Most guys buy random products, use them wrong, and then blame their hair.
The truth is: styling products aren’t magic — they’re tools. If you pick the right tool and apply it correctly, your hair instantly looks more “expensive” 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 “base” 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 “textured” 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 — 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 “beach 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 “TikTok / 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):
Apply on damp hair (not dripping wet).
5–10 sprays depending on hair length (start low).
Work it through with fingers, then blow-dry for real volume.
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 “shape” — 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:
Use a pea-sized amount first.
Warm it in hands until invisible.
Apply from back to front, roots to mid-length.
Style with fingers for texture, comb for cleaner look.
Common mistake: using too much → heavy, dull, greasy feel.
3) Pomade (Shine + sleek control)
What it does: sleekness + shine + “wet” 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 “matte 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 “cheat 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:
Use on dry hair only.
Shake lightly into roots (don’t dump).
Massage with fingers to activate.
Common mistake: powder every day without washing → scalp buildup + dull hair.
The truth about “good 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 “once 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 “nice hair” from “random hair”.
Why Sea Salt Spray is the best product for most guys
Sea salt spray is #1 because it’s the best “foundation”.
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 — it enhances what’s already there.
The best combo for 90% of modern hairstyles:
Sea Salt Spray (base) → Blow-dry → Small amount of Clay (finish)
This gives you:
natural texture
real hold
clean matte look
“effort 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 → blow-dry → tiny powder at roots
Short textured crop:
Sea salt spray → blow-dry → clay to define (or just texture powder on dry hair)
Medium “fluffy” hair:
Sea salt spray → blow-dry with fingers → optional light clay
Sleek classic look:
Pomade → comb → light hairspray
Use Simpletic Products to get naturally texture looks and don’t damage your hair.