Girls aren’t the only ones who have to deal with bad hair days. Us guys have our fair share of hair woes as well, anything from cowlicks and split ends to just straight up balding, we have our work cut out for us. The problem a majority of the time is simply that a lot of men aren’t educated on how to take care of their hair. That’s where we come in. Here are some of the most essential hair care products every man needs in his routine:

1. Hair gel

Getting this one out of the way first, as this is probably one of the most common hair styling products used by men. It’s popular for good reason, as it is affordable and very easy to find is that it is sold in almost every major convenience store for a reasonable price. Also, it can be applied to your hair while it is still wet, making it great for quick appliance after getting out of the shower. There are some drawbacks to using gel though such as dry scalp and hair breakage due to the inclusion of alcohol, so you don’t want to be using hair gel all the time. Luckily there are plenty of alternatives.

2. Hair clay

Hair clay has been gaining popularity in recent years for its ease of use and its ability to help repair damaged hair. Clay products are usually made with an abundance of natural ingredients, which allows it to easily absorb itself into your hair and draw out dirt and impurities without drying it out. It has little to no shine, meaning you can style your hair with it while still having a natural look.

3. Pomade

This is the perfect hair styling tool to get your hair slick and shiny. It works on all types of hair whether it’s straight or curly, and it holds your hair together without making it hard throughout the day, allowing you to restyle it. There are 2 primary types: oil-based and water-based. The water-based one is the more expensive one and is easier to wash out once you are done with it, but it might not hold your hair together as well as the oil-based one would.

4. Mousse

Originating from a French word meaning foam, mousse is hair styling foam used to give hair shine and definition as well as boosting volume and defending against heat. It was at its peak popular back in the 1980s during what was called mousse mania, it instantly became a multi-million dollar industry as soon as it hit store shelves in North America all those years ago.

5. Hair paste

This is a perfect all-around hair styling tool that’s good for any hairstyle, and you only need a small amount of it to get an effective look. They are typically thicker than pomades and hair wax, and they are also mostly water-based. It gives your hair lots of texture and volume especially when applied while your hair is still damp, and since it’s a water-based product it can be easily washed out if you aren’t satisfied with your results.