A well kept bed of hair needn’t dampen your morning routine, because it speaks volumes about your gentlemanly personality. With so many products on the shelves today, from pomades to salt sprays for the perfectly coifed or trendy bed-head, we’ve snipped out the strays to give you the 10 essentials for any budget.
Aesop Violet Leaf Hair Balm, 60ml: A favourite alternative to wax formulations, it delivers volume and hold without leaving your hair greasy or sticky. Apply a small amount to the ends of dry or damp hair to tame unruly, coarse and dry hair.
Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo, 50ml: Don’t be put off by the dry shampoo, as it may be your best ally during a hectic week. It rids of excess sebum and adds volume to limp hair with a matte finish. Better still, it works within half a minute – spray 30cm away from hair and on its roots, leave for 10 seconds and massage into the scalp. Hey presto!
Kératase Homme Capital Force Ultra-fixing Densifying Gel, 200ml: Packed with revitalising taurine to prevent deformation of the hair bulb, the densifying gel provides hair mass for those who want fuller looking hair. Other active ingredients also include biotin for oil balance, ceramide for hair restoration and arginine to stimulate hair substance. A smart hair gel, come to think of it.
Toni & Guy Men Messy Salt Spray, 200ml: The beachy surfers hair is just a couple sprays away without the fuss of a putty or clay. Adding texture to medium to long hair, Toni & Guy’s salt spray is best suited for oily hair, so use sparingly if your hair happens to be drier.
Patricks M2 Matte Finish Medium Hold Pomade, 75ml: If you’re lucky enough to sport thick hair, you’ll probably do anything to keep hair loss at bay. This medium hold pomade is formulated with red clover, sage and saw palmetto to nourish the hair and scalp thereby minimising hair loss. The UV-resistant product has a subtle sandalwood scent that can be easily worked through dry or damp hair – reapply for extra strength or texture.
Kiehl’s Heat-Protective Silk Straightening Cream, 150ml: Created especially for wavy, frizzy, or curly hair in need of smoothing, Kiehl’s cream helps smooth hair and tame frizz without weighing hair down whilst protecting the hair from breakage. After applying evenly through roots-to-ends, blow-dry with a comb. A must-have for sharp side-parted hairstyles.
Pankhurst London Defining Serum, 100ml: This defining serum is ideal for styling mid-length hair, whether you’re opting for a quiff or want to add subtle body to slick styles. Pankhurst London’s carefully developed products reflect classic British style and attitude. After towel drying, apply a 10p-sized amount to your palms. Style with a comb or your fingers for effortlessly dapper results, gentlemen.
American Crew Alternator Finishing Spray, 100ml: For gents whose hairstyle chops and changes on the daily, this finishing spray is a favourite, providing flexible style that gives you control of your image all day. Apply liberally to damp or dry hair and style as desired. Apply once, style anytime. The bonus? No pomade, clay, gel or serum is required.
L’Oreal Paris Studio Line Rework Out of Bed Fibre Cream, 150ml: A favourite by many, L’Oreal’s fibre cream allows easy styling and reworking throughout the day. Hair looks casual and defined, perfect for those wanting to rock the just-out-of-bed look – a trend which shows no signs of limping any time soon.
Buly 1803 Horn-effect Acetate Folding Comb: And finally, an essential for any gentleman on the go, the folding comb. Buly 1803’s handcrafted hair combs are made in Switzerland, discretely stamped with a polished gold signature. The reddish horn-effect colourway is an ageless choice. A favourite for those who want to keep a kempt no matter where your travels take you…
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