Men’s Hair Styling Tutorials — Step-by-Step Guides
Men’s Hair Styling — Where to Start
The right styling technique depends on three things: your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, or coily), your hair length, and the look you want to achieve. Most men’s styles require only 2–3 products and 5–10 minutes. Start with the guides below for your chosen style, then experiment once you’ve got the basics down.
- Always apply products to damp (not soaking wet) hair for best results
- Start with less product — you can always add more, not less
- A good blow-dryer is the most underrated styling tool for men
Step-by-Step Styling Guides
How to Style Slick Back Hair
The slick back is one of the most polished men’s styles — all your hair swept back with pomade or gel. Works best with straight or slightly wavy hair that’s at least 3 inches long on top. See the full 4-step slick back guide →
How to Style a Man Bun
A man bun requires at least 6–8 inches of hair and a hair elastic. The key steps are using a blow-dryer for volume, applying texturizing paste for grip, and pulling the hair into a ponytail before forming the bun. See the full 5-step man bun guide →
How to Style a Pompadour
A pompadour sweeps the hair up and back from the forehead for height and volume. You’ll need a medium-hold pomade, a blow-dryer, and a round brush. The blow-drying technique is what creates the lift. See all 160 pompadour styles →
How to Style Curly Hair
Curly hair styling is about moisture and definition, not product weight. Apply curl cream to damp hair, scrunch upward, and either diffuse or air-dry. Avoid brushing when dry — always use a wide-tooth comb when wet. See the full curly hair guide →
How to Maintain a Fade
A fade isn’t a style you can maintain at home — it requires a barber. But knowing your terminology means you can get consistent results: high fade, mid fade, low fade, skin fade, drop fade. Explore 55 fade styles →
Essential Styling Products for Men
- Pomade (water-based): Medium shine, medium hold. Good for pompadours, slick backs, side parts. Washes out easily.
- Pomade (oil-based): High shine, strong hold. Traditional barber product. Harder to wash out — shampoo twice.
- Clay: Matte finish, medium-strong hold. Great for textured, natural-looking styles.
- Sea salt spray: Adds texture and wave definition. Best for wavy or loosely curly hair.
- Curl cream: Defines and moisturises curls. Apply to damp hair, scrunch, air-dry.
- Hairspray: Use as a finisher to lock a style in place. Choose flexible hold, not rigid.