Most guys buy random products, use them wrong, and then blame their hair.
The truth is: styling products aren’t magic β€” they’re tools. If you pick the right tool and apply it correctly, your hair instantly looks more β€œexpensive” and intentional.

This guide breaks down the core styling products, when to use each, how to apply them, what to avoid, and why sea salt spray is the best β€œbase” product for most hairstyles.

The 2 rules that decide everything (before products)

Rule #1: Hair must be clean enough to style.
Dirty hair can look β€œtextured” for a while, but after a point it just looks flat, greasy, and soft. Most products also build up, so if you style daily, you need regular washing.

Rule #2: Condition = control.
If your hair feels rough, dry, or frizzy, you’ll overuse product to compensate. Conditioner isn’t optional β€” it’s what makes hair behave. If you want volume and texture without looking damaged, you need a clean + conditioned base.

Simple baseline:

  • Shampoo: 2–4x/week (more if oily / gym daily)

  • Conditioner: almost every wash (focus mid-length to ends)

  • Clarifying shampoo: 1x/week or every 10–14 days if you use product daily

1) Sea Salt Spray (Best Base Product)

What it does: texture + volume + grip + natural matte finish.
Sea salt spray mimics that β€œbeach hair” effect: slightly rougher strands = more structure.

Best for:

  • messy textured looks

  • modern curtains / middle part

  • fluffy volume

  • wavy hair enhancement

  • fine hair that needs grip

  • most β€œTikTok / clean aesthetic” hairstyles

When it fails:
If you overuse it or apply it to already dry hair with no conditioning, it can feel stiff/dry.

How to apply (correctly):

  1. Apply on damp hair (not dripping wet).

  2. 5–10 sprays depending on hair length (start low).

  3. Work it through with fingers, then blow-dry for real volume.

  4. Finish with a tiny bit of clay or powder if needed.

Sea salt spray alone can often give a full hairstyle if you blow-dry properly..

2) Hair Clay (Matte + strong hold)

What it does: structure + definition + hold, usually matte.
Clay is for β€œshape” β€” it locks in a style, especially with shorter hair.

Best for:

  • short to medium hair

  • textured crop

  • quiff that needs hold

  • sharp, clean messy looks

How to apply:

  1. Use a pea-sized amount first.

  2. Warm it in hands until invisible.

  3. Apply from back to front, roots to mid-length.

  4. Style with fingers for texture, comb for cleaner look.

Common mistake: using too much β†’ heavy, dull, greasy feel.

3) Pomade (Shine + sleek control)

What it does: sleekness + shine + β€œwet” or polished look.
Pomade is not for fluffy modern hair. It’s for controlled, classic styles.

Best for:

  • slick back

  • side part

  • classic clean haircuts

  • thick/coarse hair that needs control

How to apply:

  • very small amount

  • apply to slightly damp hair for shine

  • comb for precision

Note: If you’re going for modern β€œmatte texture”, pomade can make you look older or greasy fast.

4) Texture Powder (Instant volume + matte)

What it does: lifts roots + adds grit instantly.
Powder is like β€œcheat code volume” but easy to overdo.

Best for:

  • fine hair

  • flat roots

  • quick fixes during the day

  • adding lift after sea salt spray

How to apply:

  1. Use on dry hair only.

  2. Shake lightly into roots (don’t dump).

  3. Massage with fingers to activate.

Common mistake: powder every day without washing β†’ scalp buildup + dull hair.

The truth about β€œgood hair” (it’s mostly routine)

If you style daily but don’t wash/condition properly, every product will start to fail:

  • hair gets flat

  • scalp gets oily

  • texture becomes messy in a bad way

  • hairline looks worse

  • dandruff or irritation appears

Basic glow-up hair routine:

  • shampoo based on oiliness (not β€œonce a week” dogma)

  • conditioner to prevent dryness + frizz

  • leave-in conditioner (optional) if hair is dry

  • blow-dry for shape (this is huge)

Blow-drying is what separates β€œnice hair” from β€œrandom hair”.

Why Sea Salt Spray is the best product for most guys

Sea salt spray is #1 because it’s the best β€œfoundation”.

It improves:

  • volume

  • texture

  • control

  • hair shape

  • overall aesthetic

And it works with almost every hairstyle because it doesn’t force the hair into a fake look β€” it enhances what’s already there.

The best combo for 90% of modern hairstyles:
Sea Salt Spray (base) β†’ Blow-dry β†’ Small amount of Clay (finish)

This gives you:

  • natural texture

  • real hold

  • clean matte look

  • β€œeffort without looking like you tried too hard”

I reccomend to use Simpletic Sea Salt Spray meda by TOP Looksmaxxer Dillon Latham


(The Simpletics Sea Salt Spray, your go-to for waves that are effortlessly beachy and textured. This gentle spray, infused with real pink himalayan salt, gives your hair body, volume, and a tousled appearance to resemble a day by the sea. It accentuates curls, giving fine hair a fuller appearance, and provides a matte finish for a sophisticated yet carefree look. It is ideal for all hair types.

Simpletics Sea Salt Spray gives your hair a varied, undone look with just a few spritzes, while also defining the texture of your hair and simplifying style.)

A few quick product setups (copy-paste)

Fine hair / flat roots:
Sea salt spray β†’ blow-dry β†’ tiny powder at roots

Short textured crop:
Sea salt spray β†’ blow-dry β†’ clay to define (or just texture powder on dry hair)

Medium β€œfluffy” hair:
Sea salt spray β†’ blow-dry with fingers β†’ optional light clay

Sleek classic look:
Pomade β†’ comb β†’ light hairspray

Use Simpletic Products to get naturally texture looks and don’t damage your hair.

Keep Reading

Β© 2026 Glowup Utopia Blog.
Report abusePrivacy policyTerms of use
beehiivPowered by beehiiv