In Excess: The Best Men's Hair Styling Products for Long Hair

No longer the exclusive domain of rockers, surfers and skateboarders, longer men’s hairstyles have been experiencing a red-blooded renaissance in the mainstream for some time now. Men of all persuasions and backgrounds are eschewing regular cuts and trims in favour of greater growth and lengthy lustrous locks.

You may be a newly proselytised adopter of a matured mane or a long-time possessor of well-tended tresses. Whichever the case, longer men’s hairstyles enter into a whole different ballpark when it comes to styling and maintenance over cuts of lesser lengths.

Putting the endless array of longer hairstyles aside for a moment, let’s address long hair care and wear. If we take a general point of inspiration as Brad Pitt at full-grown moments versus say, Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons, we can bet that the former falls closer to your overall aesthetic objective.

While longer men’s hair generally calls for a lighter touch in the styling department, it can be more prone to a number of foes. Brittle dryness, untamed flyaways, grease and oil build-up, tangled strands, lacklustre shape and split ends are some common problems faced by men with longer locks. While the right shampoo (used sparingly) and conditioner (applied generously), and the occasional trim can assist to combat these pesky annoyances, a sleek selection of styling products can work wonders for a lengthier hairstyle and keep you looking lit each and every day.

In consultation with the MEN’S BIZ barber crew, scroll on for the best styling products for men’s long hairstyles.

American Crew Tech Series Texture Foam

A styling foam that provides shape and manageability, resulting in smooth and supple longer locks. Apply a moderate amount to damp hair and evenly distribute the foam from the roots to the ends. Allow hair to air dry naturally.

Hold: Flexible medium soft

Finish: Medium shine

Scent: Fresh minty aroma

Notable achievements: 2018 Men’s Health Grooming Awards Winner for Best Hair Product

Hanz de Fuko Hybridized Wax

A water-based Hybridized Wax that provides a malleable medium hold with a natural ‘satin’ shine. Use on wet hair for a moist look or dry hair for humidity resistance and natural shine.

Hold: Medium

Finish: Medium shine

Scent: Fresh mint aroma

Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream

A non-greasy cream that provides long-lasting flexible control and anti-frizz benefits. Its rich conditioning formula makes it ideal for dry, damaged, normal, coarse, thick or wavy hair. Work a small amount into lightly damp or dry hair and style as desired.

Hold: Flexible light hold

Finish: Natural shine

Scent: Rosemary and olive fruit fragrance

American Crew Tech Series Boost Spray

A styling prep spray that boosts hair from the roots, creating volume and lift with a matte finish. Also absorbs excess oil resulting in refreshed and cleaner hair. Lift hair at the roots and spray 20-25cm from dry or damp hair, applying directly to the hair roots.

Hold: No hold (preparatory hairspray)

Finish: Mattefying

Scent: Mint fragrance

Layrite Natural Matte Cream

A lightweight, water-based shaping cream particularly effective at taming frizz and flyaways. Adds control to longer hair lengths, and to waves and curls. Scoop a small amount into palms and apply evenly through damp or dry hair and style as desired. The drier the hair, the higher the hold.

Hold: Pliable medium

Finish: Soft matte

Scent: Mild sweet vanilla fragrance

Triumph & Disaster Ponsonby Pomade

A water-based pomade perfect for shaping medium to long hairstyles, and best suited to thicker hair types. It’s non-greasy and washes out easily. Work a small amount into dry or damp hair and style as desired.

Hold: Medium

Finish: High shine

Scent: Old fashioned cola aroma

American Crew Tech Series Control Foam

A strong hold foam that adds volume, control and texture. Perfectly suited to longer hair lengths. Shake product vigorously before using. Apply a moderate amount to damp hair, evenly distributing the foam from the hair roots to the ends. Allow to air dry naturally or style with a hairdryer as desired.

Hold: Flexible strong hold

Finish: Medium shine

Scent: Classic barbershop aroma

Layrite Grooming Spray

A multi-purpose spray offering longer hairstyles flexible hold without weight or residue. Particularly effective at taming frizz and flyaways. Liberally mist into towel-dried hair and style as desired. Can also be styled into place with a blow dryer.

Hold: Flexible low hold

Finish: Low shine

Scent: Pleasant fragrance reminiscent of vanilla

Triumph & Disaster Fibre Royale

A blended fibre of Beeswax, Argan Oil and Kawakawa that provides strength and high hold without adding volume or dulling natural shine. Perfect for medium to long hairstyles, and best suited to thicker hair types. Work a small amount into dry or damp hair and style as desired.

Hold: Flexible high hold

Finish: Natural

Scent: Fragrance of Ho Wood bark, orange rind and pine needle extracts

American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion

A light hold lotion particularly well suited to fine or thin hair. Provides subtle control to make hair softer and thicker in volume without looking over styled. Apply a small amount to the hands and distribute evenly through towel dried hair. Use on dry hair for added thickness and hold.

Hold: Light hold

Finish: Natural low shine

Scent: Lanolin-based aroma

Geo. F. Trumper Limes Hair Cream

A light hold hair cream that offers natural control without leaving hair plastered down or greasy. Rub a small amount of product into the palms of your hands and apply to damp or dry hair. Applying to wet hair will provide a wet-look finish. Applying to dry hair will give more of a matte-natural look.

Hold: Light

Finish: Low shine

Scent: Zest of West Indian Limes

For more hardworking hair product well suited to men’s long hairstyles: