Achieving salon-quality hair at home is easier with the right products. Barbers know what works best for different hair types and styles. Here are 12 barber-recommended products that can help maintain healthy, stylish hair.
1. American Crew Fiber
A staple in the arsenal of many professional barbers, American Crew Fiber stands out for its ability to provide a strong yet pliable hold, coupled with a natural matte finish. This versatile styling paste is ideal for creating texture and definition, particularly suited for those with shorter hair lengths ranging from 1 to 3 inches. Its fiber-like consistency allows it to mold and sculpt hair effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for achieving rugged, disheveled looks or trendy, modern styles.
One of the product’s key benefits is its ability to add thickness and volume to hair, which is especially useful for individuals with fine or thinning hair. Additionally, despite its firm hold, it avoids leaving hair stiff or rigid, maintaining a naturally soft, touchable appearance. To use American Crew Fiber effectively, warm a small amount of product between your palms until it softens, then distribute it evenly through towel-dried or dry hair. Work it into the hair from root to tip, ensuring a clean, well-groomed look with lasting hold throughout the day.
American Crew Fiber is known for its subtle, masculine fragrance—a fresh, understated scent that won’t clash with cologne or aftershave. Its water-based formulation makes it easy to rinse out, leaving no greasy residue behind. Highly recommended for those looking to create textured, impactful hairstyles without excessive shine, this barber-approved product is a must-have for men seeking a polished but effortlessly cool aesthetic.
2. Suavecito Pomade
Renowned for its performance and versatility, Suavecito Pomade has become an essential tool in creating classic, retro-inspired hairstyles. This water-based pomade offers an impressive firm hold, designed specifically for sleek, structured looks such as slick backs, side parts, and the timeless pompadour. It tames flyaways and adds a refined sheen to hair, making it a favorite product in iconic grooming hubs like New York Barbershop locations.
One of the standout features of Suavecito Pomade is its effortless application. Thanks to its smooth, creamy texture, the pomade glides through the hair evenly without tugging or pulling, creating a polished finish in just minutes. Its hold is strong enough to keep styles in place throughout the day while allowing for minor adjustments without stiffness or flaking. The product is equally compatible with fine, medium, or thick hair, allowing men with various textures to achieve an impeccable, tailored appearance.
What sets Suavecito apart is its water-soluble formula, which combines the benefits of strong hold and simple cleanup. Unlike oil-based pomades, it washes out easily with water, leaving no residue behind, which reduces buildup and keeps hair feeling clean. It also boasts an iconic, nostalgically sweet scent—capturing hints of creamy vanilla and citrus—that has earned it a loyal following.
To use, start with a dime-sized amount, warm it between your hands, and apply to slightly damp hair for maximum control. Style with a comb for sharp, defined edges, or use fingers for a softer, more relaxed effect. Suavecito Pomade is the perfect companion for anyone striving to achieve the precision of retro barbering with the convenience and performance of modern grooming.
3. Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Baxter of California Clay Pomade is a top-tier product designed to bring volume, texture, and a natural finish to fine hair. Its unique clay-based formula sets it apart, offering a malleable, flexible hold that allows you to rework your style throughout the day without losing shape. This pomade is ideal for those who want a natural, matte look without the overly shiny or greasy appearance that some other products might leave behind.
The clay’s texture also works wonders in adding density to finer hair, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking both style and substance. Infused with a carefully curated blend of ingredients, Baxter of California ensures that this pomade not only enhances your hairstyle but also nourishes your hair. To use, simply warm a small amount of the product between your fingers, ensuring even distribution, and work it into dry or slightly damp hair. Whether you’re going for a well-groomed, professional look or something more casual and tousled, this versatile product rises to the occasion.
4. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo is a revitalizing, invigorating experience in a bottle. Known for its refreshing and cleansing properties, it is specially crafted to rejuvenate both your scalp and hair. The key ingredient, tea tree oil, is renowned for its natural antiseptic attributes, helping to reduce dryness, flakiness, and irritation while maintaining the scalp’s natural moisture balance. The shampoo also includes peppermint and lavender, which not only enhance the sensory experience with a cooling and calming effect but also leave your hair smelling exceptionally fresh.
This carefully formulated shampoo helps to unclog hair follicles, promoting healthy growth while gently removing impurities and buildup. It’s ideal for daily use and suitable for all hair types, particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive scalps. Lather a small amount into wet hair, massage it into your scalp to stimulate circulation, and rinse thoroughly. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo offers a spa-like experience in every wash, leaving your hair clean, soft, and full of vitality.
5. Andis T-Outliner Trimmer
The Andis T-Outliner Trimmer stands as a gold standard in professional grooming tools, widely embraced by barbers and stylists across the world, including the bustling barbershops of New York. This trimmer is engineered for precision, making it a go-to choice for crisp edging, detailed designs, and flawless finishing. Equipped with a high-speed, magnetic motor, it delivers consistent power for smooth, tug-free performance, even on thick or coarse hair. The T-blade, crafted from fine-cutting carbon steel, is specially designed for close cutting and can be zero-gapped for ultra-sharp lines.
Whether you’re sharpening a beard, tapering sideburns, or designing intricate patterns, the Andis T-Outliner ensures accuracy and control. Aside from its cutting-edge functionality, the ergonomic design offers comfort during prolonged use, reducing hand fatigue for professionals handling multiple clients. To ensure peak performance, regular blade oiling and cleaning are recommended. Durable, reliable, and highly efficient, the Andis T-Outliner Trimmer is an indispensable tool for achieving barbershop-caliber results every time.
6. Beardbrand Beard Oil
For impeccable beard maintenance, Beardbrand Beard Oil is a must-have grooming product, meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of men seeking a soft, itch-free, and well-maintained beard. One of the standout qualities of this oil is its ability to soften facial hair, which can often become coarse and unruly. By deeply moisturizing each strand from root to tip, it ensures an even, polished appearance that transforms dry and brittle facial hair into a silky, touchable beard.
Beyond its ability to soften, Beardbrand Beard Oil is instrumental in preventing the irritation and itchiness often experienced during beard growth. It works by hydrating the underlying skin, reducing dryness and flakes that can cause discomfort over time. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue. Its subtle, sophisticated scent enhances the grooming experience, adding an extra touch of luxury to your daily regimen.
Consistently using Beardbrand Beard Oil promotes not only the health of your beard but also its aesthetic appeal. It minimizes frizz and flyaways, making it easier to style and maintain a neat, well-groomed look. Whether you have a short stubble or a full-length beard, this oil elevates your beard game, offering a professional-grade finish that earns admiration.
7. Layrite Cement Clay
Layrite Cement Clay is the ultimate solution for achieving high-hold styling with maximum versatility. This top-tier styling clay is specially formulated to provide incredible grip and texture for a wide variety of messy and casual hairstyles. One of its key features is its ability to deliver powerful hold without sacrificing flexibility, allowing you to restyle throughout the day without stiffness or heaviness.
This clay creates distinctly textured looks with a strong matte finish that does not reflect too much shine, making it ideal for those preferring a natural, understated aesthetic. Perfect for short or medium-length hair, Layrite Cement Clay excels at defining and emphasizing layers, waves, or tousled styles. Unlike many heavy styling products, it leaves hair soft to the touch, avoiding the stiff, crunchy feel that can detract from a look’s appeal.
The water-based formula is another advantage, ensuring that the product washes out with ease without leaving any sticky or greasy residue behind. Layrite Cement Clay stands out for its ability to maintain styles, even in challenging conditions like humid weather, ensuring your look stays polished throughout the day. Whether you’re chasing a modern runway-inspired style or a timeless, effortlessly disheveled look, this clay offers the perfect balance between control and freedom.
8. Wahl Professional 5-Star Clipper
Renowned for its reliability and professional-grade performance, the Wahl Professional 5-Star Clipper is a key tool for achieving smooth, even, and precision-driven haircuts. Designed with both barbers and stylists in mind, this clipper represents the gold standard of durability and expertise, making it a staple in barbershops worldwide.
One of the defining features of this clipper is its powerful rotary motor, capable of delivering consistent and smooth cutting action through various hair types and lengths. The precision-engineered blades ensure clean, sharp cuts that require minimal effort, providing the perfect foundation for fades, tapers, and other intricate styles. Its versatility allows for both bulk hair removal and detailed grooming, making it suitable for a wide range of styling techniques.
The Wahl Professional 5-Star Clipper is not just about performance; it emphasizes ease of use as well. The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and precise handling, reducing fatigue during long styling sessions. Additionally, the clipper comes equipped with a variety of accessories, including attachment combs for customizable cutting lengths and maintenance tools to ensure longevity.
Known for its trusted reputation in the grooming industry, the Wahl Professional 5-Star Clipper is a long-term investment for anyone seeking flawless, professional-quality haircuts. Whether you’re a seasoned New York barber or an at-home groomer, this clipper provides the power and precision needed to achieve exceptional results with every use.
9. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a revolutionary product designed to add incredible volume and lift to flat, lifeless hair. This texturizing spray is more than just a styling aid—it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking to create a fuller, more dynamic hairstyle without the need for teasing or heavy products. Formulated with patented polymers, it absorbs excess oil at the roots, leaving hair feeling fresh and clean while simultaneously adding body and texture. The lightweight formula ensures that hair remains touchable and soft, never weighed down or stiff.
Perfect for achieving big, glamorous styles or even subtle, natural volume, this spray works exceptionally well on all hair types and lengths. Additionally, the signature Oribe scent—a luxurious blend of citrus, bergamot, and sandalwood—makes each use a sensorial experience. Whether you’re creating a blowout with exceptional lift or a textured updo, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is the ultimate tool in your hairstyling arsenal.
10. Jack Black Hair & Scalp Conditioner
Jack Black Hair & Scalp Conditioner is a multitasking product that strikes the perfect balance between hydration and healthy scalp care. This nourishing formula is enriched with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and peppermint, which work together to soothe the scalp, reduce irritation, and promote a healthy environment for hair growth. The lightweight yet deeply moisturizing conditioner helps combat dryness, tames frizz, and improves manageability, leaving hair soft, smooth, and shiny.
Its formula is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or a preference for clean grooming products. Infused with a refreshing, energizing scent, this conditioner leaves hair feeling invigorated and smelling great. Whether used as part of a daily routine or as a deep conditioning treatment, Jack Black Hair & Scalp Conditioner elevates hair care by combining hydration, scalp health, and effortless styling benefits.
11. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is the ultimate product for recreating effortlessly chic, beachy waves without stepping foot in the sand. This lightweight salt-infused spray gives hair a textured, tousled look with just the right amount of hold. Perfect for wavy, curly, or even straight hair, it enhances natural texture and adds movement, creating a laid-back, undone style synonymous with summertime vibes. The salt in the formula mimics the effects of ocean water, giving hair a matte finish with subtle volume that looks natural yet polished.
Additionally, the spray is packed with conditioning ingredients to prevent the drying effect of traditional salt sprays, ensuring hair remains soft and touchable. The versatile formula can be applied to damp hair for a more pronounced wave or to dry hair for a quick and easy boost of texture. Ideal for day-to-night styles, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray delivers a carefree, beach-inspired hairstyle that looks effortlessly stunning.
12. Aveda Men Pure-Formance Pomade
The Aveda Men Pure-Formance Pomade is a premium, plant-based styling product that combines natural ingredients with effective performance. Designed specifically for men’s grooming needs, this pomade delivers medium hold while maintaining a natural finish, making it ideal for those seeking polished yet flexible hairstyles. Whether you’re looking to achieve neat, professional looks or more casual, textured styles, this pomade adapts seamlessly to your preferences.
One of the key features of the Aveda Men Pure-Formance Pomade is its formulation. Enriched with botanical extracts, including hydrating plant oils and natural conditioners, the product not only styles hair effortlessly but also nourishes it, promoting overall hair health. It’s free from harsh chemicals, ensuring that it works gently on the hair and scalp to prevent dryness or irritation. The lightweight texture makes it easy to apply and distribute evenly, while its non-greasy formula ensures a clean finish that doesn’t weigh hair down or leave unwanted residue.
The pomade also boasts a calming, earthy fragrance, a signature of Aveda products, derived from essential oils like spearmint, vetiver, and lavender. This subtle scent adds a refreshing, aromatherapeutic element to the grooming routine, elevating the overall experience.
For best results, apply a small amount of the pomade to dry or slightly damp hair and style as desired using your fingers or a comb. It offers precision and control, enabling effortless touch-ups throughout the day when needed. This versatile product suits all hair types, from thick and curly to fine and straight, fulfilling a wide range of styling needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hair products can make a significant difference in achieving and maintaining healthy, well-styled hair. With these barber-approved recommendations, you can replicate professional results from home, ensuring that every aspect of your grooming routine is effective and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for styling solutions, maintenance tools, or treatments to enhance hair health, these carefully curated products offer exceptional performance and quality. Take your grooming game to the next level with these trusted picks, and enjoy hairstyles that look and feel their best.
