Start with the right wash
Most styling problems start in the shower. Harsh shampoos strip the natural oils that give hair its weight and shine, which leaves it dry, fluffy and hard to control. A sulfate-free shampoo cleans without the squeak, and a light conditioner on the ends keeps everything manageable.
You do not need to wash every day. Two or three times a week is enough for most hair types, with a rinse and a quick restyle on the days in between. If your hair is light or grey, a purple shampoo like Slick Gorilla No Yellow once a week keeps brassy tones at bay.
Choose your hold
The product you reach for should match the finish you want, not the other way round. For a natural, matte look with plenty of texture, a styling powder such as L3VEL3 Styling Powder or Slick Gorilla Hair Styling Powder gives lift at the roots with almost no weight.
For more definition, a clay or paste adds hold while keeping the matte finish. Clays suit shorter, textured styles. Pomades give a cleaner, slightly glossier look for side partings and slicked-back styles. If you are unsure, our barbers will tell you honestly what will and will not work for your hair.
Finish with care
Less is more. Start with a pea-sized amount, warm it between your palms and work it through from the back to the front. You can always add a little more, but you cannot take it out.
A sea salt spray on damp hair before you dry adds body and grip, so the product you use afterwards has something to hold on to. Finish with your fingers rather than a comb for a lived-in look, or a comb for something sharper.
Make it a habit
A good routine takes about three minutes. Wash well, choose the right hold, apply lightly. Do that most days and the right haircut will look good from the first morning to the next visit.
