Choosing Hair Product...Part 2

Mousse
Not a popular choice for men; there's a reason mousse is associated with the mall-rat Valley Girl look of the '80s. It's foamy and surrounds the hair strand with chemical compounds called polymers, resulting in a fuller appearance. Even though men may not be chasing that thick look, some mousses are specifically formulated to thicken fine hair with agents like rice protein and rosemary—making it perfect for foliage that's starting to thin up top.

Serum
Also called gloss, polish or smoothing fluid, it has a slick consistency and is used to reduce frizz and impart silkiness and sheen with silicone and various oils. Machen leans toward using serum on long, curly or brittle hair—its coating mechanism can soften the hair. For a quick shine fix, put a few drops on wet shampooed hair and then rinse it out.

Above all, always keep in mind Cannell's advice: The type of product you choose should be determined by your hair's length and texture. If you have short, fine hair and want it to stand up, use waxes or strong gels. Longer hair gives you more options, depending on how full you want it to look. For thinning hair, avoid heavier products, like creams and non-water-based pomades, as they'll weigh down your hair. Never just slap product onto the hair; put some in your palm and rub your hands together, then apply from the back of the head forward. And if you screw up your work of art, don't sweat it—it's a washable canvas.