I use the same brand, but the “fiber” stuff (blue label). It doesn’t result in a “wet look”. Sold at Walgreens where I live, but you can get in online, too.
Yeah, I’ve used the fiber, but it ends up a bit too stiff and crunchy for me
Thanks for all the good info. I am set to test three of them: Nancy Boy Styling Gel, Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream, and American Crew Fiber.
I really like how the Paul Mitchell stuff smells. When I figure out the one I like and will use, I guess I’ll just leave the others in my guest bathroom.
I got the Paul Mitchell at a local Peninsula Beauty Supply store (at La Hacienda Shopping Center on El Camino near Wolfe Rd) and American Crew Fiber at a SuperCuts on El Camino near San Tomas Expy - they didn’t carry the Defining Paste so I got the Fiber. I got the Nancy Boy Styling Gel online and it arrived the other day.
It does smell really good, doesn’t it?
Apparently it has a pleasant odor that’s a big reason for its use.
The Aveda Control Paste (not necessarily Men’s) is great stuff, and smells pretty good too- probably too masculine for most women, IMO.
American Crew Fiber is awesome. Use just a little bit and rub your hands vigorously so it gets warm and is somewhat spreadable. Put it on when your hair is almost completely dry. If it leaves your hair stiff or crunchy you used too much or didn’t apply it evenly. Dry look, plus you can still work with it if you need to restyle later, unlike gel, which requires rewetting.
I have used the shaping cream too, but the hold isn’t quite as strong as the Fiber and you need to use more so it doesn’t last as long.
Get with the 20th century you guys (and girls)
Vitalis
Brylcreem (A little dab’ll do ya)
I’ve been using Aveda’s Confixor for years and love it. The nice part is that it will dry with the wet look but with a quick finger through the hair, it will look dry and hold its place. It’s a bit expensive, but lasts a long time and there’s a fragrance free version too.
The one drawback is that a thorough shampoo is needed after usage or else it will cause dried gel flakes. (I have woken late and did the “wet head in sink and throw gel in it” a couple times only to have it backfire).
El Hubbo uses L’Oreal’s Studio Line Clean Gel, available at fine retailers near you for pretty cheap. He never has the wet look, even though he does put it on damp hair. I suspect that it’s a combination of the gel’s composition, using just a bit, and him running his hands through his hair later, a la sachertorte, that keeps him from the crunchy wet look (which really isn’t a good look for anyone).
What works best for the dry look is styling clay it is not shinny like Pomade, gel or wax can be. The one that I would recommend is Nature’s Zero Matte Clay it has a strong hold and looks very natural and not wet or shinny.
Yep. I use the “fiber” type. Blue top. It lasts a long time-- a little dab’ll do ya!
After several months of testing I chose the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream. I like that one the best.
I personally find that you just need to use less of the gel and blow dry out any water. That’s usually enough to get rid of the wet look for me.
When that doesn’t work, I switch to hair spray.
While that might work, I don’t even want to bother with any blow dryer. I haven’t used one in several years.
Suave for Men’s Matte Styling Paste. That’s what I use when I dress up as David Tennant’s version of the Doctor.
I came in here to add this too. The axe pomade is awesome.
Personally I use the sleek hair shine pomade.