Best Hair Products for Men by Hair Type and Length

The right hair product depends on two things: your hair type and how long your hair is. A product that works well on short, thick hair can look flat or heavy on fine hair, and the reverse is also true. Use this guide to match the product to your hair, then check the finish you want.

Step 1: Know Your Hair Type

  • Fine or thin strands: Individual hairs feel soft and light. Hair can go flat easily and show product buildup quickly.
  • Thick or coarse strands: Hair feels dense and strong. It usually needs more hold to stay in place.
  • Wavy or curly: Hair bends, waves or coils. It tends to feel drier and needs products that add texture without stiffness.
  • Straight: Hair falls flat and holds a shape well once styled.

Step 2: Pick a Finish

  • Matte: No shine. Looks natural and textured.
  • Natural: A little sheen without looking styled.
  • High shine: A polished, slicked look.

Best Products by Hair Type

Fine Hair

Choose light products and use small amounts. Volumizing powder adds lift at the roots without weighing hair down. Sea salt spray adds grip and texture. Avoid heavy, high-shine pomades, which can make fine hair look flat. See our volumizing powder guide.

Thick or Coarse Hair

Thick hair needs more hold. Matte clay and extra hold pomade give firm control. Styling paste works well if you want hold you can still reshape. See our clay vs pomade vs paste guide.

Wavy or Curly Hair

Look for flexible products that add definition without stiffness. Matte cream gives soft, natural control. Leave-in conditioner adds lightweight moisture before styling. See our leave-in conditioner guide.

Straight Hair

Straight hair holds shape well, so you can go in almost any direction. Matte pomade gives a clean, structured look with no shine. High shine pomade gives a classic slicked style.

Best Products by Hair Length

  • Short hair (crops, fades, buzz-adjacent cuts): Matte clay, matte pomade or volumizing powder. Use a pea-sized amount.
  • Medium hair (quiffs, side parts, textured tops): Styling paste, matte cream or clay. Add sea salt spray first for extra grip.
  • Long hair: Leave-in conditioner for softness, sea salt spray for texture, and matte cream for light control.

Quick Chooser

  • Want volume: Volumizing powder.
  • Want a natural, messy look: Sea salt spray or matte cream.
  • Want strong hold, no shine: Matte clay or matte pomade.
  • Want a flexible hold: Styling paste.
  • Want a slick, shiny style: High shine pomade.
  • Want softer, easier-to-style hair: Leave-in conditioner.

Tips for Any Hair

  • Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
  • Warm the product in your palms before applying.
  • Wash styling products out at the end of the day so they don't build up.
  • If you're between two products, try the lighter one first.

Not sure where to start? Browse the full Jones Horizon range or try a bundle to test two products together. Free shipping over $40 CAD.

FAQ

What is the best hair product for fine hair? Light products work best. Volumizing powder and sea salt spray add lift and texture without weighing hair down.

What is the best hair product for thick hair? Thick hair usually needs firmer hold. Matte clay and pomade are good starting points.

What should I use for curly hair? Flexible products like matte cream, plus a leave-in conditioner for softness, are good options.

What is the difference between clay, pomade and paste? Clay gives strong hold with a matte finish, pomade gives hold with either a matte or shiny finish, and paste gives flexible hold. Our comparison guide explains more.

Can I mix hair products? Yes. Many people use sea salt spray first for texture, then a clay, paste or cream for hold. Use small amounts of each.