Choosing a men's hair styling product comes down to three things: how much hold you want, what finish you like, and how you style your hair. This guide compares two brands we stock, American Crew and Angel En Provence, and explains how to choose.
How to Choose a Styling Product
- Hold. Light hold gives a soft, flexible feel. Strong hold keeps a shape in place for longer.
- Finish. Matte gives a flat, textured look. High shine gives a sleek, polished look. Low shine sits in between.
- Your hair. Length, thickness and texture all affect how a product behaves. Start with a small amount and add more if you need it.
American Crew
American Crew is a men's grooming brand with a range of styling products at different hold and shine levels. We stock several:
- American Crew Fiber is a high-hold, low-shine wax.
- American Crew Forming Cream has medium hold and a soft shine.
- American Crew Pomade has medium hold and high shine.
Angel En Provence
Angel En Provence offers a different finish. The Black Angel Men's Strong Hold Matte Clay is a strong-hold, matte-finish clay.
Side-by-Side
| Product | Hold | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| American Crew Fiber | High | Low shine |
| American Crew Forming Cream | Medium | Soft shine |
| American Crew Pomade | Medium | High shine |
| Angel En Provence Black Angel Matte Clay | Strong | Matte |
Which Should You Choose?
If you want a low-shine finish with plenty of hold, Fiber is worth a look. For a softer, more flexible style, Forming Cream is a medium-hold option. If you like a sleek, glossy look, the Pomade gives a high-shine finish. For a flat, matte look with strong hold, try the Angel En Provence Matte Clay. Some people keep more than one product and choose depending on the style they want.
Using Your Product
Take a small amount, warm it between your palms and work it through your hair. Add more only if you need it. Follow the directions on the pack, wash your hands afterwards, and rinse thoroughly when you wash your hair. If a product irritates your scalp or skin, stop using it.
Shop These Products
Products from the MinDrick Store range mentioned in this guide. Check each product page for full details.
American Crew Fiber High Hold Low Shine Hair Styling Wax 85g | 50g
A high-hold, low-shine styling wax.
American Crew Forming Cream for Men 50g
A water-based styling cream with medium hold and a soft shine, according to its product page.
American Crew Pomade Medium Hold High Shine 85g
A medium-hold, high-shine pomade with a water-based formula, according to its product page.
Angel En Provence Black Angel Men's Strong Hold Matte Clay 100g
A strong-hold matte clay for a matte finish.