How to Build a Modern Men’s Hair Styling Routine That Actually Lasts

For many men in the UK, achieving consistently good hair can feel like a losing battle: flat one day, fluffy the next, and completely uncooperative in winter drizzle. A recent feature on Slick Gorilla’s grooming gift sets shows just how transformative the right routine and product choice can be — one man who had “given up on good hair” now claims he can “style superbly” thanks to a more structured approach to styling. Rather than focusing on any single brand, this article breaks down what actually makes a men’s hair routine work in real life: from understanding your hair type to mastering application techniques that last through commutes, gym sessions and evenings out.

Why Many Men Struggle With Hair Styling

Most men’s hair complaints are remarkably similar: styles don’t hold, hair looks greasy by midday, or products feel heavy and obvious. In the UK — where humidity, rain and office heating all play their part — those issues can be amplified.

There are a few common reasons behind the frustration:

One-size-fits-all products: Many men grab whatever is on offer in the supermarket, regardless of hair type or desired finish.
Over-application: Using too much product leads to greasiness, stiffness and visible residue.
No prep stage: Styling on dirty, unprepared hair makes it harder to achieve a clean, defined look.
Ignoring cut and texture: A style that looks sharp on Instagram may not suit your hair density, natural wave or hairline.

UK barbers frequently note that when men feel they’ve “given up on good hair”, it’s usually because they’ve been relying on the wrong texture of product for years, or skipping basic prep and finish steps. The good news is that adjusting those foundations can make any reliable styling product perform better — whether you’re using a barber-favourite powder, a classic clay, or a more modern hybrid formula.

Step-by-Step: A Realistic Daily Men’s Hair Routine

A game-changing hair routine doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the most sustainable routines are quick, repeatable and based on a few smart choices rather than a drawer full of jars.

1. Start with the right cleanse

Stylists in the UK often recommend washing your hair according to your scalp and lifestyle, not habit. If you commute on the Tube, cycle, or use heavier styling products, you may need more frequent cleansing than someone working from home with short hair.

Fine or thinning hair: Many barbers suggest a lightweight shampoo that rinses clean without heavy conditioning agents which can flatten volume.
Thick or textured hair: Opt for a moisturising formula and consider alternating with a hydrating conditioner to keep hair supple and easier to style.
Workout regulars: Rinsing sweat out with water on non-shampoo days and using shampoo several times a week can help keep the scalp feeling fresh.

If you notice persistent itchiness, irritation or flaking, dermatologists often suggest seeking professional advice rather than relying solely on styling products to disguise the issue.

2. Prep: the underrated styling stage

Most men skip prep entirely, but professionals know this is where volume, shape and longevity are created. Towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, not dripping, and then consider a lightweight pre-styler.

Salt sprays can help add grit and texture to fine or flat hair.
Volumising lotions offer lift at the roots without a crunchy finish.
Leave-in conditioners can make coarse or curly hair easier to control.

Blow-drying on a medium heat setting while directing the airflow with your fingers or a vent brush helps “set” your style before your main product even touches the hair. This is one of the techniques that often turns an average routine into a genuinely reliable one.

3. Choose the right styling texture for your hair and lifestyle

The man featured in the Slick Gorilla gift-set review credited a more modern product format as the turning point in his styling. Powder-based texturisers and matte products have become increasingly popular in UK barbershops because they can add volume and hold without the wet, glossy look of traditional gels.

Broadly, men’s styling products fall into a few familiar categories:

Clays & pastes: Ideal for a natural, matte finish with flexible hold. Great for short to medium cuts, textured crops and modern quiffs.
Pomades: Better for sleek, classic styles such as side-partings and pompadours. Available in shiny or more subtle satin finishes.
Powders: Increasingly used in UK barbershops for instant lift at the roots, particularly on fine or limp hair.
Creams: Suitable for longer hair or waves when you want movement and frizz control without stiffness.

The trick is to match the product to your hair’s density, your scalp’s oiliness, and how much effort you genuinely want to put in each morning. If you like to style once and forget it, a clay or powder with a clean, dry finish is usually more forgiving than a wet-look gel.

4. Master the application technique

Many men are surprised at how little product they truly need. UK barbers often demonstrate this by starting with a pea-sized amount, then building up only if necessary.

Warm the product thoroughly between your palms until it feels virtually invisible.
Work it through the back and sides first, then move to the top; this stops too much product landing on the front fringe.
Use fingertips to pinch and twist sections if you want texture, or a comb for a sleeker, structured look.
Resist the urge to keep touching your hair throughout the day — the oils on your hands will soften the hold.

For many readers, a practical starting point is to halve the amount of product you usually use for a week and see how your hair responds. You can always add more, but removing excess is far harder without rewashing.

