Most men only need five things to get a good-looking style every morning: the right shampoo, one styling product matched to the look you want, a finishing spray, a comb, and a regular trim. Here is what our stylists and barber recommend at Kija Hair Salon in Irvine, what each one does, and how to use it so your hair doesn't end up stiff, greasy or flat by lunchtime.
The short answer: wash with a scalp shampoo that removes styling residue, pick one hold product by finish (gel for shine, balm for a matte look, wax for texture), and lock it in with a light spray.
The 5 Essentials at a Glance
| Step | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Shampoo | Arimino Men Scalp Care Shampoo | $31 |
| 2. Hold product | Gel, balm, milk or wax — see the table below | $21–$36 |
| 3. Finishing spray | Arimino Men Hard Spray | $42 |
| 4. Comb | A fine-tooth comb for neat parts, a wide-tooth comb for thick or wavy hair | — |
| 5. Regular trim | Every 3–5 weeks for most short cuts | — |
Prices checked October 2026. Every product ships from our salon in Irvine, California.
1. A Shampoo That Actually Removes Product
If you style every day, wax and gel build up on the scalp and make hair look flat and dull. A regular two-in-one won't fully clear it. The Arimino Men Scalp Care Shampoo is made for exactly this: it cleans dirt, oil and styling residue from the scalp and hair, with a little menthol for a fresh feel. Massage it into the scalp, not just the lengths, and rinse well. It comes in a 280 ml pump ($31) and a larger 680 ml size ($55).
2. One Hold Product, Chosen by Finish
This is where most men go wrong: they buy a product by its hold number and get the wrong look. Decide on the finish first — shiny, matte or textured — then pick the product. One good product is better than three half-used ones.
| The look you want | Product | Hold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural shine, strongest hold | Arimino Men Freeze Keep Gel (200 g) | 5 of 5 | $35 |
| Matte, light texture, no shine | Arimino Men Hard Balm (60 g) | 4 of 5 | $36 |
| Piecey wet look, medium or wavy hair | Arimino Men Hard Milk (100 g) | 4 of 5 | $32 |
| Textured, re-workable through the day | Arimino Spice Cream Hard Wax (35 g or 100 g) | Strong | $21 / $33 |
Looking for the classic slick look? The Arimino Men Freeze Keep Grease is sold out until our next shipment in November; the Hard Milk gives a similar glossy, wet look in the meantime. For a deeper comparison of the whole range, read which Arimino Men product to use, and for waxes and foams, which Arimino Spice product to buy.
3. A Finishing Spray to Lock It In
A spray is the step that keeps your style looking the same at 5 p.m. as it did at 8 a.m., especially on humid or windy days. The Arimino Men Hard Spray is a soft, light mist with a natural shine that isn't sticky. Hold the can about a forearm's length away and give the finished style one or two quick passes — more than that and hair starts to look stiff.
4. The Right Comb
A fine-tooth comb gives a clean side part and a sharp, polished finish. A wide-tooth comb is better for thick, curly or wavy hair, because it shapes the style without breaking up the texture. Many men skip the comb and use fingers only — that works for messy, textured looks, but a comb makes a classic cut look intentional.
5. A Regular Trim
No product can fix a grown-out cut. For most short men's haircuts, the shape starts to soften after three to five weeks: the sides look heavy and products stop sitting the way they did. Booking your next cut before you leave the chair is the easiest way to keep it sharp. See our salon services.
How to Style Your Hair in Under Two Minutes
- Towel-dry until half-wet. Arimino Men products work on half-wet or dry hair, not soaking wet hair.
- Start small. Take a fingertip of gel, balm or milk (about the size of a pea for short hair) and spread it across both palms. Warm wax between your hands first so it spreads evenly.
- Work from the back to the front. Apply at the roots and back of the head first, then the front, so you don't overload the area people see most.
- Shape, then dry. Comb or finger the hair into place; a quick blow-dry in the direction you want it to sit adds volume.
- Finish with spray. One or two light passes of Hard Spray.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much product. It is easier to add more than to take it out. Too much is what makes hair look greasy.
- Going to bed with product in. Wash it out at night or the next morning so it doesn't build up on the scalp.
- Using a wet-look product for a matte style. Pick by finish first (see the table above).
- Layering three products. One hold product plus a spray is enough for almost every look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair product for men?
It depends on the look. For the strongest hold with natural shine, choose the Arimino Men Freeze Keep Gel. For a matte, natural look, choose the Hard Balm; for texture you can rework during the day, the Spice Cream Hard Wax.
What is the difference between gel, balm and wax?
Gel gives the strongest hold with shine. Balm gives hold with a matte, light finish that doesn't weigh hair down. Wax gives a textured, piecey look and stays re-workable, so you can restyle it during the day.
Can I use styling products every day?
Yes, as long as you wash them out properly. A scalp shampoo like the Arimino Men Scalp Care Shampoo is made to remove styling residue, so daily styling doesn't build up on the scalp.
Do these products work for gray hair?
Yes. We often suggest a matte balm for gray or silver hair, because it adds hold without making the hair look shiny or greasy.
Shop Arimino Men at Kija Hair Salon · All styling products. U.S. orders over $40 ship free from our salon in Irvine, California.