Haircare Products You Should Be Using

Male grooming isn’t just about taking care of your skin or maintaining a healthy beard; looking after your hair should also be a big part of your routine. Many men take a one-size-fits-all approach, using soap to wash it and the same hair gel they’ve used since they were teens. Nowadays, the world of hair care is rife with products all aimed at turning your barnet into the crowning glory of your overall style, but do you need them all? 

In this blog, we’ll explore the essential hair care products every man should have in his grooming arsenal, and how they can help you achieve your best look yet. From daily shampoos to styling creams and sea salt sprays, these products will not only keep your hair looking great but also ensure it’s strong and healthy from root to tip.

Shampoo, not soap

Firstly, let’s think about how we wash our hair. Yes, it might be convenient to use your body soap to quickly wash your hair in the shower, but soap is made up of entirely different stuff than shampoo. Soaps often have a higher pH level due to the fact that they’re designed for skin, so they’ll strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it brittle, dehydrated, and prone to breakage. Not just that, but soap could also leave a residue build up that can weigh your hair down and leave it looking less than luscious.

Obviously, shampoo is designed for hair and therefore contains ingredients that nourish and hydrate every strand, making hair healthier and stronger. For example, Bulldog’s Original Shampoo is specially formulated using sustainably sourced chicory root, a natural ingredient high in inulin that protects the hair and scalp, leaving each feeling nourished and moisturised. 

Styling products for the perfect barnet

Now you’ve got the right shampoo, you can focus on styling your healthy mane, but with what? Gel, pomade, spray? Let’s look at some of the options and see how they differ when it comes to styling:

Salt spray

One of our favourite styling products is our Original Hair Styling Salt Spray. Salt sprays have become a must-have product for men who want to go for an effortless, beachy look. Mimicking the effect of saltwater on hair, salt sprays add texture and volume to your tresses for a rugged, always-outdoors look. It has a slightly dehydrating quality , which gives that tousled, laid-back style synonymous with surfers and sun lovers. It can be particularly useful for men with thinning hair as it adds fullness and the appearance of thicker locks.

Salt sprays are super easy to use as well; just spray onto damp hair and work with your fingertips into your desired style. You can then let it dry naturally or blow dry for added volume. The finished look is designed to be a bit messy and unpolished without looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed.

Styling pomade

On the other end of the spectrum, we have styling pomade. This product has been part of the hair care arsenal for years, and is designed to give a more sleek and polished look like a quiff or pompadour, or a classic slicked-back style. The finish is shiny and smooth, providing a strong hold without making it look too hard and stiff.  Our Original Styling Pomade, for instance, contains 100% naturally derived styling agents, like candelilla and carnauba wax for hold, and responsibly sourced argan oil for shine. 

One of the reasons pomade has been such a staple of men’s hair care is that it’s easy to use and a little goes a long way. Put a small amount in your hand and use your palms to warm it up before applying it to your hair. You can use it on damp or dry hair, meaning it’s a versatile addition to your bathroom cabinet. Gone are the days of crunchy hair, replaced with a product that adds definition and hold without dryness.

Styling cream

For a light to medium hold, you should consider a styling cream. Stylish creams differ from gels and waxes in that they create a soft and touchable finish but with the control you need to maintain your desired style. They also contain ingredients that will help retain moisture and condition the hair - our Original Hair Styling Cream, for example, contains shea butter as its hero ingredients, which is known for its moisturising properties.

Another easy-to-use product, styling cream just needs to be worked evenly into damp or dry hair with your fingertips. Styling creams are so lightweight that you can layer it if your chosen look requires a little more hold, and it won’t leave the hair feeling heavy with residue.

So there you have it - three products for a lifetime of hair styling, so why not get in front of the mirror and start experimenting with your style?