5. Build a simple “reset” routine

Product build-up can leave hair dull, heavy and stubborn to restyle — especially common if you’re layering waxes, clays and sprays. In the UK, where hard water can also leave mineral deposits, a regular reset helps.

Use a clarifying shampoo every week or two, depending on how much product you use.
Follow with a light conditioner to avoid leaving hair rough or tangled.
Allow your hair a product-free day once in a while to see how your natural texture behaves.

This “reset” stage is often what allows modern styling products, from texturising powders to matte clays, to perform at their best — and it’s one of the simplest changes you can make this month.

Adapting Your Style to UK Seasons and Everyday Life

Even the most carefully chosen product will behave differently on a foggy December morning in Bristol than on a warm August afternoon in Brighton. Seasonality is something UK stylists quietly factor into their recommendations for male clients.

Autumn & winter: Indoor heating and scarves can create static and flatten the sides of the hair. A touch of texture powder at the roots, or a light matte product, can help maintain lift without extra weight.
Spring & summer: Humidity and sweat can break down hold. Many stylists suggest lighter products and styles that work with your natural movement rather than against it.
Office vs. hybrid working: If you are on more video calls than in-person meetings, you may opt for softer, more natural styling that still looks tidy from the front-facing camera.

From a real-world perspective, it’s worth having a “weekday” routine that you can do in five minutes, and an “event” version where you might add a blow-dry and slightly stronger hold product for evenings out.

When to Ask a Professional for Help

If you consistently dislike your hair, even when you’ve tried different products and techniques, it may be time to book a focused consultation with a barber or stylist rather than just a quick trim. Bring reference photos of styles you like, and be honest about how long you’re realistically willing to spend each morning.

Many UK barbers are happy to talk through:

Which cuts will suit your density, hairline and face shape.
How to style the cut at home with two or three well-chosen products.
Any scalp concerns worth discussing with a GP or dermatologist, such as sudden shedding or persistent soreness.

Brands like Hairporium focus on demystifying that conversation, helping men understand that “good hair” isn’t about chasing every new launch, but building a reliable, personalised routine that makes the most of what you already have.

If you want something to try this week, start small: refine your wash schedule, add a simple pre-styler, and practise using half the product you normally apply. You may find that, like the reviewer who rediscovered his styling confidence, your hair was never the problem — the routine was.

Key Takeaways

Men often struggle with styling because they use the wrong product texture for their hair type and skip prep and reset stages.
A simple routine of cleansing, prepping, styling and occasionally resetting can transform how hair looks and behaves day to day.
Modern textures such as matte clays and powders offer natural-looking hold that suits UK weather and busy lifestyles.
Using less product, applied more strategically, usually delivers better results than layering multiple heavy formulas.
Consulting a barber or stylist for a tailored cut and routine can rebuild confidence for anyone who feels they’ve “given up on good hair”.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should men in the UK wash their hair if they use styling products daily?
Most stylists suggest washing with shampoo several times a week if you’re using product every day, with water-only rinses in between as needed. If your scalp feels oily, itchy or uncomfortable before wash day, that’s a sign you may benefit from more frequent cleansing or a lighter product. For persistent irritation, a GP or dermatologist can provide personalised advice.

What’s the best type of styling product for fine or thinning hair?
Many barbers recommend lightweight, matte products — such as clays, pastes or texturising powders — which create lift without drawing attention to the scalp. Avoid very shiny formulas or heavy waxes, as these can make fine hair look sparser. Applying sparingly and focusing on root lift is key.

Can I use hair powder and clay together, or is that too much product?
It can work well if layered carefully. A small amount of powder at the roots for volume, followed by a light touch of clay through the mid-lengths and ends, often creates long-lasting texture without heaviness. If your hair starts to feel coated or dull, reset with a clarifying shampoo.

Why does my hairstyle collapse as soon as I leave the house?
UK weather, humidity and wind can quickly break down weak styling. Make sure you’re blow-drying your hair into shape first, then using a product suited to your hair type and environment. Overloading with heavy or very wet formulas can cause styles to droop faster outdoors.

How can I tell if my scalp problem is product build-up or something else?
Product build-up usually improves when you use a clarifying shampoo and ease off heavier formulas for a week or two. If you still notice flaking, redness, soreness or sudden shedding, dermatologists often suggest booking a consultation to rule out underlying scalp conditions rather than relying on styling products alone.

Is blow-drying bad for men’s hair if done every day?
Used on a moderate heat setting with the dryer held a few inches away, blow-drying is generally considered acceptable for most hair types. Aim to keep the airflow moving rather than concentrating heat on one spot. If your hair feels brittle, turn the heat down and reduce the time you spend drying, or let it air-dry partway before styling.