Hair care can be incredibly difficult to understand. With dozens of different products it can be difficult to find the one in particular that you need to get the perfect style. There are several different products that are fairly universal across brands and understanding these ten products can help you get your hair care arsenal together.

1. Cleansers (shampoo and conditioner) - the most basic product that you need in your hair care kit is a cleanser. You should look for a cleanser that is not harsh, that will not strip the hair of natural oils, and that still provides some nutrients to help keep the hair soft and healthy. Cleansers that are paraben and sulfate free are great for keeping the hair soft without stripping it. If you are short on time, you can always opt for a shampoo and conditioner combo which can help condition your hair as you wash it.

2. Leave In Conditioner - if you do not want to do the extra step in the shower with a typical conditioner, you can always opt for a leave in. This is something that is going to provide continual moisture to your hair and that is going to help it look and feel soft. This is something that is more essential the longer you hair is.

3. Gel - gel is another tool that you can use to make the most of your hair. Gel is a bit harder when it does dry down so if you want a very textured, piecey look that is not going to have much movement, this is what you would want to use. Gel is not nearly as popular as it once was but there is still call for this hair product. Say you are going a spiky look or a Mohawk, you are going to need something like gel that has a great deal of hold. You want a water based gel so that you can clean it out easily.

4. Pomades and Waxes - pomades and hair waxes are going to give you hold with a bit more movement than something like a gel or a hair spray would. Many types of pomade are also infused with nutrients to help condition the hair. Pomades are perfect for shorter hairstyles that need to have texture but that may not need to be stiff and unmovable.

5. Mousse, Hair Spray and Other Fixatives - you may not want to use gel or pomade to secure your style or give your look texture and there are still more options. For a slicked back look that still looks wet, mousse is an excellent option. For those that want a softer hold, hair spray may give you the look you are seeking. Hair spray is something that can be brushed out as well if you do decide to remove the style without it compromising the overall texture of the hair.

6. Clay - This is a stickier type of pomade that provides a firmer and higher hold. Clay can make your hair fuller by adding boy and thickness to each strand. The hair also easily absorbs it because of its lightweight formula. Ultimately, clay is ideal for hairstyles that need volume without weighing the hair down. Clay also nourishes the hair and scalp with its nutrient- and mineral-rich contents.

7. Paste - Hair pastes are considerably thicker than pomades and offer more versatility than other men’s hair products. Paste is suitable for nearly any hairstyle, and it’s easy to wash out because of its water-based nature. You can rub thicker paste between your hands to soften it and allow for more even distribution throughout the hair. The product then begins to cool and thicken immediately after application for a firm hold.

8. Cream - If you want to add a natural shine and more control to your hair, creams are one of the best solutions. They’re great for coarse, thick, or curly hair and contain moisturizing ingredients such as silk amino acids and natural oils. Creams contribute more hair flexibility and strength, with the ability to tame flyaway hair while avoiding the stiffness and greasiness that come with most gels and waxes.

9. Hair Serum - Also known as gloss, smoothing fluid, or polish, hair serum is slick and used to minimize frizz and add shine and silkiness with a combination of various oils and silicone. It’s best used on curly, long, or brittle hair, as its coating mechanism helps soften the hair. For a quick and simple shine fix, simply put a few drops on your hair immediately following shampooing, and rinse it out. Men can also use it to quickly add a shine finish by applying it shortly after the hair has dried.

10. Texture Powder - Most men aren’t aware of texture powders, but this product can provide a light hold while adding volume to the hair. It’s primarily used as a pre-styler for hairstyles finished by applying pastes or pomades. Powders are normally made using a silica silylate base, which is a rough particulate that stands apart from other silicone-based products, which are typically used to make the hair shinier and smoother. The rough substance sticks to hair fibers and generates volume by creating friction between the fibers.

With men’s hair care, the most important thing to do is to find products that are quick and easy and that can give you the look you want without your having to use ten different products to achieve it. These tenfive products are a great place to start.

11. Dry Shampoo - Everybody’s busy nowadays. Sometimes you might have to skip the shower. Your hair shouldn’t have to suffer too. Dry shampoo can help you out there. The majority of dry shampoo is aerosol sprays. Other forms include powders, foams, and pastes. It can take oily hair a long way. Simply spray the dry shampoo at the areas that need a little help. The result will be a texturized fresh feeling. Dry shampoo should be a sporadic soap substitute. It shouldn’t replace your regular shampoo and conditioner completely. Make sure shampoo and condition regularly. Use dry shampoo when you just don’t have time for a shower.

12. Salt Spray - You know that great, perfectly tousled hair after spending a day at the beach? There’s a product for that now. Salt spray imitates that coveted beach wave you get from salt water. The spray absorbs the oils from your hair and creates a natural curl. This product works best with medium to long hair. It’s great for maximum curls for curly hair. The product also works pretty well with straight hair, creating a great beach wave. It provides a foolproof, moderate hold with low-shine. Just spray on wet hair and scrunch hair upwards for the best look.

13. Fiber - If you are looking for absolutely no shine and a high-hold, fibers definitely your product. Fiber locks that style in for a reliable, all-day kind of hold. It works best on thick hair and gives you a classic, natural, tousled look. Apply to dry, clean hair. Fiber also works best with short hair (1-3 inches in length). Since it’s such a firm hold, there is not much workability. Maybe try clay or putty if you want prime workability.

14. Putty - Putty lands right between clay and fiber. It’s often confused with paste but is unique in its own way. Putty is designed for shorter hair. It has a classic matte finish if you’re looking for something with less shine. Putty gives the hair a lot of volume and movability. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something with a lot of workability. Apply to towel-dried hair. Then style as you desire. It’s a great product if you're looking for a high-hold and low shine.

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