Starting a career as a barber involves mastering a mix of skills, tools, and products that will keep clients coming back to your chair. While it’s important to refine your technical skills, having the right hair styling products can elevate your results, create client satisfaction, and build a loyal customer base. But where do you begin when it comes to choosing essential hair styling products? With so many options available, it can be challenging to select the products that will serve your clients best and help you create your unique style.
Whether you’re setting up your first station or enhancing your current setup, we’ll break down the core hair styling products that will empower you to succeed and provide the best service to your clients. Here’s a rundown of essential products for any barber looking to establish their presence in the business.
1. Pomades for Texture and Shine
Pomades are a staple in most barber shops. They offer versatility in hold and finish, making them ideal for a range of hairstyles, from classic pompadours to sleek, modern cuts. When selecting a pomade, look for options with various hold levels (light, medium, strong) and finishes (matte, semimatte, high shine) so you can cater to a broad client base.
Tip: Opt for water based pomades over oil based ones, as they’re easier to wash out and are gentler on hair.
2. Wax for Firm Hold
For styles that require extra durability, especially for clients with shorter cuts, wax can be a gamechanger. Hair wax offers a firmer hold than pomade, making it perfect for spiky or textured looks that need to stay in place all day.
Tip: Use sparingly – a little goes a long way. Look for nongreasy formulas to avoid a heavy look.
3. Clay for Natural, Textured Looks
Clay Based hair styling products are trending for their ability to create a natural, matte look with substantial texture. This is ideal for clients who prefer a low maintenance, effortless style, as clay provides a solid hold while keeping hair looking full and textured.
Tip: Clay is particularly effective for clients with thinner hair, as it can add volume and body without weighing down the strands.
4. Gel for Defined Style and Control
Hair gel is a classic product for barbers, especially when it comes to achieving defined and controlled styles. While gels can range from light to super strong, they all have a glossy finish, making them suitable for clients who like a sleek, wellgroomed look.
Tip: Be cautious with highhold gels as they can sometimes leave hair feeling stiff. Opt for alcohol free formulas to prevent dryness and flakiness.
5. Hair Spray for LongLasting Finish
Hair spray is an often overlooked product that can make a huge difference in maintaining the structure of a style, especially for clients with complex or voluminous cuts. A quality hair spray can lock in the style without adding weight or affecting the texture.
Tip: For a natural finish, choose a flexible hold spray that won’t make hair feel rigid.
6. Creams for Soft Hold and Definition
Creams are perfect for clients who want a natural, touchable finish with a light hold. Ideal for adding definition to curls or soft waves, creams are particularly useful for barbers working with longer styles or hair types that don’t require firm hold.
Tip: Look for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or argan oil to keep hair healthy and hydrated, especially for clients with dry or frizzy hair.
7. Sea Salt Spray for Beachy Texture
For clients looking to achieve a “beachy” or “just get out of bed” look, sea salt spray is the goto product. It creates a natural wave and texture that adds volume without stiffness, making it a favorite for relaxed, everyday styles.
Tip: Sea salt spray works well on both long and short hair and is a must have for clients with wavy or curly textures.
8. Mousse for Volume and Lift
Mousse might seem outdated to some, but it remains an excellent tool for adding body and volume, especially for clients with thin or fine hair. Modern formulations offer flexible hold, so they provide structure without the crunch of older products.
Tip: Apply mousse to damp hair and blow dry for the best results. It’s ideal for creating lift at the roots.
9. Serums and Oils for Shine and Smoothness
For clients with dry, coarse, or curly hair, hair serums and oils are vital for adding shine and smoothness. These products not only tame flyaways and frizz but also nourish and hydrate hair, enhancing its natural sheen.
Tip: Use oils and serums sparingly on clients with thin or fine hair to avoid a greasy finish.
10. PreStyling Products for a Strong Foundation
Pre Styling products, such as heat protectants and volumizers, are essential for setting a strong foundation before the final styling. Heat protectants help prevent damage when using styling tools, while volumizers give fine or thin hair extra lift and structure.
Tip: A lightweight heat protectant is essential for any barber using blow dryers or straighteners, as it keeps hair healthy over time.
Selecting the Right Hair Styling Products for Your Clients
Choosing the right hair styling products is about understanding your clients' needs, as well as your own styling approach. A well rounded selection allows you to offer a variety of styles while helping clients find products they may want to use between appointments.
When starting your kit, consider investing in a few essential types—such as pomade, wax, and a quality hair spray—to cover the basics. Then, as you get more familiar with your clients’ needs, add other products like creams, sea salt spray, or pre styling options to finetune your offerings. Experimenting with different brands and formulas can also help you identify the best products for your unique style and clientele.
Final Tips for Building Your Product Collection
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high quality products that perform well rather than stocking up on a large number of options. Your clients will appreciate it, and you’ll get consistent results.
2. Test Products on Yourself First: Trying out the products personally can give you insight into how they work, feel, and hold up throughout the day.
3. Listen to Client Feedback: Your clients’ feedback will give you valuable insights into which products work well for their needs and which ones may need adjustments.
4. Keep Up with Trends: The grooming industry evolves quickly, with new products emerging every year. Keep an eye on trends, but prioritize those that will genuinely benefit your clients.
Building a collection of hair styling products that meet your clients’ needs is key to establishing your reputation as a barber and standing out in the business. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your existing toolkit, choosing the right products is one of the most impactful steps you can take. For more tips, product recommendations, and insights into the barbering industry, subscribe to our blog and stay updated on everything you need to know to thrive as a barber N.O.S. Barber Supply.
Written by Patrick Blum, Jameson Sessa and Jack Young