By Antonio Gonzales, a stylist with Orlo Salon in New York City. Get more hairstyling tips at Antonio's Website, http://hairbyantonio.blogspot.com/.
Great haircuts need great hair care products to complete the look and show them off. After 12 years of styling men's hair, I decided to put together a list of my all time favorite hair products that will compliment any haircut. Enjoy!
1. UPPER MANAGEMENT GEL BY KISS MY FACE
This gel is from a product line that is readily available in natural markets. It is a gel with natural ingredients, great hold and nice packaging. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this product. The hold and shine were good, the smell was decent and it doesn't flake. All you need is a little on the root and there you have it, hold! Would you believe it's also inexpensive?!
2. ILLUMINATING POLISH BY ALFAPARF
It seems like waxes are always too hard or take forever to shampoo out. This is a super soft wax that is good for the hair, has a great smell and easy to apply. It works great on short, fine or thick hair. I like using this product for creating texture on short haircuts because it doesn't have a Super Glue feel or effect and it is easily removed from the hair with one shampoo.
3. ART OF HAIR SHAPE PASTE BY SHU UEMURA
I have used up to fifteen different pastes in the past ten years and this product is the best by far. The product is nicely packaged, smells clean and a tiny bit goes a long way. I can use this product on all hair types as well. It even works well on damp hair. But most importantly, it goes on easily, washes off easily, and delivers great hold. Guys, I've heard the ladies love the smell too!
4. TONIC SPRAY BY BUMBLE & BUMBLE
This light, leave-in conditioner is a must have for men. First, it’s a super light leave-in conditioner so you can skip that extra step in the shower. It's great for the man on the go. Just shampoo towel dry and spray. It can also be used to refresh your hair after work before an evening out on the town. Because of the tea tree oil, it’s great for the scalp and smells like ahhhh!!!
5. GELLAC BY BUMBLE & BUMBLE
Bumble and bumble did it again with a product that surpasses all of my expectations. Gellac is one of the most fun, creative products that I’ve used since the Xtah line by Sebastian. I used Gellac on myself to see what the hype was all about. Think of this product as a glass-like super strong gel that can hold for 12 hours or longer. Wow!
6. TEA TREE SHAMPOO BY PAUL MITCHELL
This company brings great hair care to men on a budget. Moreover, I love this shampoo to soothe the scalp after a long day. From the tingle on the scalp to the smell and the squeaky clean feel, its one of my all time favorites.
