New hair products for me?

[TheVez2]

Background: I have short hair and must keep it that way for the military. I cut my hair myself, have been doing so since I was 10. THe picture below is after a fresh buzz. (Sorry only picture I had handy). I cut the top with a 7/8" guard. Then I cut it again every 3-4 weeks when it is about 1.25" long on top. It is so short, it is hard to get it to lay down, so I use Gel. Usually I use LA Looks gel. I'm looking to see if there is somethign different I can use that might be better for my hair, or at least more manly than gel.

I have been readying a bit about Tonics, like Vitalis and Jeris, and also Brylcreem. Would any of these products be of use for me? I want somehtign that will work like the gel to hold my hair down and keep it from being frizzy, and hold it in place all day (without being crunchy). My Gel works, I'm just wondering if something out there might be better.

 

[TheVez2]

Anyone? Do tonics or brylcreem do anything for short hair?

 

[RichGem]

Have you tried rubbing alum block through your damp hair? It's an old school classic for crew cuts, etc.

 

[TheVez2]

I don't have a crew cut. I realize it is hard to tell that from the angle that picture was taken. I don't want my hair to stand up, I want it to lay down.

 

[RichGem]

I don't have a crew cut. I realize it is hard to tell that from the angle that picture was taken. I don't want my hair to stand up, I want it to lay down.

Ah. Forget what I said then. No other recommendations except for maybe a pomade or light hold gel (ya don't want helmet hair).

edit: It may also save you some bucks in the long run to let a professional "get to know" your hair and see what he/she recommends. Hair products are not necessarily inexpensive, especially if they're not the right one for your hair.

 

[Jasonian]

Yup.

Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel.

It's all natural, and it actually improves your hair's health.

http://www.amazon.com/Aubrey-Organics-Design-Gel-gel/dp/B00012NKUO

 

[SteveM]

I've found Brylcream to not have much hold - and you have to use a ton.

I'd go with a pommade of your choosing.

 

[mkc1mjb]

American Crew pomade...a little pricey, but for me it's worth it.

 

[Barber-Eile]

Yup pommade is what you need. Black and Whites is really nice, not too heavy or greasy and a good hold, also it's quite matt for a pommade. Sweet Georgia Brown has a fantastic smell and comes in three different strengths. Or if you'd like something that adds a little shine too try Lay-Rite ... it's a bit pricey but a little goes a long way and it comes in two different strengths.

When using pomade take a small amount on a fingertip and rub it between your hands to warm it and soften it also and then use it. Also brush it through.

Pommade is what all the rockabilly guys use for various style cuts and it's also great for more retro styles. Heck, I'm a chick and I use it as I like how it doesn't leave your hair too heavy or crunchy. However if you use to much it will add weight and it is shiney rather than matt.

If you want something lighter then pommade you can try Tigi's Bed Head. Again a fantastic smell, no shine and a good but lighter hold.

I hope that helps!

 

[ambrose]

redken rough clay lots of hold, no crusty, with a nice matte finish.

 

[xillion]

+1 on LayRite! It's great stuff. Not greasy, great hold, washes out clean.

http://www.hawleywoods.com/pd-hawleywoods-layrite-original-pomade-4oz-can.cfm

 

[BurkDarkpatches]

I've found Brylcream to not have much hold - and you have to use a ton.

I'd go with a pommade of your choosing.

+1 on the Brylcream not doing much of anything for me except making my hair look greasy.

I'm better off just letting my hair dry in different configurations, then combing it into shape (e.g. combing it straight back while wet, then styling after it's dried).

Steve

 

[KittensAndRainbows]

I'd check out wax (Tigi's Bedhead for men wax is my favorite) or Layrite, either one should be better than gel. Brylcreem has no real hold, so if you have ornery hair you need something with decent hold to get it to stay down. If you want something on the cheap, you can try the Axe pomade, it works ok, smells a little fruity, but.... well, it's Axe.