning Hair

For men concerned about density – especially in bright office lighting or under the scrutiny of friends on a big night out – the aim is volume without stickiness.

• Cleanse: A lightweight, frequent-use shampoo can help hair look fresher at the roots without weighing it down.
• Condition: Use a small amount, focusing on the mid-lengths rather than the roots, to avoid flattening.
• Style: Volumising sprays or light mousses at the root, finished with a low- to medium-hold paste, are often recommended by stylists for a fuller effect.

Dermatologists often suggest being gentle with your scalp – no harsh scrubbing, tight hairstyles or very hot water – especially if you’re noticing shedding. Keeping things calm and consistent is usually more useful than chasing extreme “miracle” solutions.

Curly, Coiled or Textured Hair

Textured hair thrives on moisture and structure. When the balance is right, curls look intentional and defined rather than fluffy or flat.

• Cleanse: Many stylists advise using a sulphate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner and spacing washes to avoid drying out the hair.
• Condition: Invest time here – leave conditioner on for a few minutes and detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Style: Curl creams, leave-in conditioners and light gels can help define texture. Scrunch into damp hair and either air-dry or diffuse on a low heat.

For men juggling gym sessions, five-a-side and nights out, a simple routine might be: cleanse twice a week, refresh curls in the morning with a water spray plus a small amount of cream, and avoid over-brushing once dry.

Building a Realistic Grooming Routine Around Your Week

The podcast’s mix of London restaurant reviews, training classes and Christmas chaos will feel familiar to many. The trick is to build a routine that can flex between Monday meetings, Friday drinks and a full-on weekend without needing an entire bathroom cabinet.

Date Night & Special Occasions

For first dates, anniversaries or evenings that matter, the goal is clean, touchable hair that looks like you’ve made an effort without trying too hard.

• Wash and condition on the day, giving hair plenty of time to dry before styling.
• Use a modest amount of product – it should enhance your natural style, not create a helmet.
• Opt for a natural or low-shine finish; this tends to feel more modern than ultra-glossy looks.

In very bright restaurant lighting or at close quarters in a bar, overly crunchy or overloaded hair is easy to spot. When in doubt, halve the amount of product, then add a tiny bit more only if you genuinely need it.

Stag Weekends & Big-Event Chaos

Between late nights, travel and the odd questionable decision, stag dos and packed weekends can leave hair looking as frazzled as you feel. A simple three-step game plan can help:

• Before you go: Get a tidy cut about a week beforehand so it has time to settle.
• While away: Pack a small, versatile product (such as a paste or cream) that works for both casual and smarter looks.
• Recovery day: On your return, a gentle shampoo and a slightly longer conditioning session can help hair feel revived.

For hangover-prone Sundays, many barbers suggest lukewarm showers, not scorching ones, and avoiding aggressive towel-drying. Pat rather than rub to keep hair cuticles smoother and less frizzy.

Work, Gym & Everyday Life

Weekly routines matter more than one-off occasions. Men who feel consistently confident in their hair usually follow a few quiet, repeatable habits rather than chasing constant change.

• Set a realistic wash schedule – for most hair types, every other day or a few times a week is plenty.
• Keep one reliable daytime product at hand (desk drawer, gym bag or washbag).
• Book regular trims every 4–8 weeks depending on your style and growth rate.

Hairporium often hears from stylists that the men with the “best hair” aren’t those using the most expensive products, but those sticking to a calm, consistent approach that suits their lifestyle and texture.

Scalp-Friendly Habits Without the Hype

Between sauna sessions, ice baths and high-intensity training, modern wellness routines can be surprisingly tough on the scalp. Sweat, hot water and frequent washing all play a role. While it’s important not to over-medicalise everyday issues, there are some low-stress habits that many dermatologists and trichologists tend to support.

• Don’t over-wash: Cleansing too often can leave the scalp feeling dry or tight; spacing washes can help balance things out.
• Rinse after intense workouts: Even if you don’t use shampoo, a quick lukewarm rinse can remove sweat and salt.
• Be gentle with styling: Avoid yanking brushes through hair or wearing very tight hats for long periods.
• Watch the water temperature: Very hot showers may feel soothing but can leave skin and hair feeling stripped.

If you notice persistent itching, flaking or sudden changes in shedding, speaking to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist is usually the most sensible next step rather than relying solely on new products.

Key Takeaways

• Men’s haircare is increasingly part of a wider lifestyle that includes wellness, style and social plans – not just a last-minute afterthought.
• The right products depend on hair type and routine: thick, fine and textured hair all benefit from different formulas and styling approaches.
• Simple, repeatable habits – sensible wash schedules, regular trims and a single reliable styling product – usually beat complicated regimes.
• Scalp-friendly practices such as moderate washing, gentle styling and lukewarm water can support comfortable, healthy-looking hair.
• To act now, audit what’s in your bathroom, match each product to your hair type and cut, then build a routine you can stick to for at least a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hair products does the average man really need?
For most UK men, three essentials are enough: a suitable shampoo, a light conditioner and one styling product that fits their hair type. Anything beyond that is optional – useful if it serves a specific purpose (such as curl definition or added volume), but not mandatory.

Is daily shampooing bad for men’s hair?
Daily shampooing isn’t automatically harmful, but many stylists find that hair often looks and feels better when washed every other day or a few times a week, especially for wavy, curly or textured hair. If your scalp feels tight, itchy or dry after washing, it may be worth reducing frequency or choosing a gentler formula.

What’s the best product to tame thick or unruly hair?
Medium-hold creams, clays or pastes with a matte or natural finish usually offer the best mix of control and flexibility. Applying them to slightly damp hair, then using a low-heat dryer to set the shape, can make stubborn sections far easier to manage.

How can I style my hair quickly before a date or night out?
Wash and condition earlier in the day, allow hair to dry fully, then use a small amount of your usual styling product, focusing on the front and top where shape matters most. If time is tight, lightly dampen hair with water, rework yesterday’s product and refine the style with your fingers.

Do men need separate products for work, gym and weekends?
Not necessarily. One versatile product – such as a light paste or cream – can usually adapt to most situations. The key is adjusting the amount: use less for daytime or professional settings and slightly more for evening or high-hold looks.

How often should men get a haircut to keep styles looking sharp?
Short fades and very structured cuts often look best with trims every 3–4 weeks. Medium styles can stretch to 5–7 weeks, while longer, textured looks may manage 6–8 weeks. Your barber can suggest a schedule based on how quickly your hair grows.

What should I do if my scalp feels irritated or flaky?
If you notice ongoing itching or flaking, consider switching to a gentle, scalp-focused shampoo and easing back on very hot showers or harsh styling. If symptoms persist or worsen, many experts recommend speaking to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist for tailored advice.