All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Every guy has at least one obstacle standing between him and his ideal hairstyle: a cowlick, some dandruff—even just the fact of his hair's existence, if he's going for the Michael Jordan dome. The good news is, there's always a way around it (and no, we're not talking about laser hair removal, Mike). Each product below is a GQ Grooming Awards winner for 2016, which means that after rigorous testing over several weeks of showering, it stood out from a big heap of similar products as the best of its kind.
Bring Your Hair Back from the Dead with Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, $115
If your flow gets effed-up after shampooing—all fluffy and dry, despite conditioning—you should forgo the typical cocktail of chemicals and get something oil-based. This combo, used sparingly, will let your locks retain their natural look by replacing the good oils that traditional shampoos strip away.
Hate Putting Product in Your Hair? Bumble and Bumble Grooming Creme, $31, Is the Only Thing You'll Need
So you're in the anti-product crowd. You look presentable without any hair pastes, sprays or creams, gels or treatments (whatever those are). Good for you. There's still at least one problem you can't get away with, and that's a brutal case of bedhead/hathead/headphoneband-head. Luckily, this lightweight creme will solve all three without making it look like you tried.
Long Hair Getting Too Funky? Nourish It with Kérastase Masquintense Fine, $63
Keeping your flowing locks on Jesus level ain't easy. They get busted up and dry out just from everyday wear and tear. So when you're in the shower, work in this ultra-hydrating conditioner, then let it sit for ten minutes before you rinse it out. It'll repair all the damage caused by constantly putting your flowing locks into a topknot.
Shut Down the Snow Machine with Sachajuan Scalp Treatment, $45
No guy wants his shoulders looking like late-season ski slopes, dusted with a thin layer of fine white powder. That's why some Swedish grooming wizards developed this moisturizing leave-in treatment, which uses a mess of natural ingredients—like rosemary oil and ginger extract—to keep scalps hydrated and irritation-free. And your shoulders looking spiffy.
Depending on the day, you style your hair differently. Gunning for a promotion? Keep your hair locked down and looking sleek with Byrd's Classic Pomade ($22). If you're more interested in scruffy, mussed-up beach hair, the Texturizing Surfspray ($16) will give you an infusion of salt and oils without the sand. And for that just-woke-up-but-still-handsome look, try the Matte Pomade ($22), which will keep everything in place but won't leave your 'do glinting in the sun.
