Whether on Instagram or in real life, for a man’s hairstyle to start collecting “likes”, they need a haircut with a finish that blends well with the look you’ve created. Here’s a rundown on shiny, matte and natural ways to cap off any style.
Put a Shine On it
When the barbering trend took the hairstyling industry by storm about four years ago, the style of choice was the very slicked back, super-shiny hair mostly associated with, and reminiscent of, the ’50s pompadour. “The biggest influence on the scene then was the Schorem barbers from Rotterdam. The look was very retro, and it also became the signature of their brand, Reuzel,” says Simon Parent, founder of Revolution & Style, a Canadian distributor specializing in the men’s market.“There are a lot more options out there you might want to explore if you’re a men’s hairstylist or barber,” says Michel Moreau, a member of the KMS Canadian artistic team.
“We’re actually moving away from cookie-cutter trends and working more along the lines of what image your client wants to project.” Mood is actually an important factor when deciding on a hairstyle finish, so, you might decide to create something with more sheen on one section of the haircut—for instance the sides—and create a more natural texture and finish on the top.”
Au Naturel
Straight out of London—one of the world’s top cities when it comes to hairstyling trends—the androgynous look with a natural texture is making waves. “People are looking for natural- looking, more textured hair with just a bit of control [and it’s leading to us] selling more gel than in the last 10 years,” says Parent. Among the product heroes in this category: Organic “no fuss” products, as well as finishing products that combine flexibility and control, such as Fiber Cream from American Crew, which also provides hair with re ned texture and a natural sheen.
Worth noting is the fact that some of these styling products are meant to be applied onto damp hair and dried out naturally, which will enhance the natural finish.It’s rare that men’s cuts and finishes end up in influencing women’s hairstyling trends, but it’s happening with shorter, androgynous styles that display more volume at the crown and a naturally-dried look. “We are witnessing a combination of barbering and classic hairstyling techniques, where the hair on the top of the head is longer, and the sides can show a subtle fade,” says Moreau. “This is for the client who wants more texture and definitely a more natural finish.” Some millennials love the ease of this styling trend and are opting to bypass the hair dryer altogether.
Make it Matte
Because mattifying products give hair more grip, thickness and texture, this is a finishing option that many men with thinning hair will love. But, keep in mind if you’re a fan that powders and dry shampoos tend to produce a “crunchy” texture and a very “done” look that not every client will be comfortable with—particularly if they’re not the high- fashion type.A great option for creating a matte finish that’s more malleable is fiber foam,” which gives a good hold and is well suited to longer hair, says Parent. “The longer it actually is, the more you’ll want to work with a pliable, supple product.”
For Moreau, “clay pomades and sea salt sprays are great if you want a matte finish that’s not as ‘dry-looking’ as a powder. I use the Sea Salt Spray from KMS immediately after I rinse the shampoo and I really love the gritty finish it creates. It’s a lived-in look that’s very trendy right now.”
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