You bought the good stuff. You followed the steps. And yet… your hair still isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. Sound familiar?
Whether you’re fighting frizz, chasing volume, or trying to lock down that perfect style, the problem might not be your product - it might be how you’re using it. Let’s break down the most common hair product mistakes and how to fix them, featuring a few barbershop faves you can grab right from Tommy Gun’s shelves.
Shampooing Like It’s 1999
The mistake: Over-washing or using the wrong type of shampoo and conditioner.
The fix: Most guys don’t need to shampoo daily. In fact, too much washing can strip your hair of natural oils, making it dry and harder to manage. Use a shampoo that suits your scalp (dry, oily, or balanced) and always follow with a conditioner. Yes, always.
Try this:
- Redken Brews Daily Shampoo for lightweight cleansing
- American Crew Daily Moisturizing Conditioner to detangle and hydrate post-shower
Skipping the Towel (or Overdoing It)
The mistake: Applying product to dripping wet or bone-dry hair.
The fix: Most stylers work best on towel-dried, slightly damp hair. Too wet, and the product gets diluted. Too dry, and it won’t spread evenly. Aim for that just-out-of-the-shower feel - lightly towel-dried and ready for action.
Using Way Too Much Product
The mistake: Thinking more product = more hold.
The fix: Less is almost always more. Start with a pea-sized amount (yes, really), then add more if needed. Overloading your hair with product can weigh it down, make it greasy, or leave behind flakes.
Try this:
- Reuzel Extreme Hold Matte Pomade — strong hold, no shine, easy to build a style.
- Layrite Original Pomade — a barber classic that gives long-lasting medium hold and medium shine.
Wrong Product for the Job
The mistake: Using pomade when you need clay, or hairspray when you really need cream.
The fix: Think of hair products like tools in a toolbox, each one has a purpose. Here’s a cheat sheet:
- Pomade = shine and slick styles (pompadours, side parts).
- Clay/Fiber = matte finish with texture (messy, volume-heavy styles).
- Cream = light hold and natural movement (for long or wavy hair).
- Hairspray = finish and hold (to lock in the style, not build it).
Need help? Our barbers are product pros. Just ask next time you’re in the chair.
Not Warming It Up First
The mistake: Slapping cold product right into your hair.
The fix: Most products, especially waxes and pomades, need to be warmed up. Rub it between your palms until it softens. This helps it distribute evenly without clumping.
No Game Plan
The mistake: Going in blind with no direction.
The fix: Know what style you’re going for before you start applying. Are you looking for volume? Texture? Clean polish? Your product choice and technique depend on the end goal. Have a plan, then build the look.
Forgetting to Lock It In
The mistake: Styling your hair… and walking away.
The fix: If your hair falls flat by lunch, you probably forgot the final touch. A light mist of L3VEL3 Hairspray or American Crew Classic Alternator Finishing Spray adds hold without the crunch.
Final Word: It’s Not Just the Product, It’s the Process
The best haircut and the best products still need the right application. At Tommy Gun’s, we’ve got the expertise to show you how to use what you’ve got, and we’ll even recommend what you’re missing.
Next time you’re in the shop, ask your barber for a styling tutorial. A few quick tips can turn a good hair day into a great one.
