Trying to recreate hairstyles you see on the internet can be fun, but it can also be a bit frustrating when you think you’ve done everything right and the ‘do just won’t hold. Most of the time, what they don’t tell you in those hair tutorial videos is that they’ve used a ton of products to set everything in place and make it look perfect. 

So, what hair styling product should you use? Should you go for gel? Or hairspray? There’s wax and pomade, too, as if the first two weren’t confusing enough, to begin with. If you’re confused about which one to use and what makes each one different, check out this quick but comprehensive post. 

Gel 

Gel is one of the most popular hair styling products out there that many consider to be a great go-to whenever they’re looking for something that will give them a good hold that can last for hours on end. It’s also one of the best styling products for fine hair since its jelly-like consistency offers great coverage. This hair styling product is ideal if you’re aiming to create a hairstyle that needs to look neat and fresh. 

When you hear the word “gel,” a sticky, gooey substance may come to mind. If you’re not a fan of that, though, you should definitely try using a gel spray like the Sebastian Professional Gel Forte Strong Hold Gel. It’s one of the best styling gel for men that not only gives a strong hold but volumizes hair as well. Gel sprays are easier to use and less messy since you don’t have to scoop it right out of the tub. 

Hairspray 

Hairspray is another popular hairstyling product that lots of professionals reach for when creating looks for their clients. It’s a quick and easy fix for little strands of baby hairs that have gone astray and it works wonders in making hair rock hard and set in place as well. Lots of people think that hairspray makes hair look unnatural and stiff but today’s hairspray formulations have improved and you can now get hairsprays that offer a strong hold while still allowing your hair to move naturally. 

There are even multi-tasking hairsprays now that offer hold and other benefits to your hair as well. For example, there’s the Joico K-Pak Protective Hairspray that keeps your hair in place and protects it from damage and the Farouk Biosilk Volumizing Therapy Hairspray that helps set your hair and add volume to it. 

Wax 

For short to mid-length hair that needs a good amount of hold for a short period of time only, wax is the best. Made of lanolin wax, beeswax, or a combination of both, hair wax for men is great for those who are looking for something that’s not as sticky as gel and won’t turn your hair rock hard as hairspray would. 

Looking to take the natural route with your hair care products? Wax would be great since most of the ingredients used in them are natural. Most hair wax for men are alcohol-free as well so it’s less drying and less damaging to the scalp and hair, even when you use it on a daily basis. 

Pomade 

People think pomade is for the oldies but that’s not true at all. Pomade is actually one of the best and most effective products that you can use for a stronghold that lasts all day. While it’s true that it used to be something only your uncle or your grandpa would use (check out the cool retro packaging on this one to boot), there are pomades that you can buy today that are much more modern in terms of packaging and formulation.