7 Must-Have Hair Accessories & Tools for Men's Long, Medium & Short Hair

7 Must-Have Hair Accessories & Tools for Men's Long, Medium & Short Hair

Written by: Piers Le Moignan

|

|

Time to read 8 min

If you're looking to start taking better care of your hair or trying out new styles, having a good collection of hair accessories and tools can make all the difference.


When we say hair accessories, we're not just talking about hair ties and headbands. Men with long, medium, or short hair can also benefit from a variety of tools that can help with styling, maintaining, and protecting their hair.


It's easy to get lost in the sea of options available, so we've narrowed it down to our top 7 that we think every man should have in their arsenal.

7 Hair Styling & Haircare Tools Every Man Should Have

We're all about keeping hair styling and haircare as simple as it needs to be (which is in part why we've developed a core collection of men's hair products that cuts out the faff and focuses on quality).


You don't necessarily need all of these tools, but having a few essentials can go a long way in helping you achieve your desired looks and keep your hair healthy and more manageable.

#1 A Good-Quality Hairbrush

The hairbrush you buy actually does matter. It's not just about aesthetics but also the materials used and the type of bristles it has.


For men with longer hair, a paddle brush or boar bristle brush can help distribute natural oils from your scalp to your ends, keeping your hair moisturised and healthy. For shorter hair, a comb or vented brush can work better for styling purposes.


But more generally, look for a brush that doesn't feel cheap when you hold it (i.e. weight and sturdiness) and has bristles that are flexible but not too soft.


A bamboo brush or comb is a good choice if you have frizz-prone hair, as the wood neutralises the negative charge that leads to static (and frizzy) hair. Plus, it's a more eco-friendly choice than plastic.

Should I Brush My Hair Wet or Dry?

Ideally, you should brush your hair when it's dry, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. However, brushing your hair while it's damp can be beneficial for those with thicker or curlier hair to help detangle and distribute product evenly.


When brushing wet hair, opt for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for wet hair to minimise damage.

#2 A Hair Styling Product Bundle

What better way to get all the essentials you need for styling your hair in one go than with a bundle? For one, it saves you from shopping around and buying individual products that may or may not work well together.


Bundles also often give you great value for money in comparison to buying products separately.

The Best Men's Hair Bundles

We have a fantastic series of men's haircare bundles that feature best-selling and award-winning formulas from our line of hair styling and haircare products.


Each bundle is curated to enhance your specific hair type and desired looks while keeping your routine simple and effective. From shampoo and conditioner duos to complete hair routine sets, there's something for everyone.


Plus, all of our products are formulated with powerful, natural ingredients, all selected to help you get the best from your hair, every day.


Whether you're looking to reduce the effects of male pattern hair loss, improve scalp health, or boost your hair's general health, our bundles have got you covered.

#3 A Microfibre Hair Towel

Your 10-year-old bath towel is (not shockingly) not the best option for drying your hair.


Regular towels have a rough surface that can cause breakage and frizz, especially if you rub it against your hair.


This is even more true for longer hair.


Microfibre towels, on the other hand, are specifically designed to be gentler on the hair while still effectively absorbing moisture. They don't damage the hair cuticles and can help reduce frizz and lessen the chance of breakage due to harsh towel drying.

Salt Grooming Tip: Gently scrunching your hair dry is a much better method than rubbing it with a towel. Rather than scruffing up the hair cuticles, scrunching the excess water out of your hair helps keep the cuticles smooth and in place. This method is especially good for curly or wavy men's hair, as it helps enhance your natural texture.

#4 Headbands

Headband hairstyles for men are very popular at the moment, especially over on TikTok and Instagram.


But far from just being a trend, headbands have practical purposes, too – they can help keep your hair out of your face while still helping you achieve a stylish look.


For men with long hair, headbands can also help prevent hair from getting tangled and matted while exercising or engaging in other physical activities.


Comb headbands, in particular, are great for long and medium hair lengths, as well as curly and wavy hair types, as they can effectively hold back hair without pulling or causing damage.

#5 Waterproof Toiletry Bag

If you have all these great hair accessories and styling tools, you'll want to have a safe place to store them when travelling or going to the gym (or even just to stop them from getting lost in your bathroom).


A waterproof toiletry bag not only keeps your products safe from any potential spills or leaks, but it's also great for keeping your bag or suitcase organised, rather than having loose items rolling around everywhere.


Our premium Toiletry Bag is a great option – it's made from a waterproof recycled PU exterior with our iconic logo debossed on the front.


It's spacious and features a separate compartment for your toothbrush, razor, and other small items, no matter whether you're travelling for a weekend away or for longer.


The satin-finish lining inside is oil-resistant and easy to clean, too, so even if something does accidentally leak, you can easily wipe it away.

#6 Hairdryer With a Diffuser Attachment

A hairdryer can be a great addition to your haircare routine, as it can help speed up the drying process and add volume to your hair.


When using any heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray beforehand to protect your hair from damage, and avoid using heat over 180 degrees C.


Having a diffuser attachment with your hairdryer can also help with styling curly or wavy hair, as it helps distribute heat evenly and reduces the risk of frizz.


Styles like a messy bedhead or curly beach waves are easy to achieve with a diffuser (as well as a sea salt spray to help add texture).

How to Use a Diffuser on Men's Hair


Step 1) After washing your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner (we recommend our Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner), lightly towel dry your hair to remove any excess water.

Step 2) Use a sea salt spray and spritz through your damp hair. Our Marine Mist contains a high-density of Unrefined Atlantic Sea Salt that adds a natural, wavy texture to your hair, while also nourishing your scalp with minerals and Pro-Vitamin B5.

Step 3) Scrunch the product into your hair, ensuring it's fully worked through.

Step 4) Use a hairdryer diffuser on the coolest setting and – while tipping your head upside down – gently place your hair into the diffuser cup. Move the diffuser around, so it can effectively dry all sections of your hair.

Step 5) Once your hair is almost fully dry, you can then switch to a warmer setting for a few seconds to help set your desired style.

#7 Heat-Protectant Product

As we've mentioned, protecting your hair from heat damage is crucial when using any heat-styling tools. That's where a good heat-protectant product comes in.


Heat protection can be sprays, creams, or serums and help create a barrier between your hair and the heat. Without using one, the heat from your tools can alter your hair's protein structure, leading to dryness and breakage.


Some can even shield your strands against UVA and UVB rays, so it's worth using one even if you're not planning on doing any heat styling.

What Tools Do I Need to Cut My Own Hair At Home?

As well as styling tools, a lot of men choose to cut their own hair at home rather than visit the barbers.


For a simple, no-fuss haircut at home, you'll need the following:

  • High-quality electric clippers
  • Sharp scissors (hairdressing scissors are best)
  • A comb
  • Hair clips or ties to section your hair if you have long, medium, or thick hair
  • A handheld mirror to see the back of your head
  • A towel or cape to protect your clothes from loose hair clippings

To learn more about cutting your own hair at home, read our blog post that covers everything you need to know.

Get Men's Hairstyle Inspo on the Salt Grooming Blog

As for the hairstyles you can create using all of these tools, the possibilities are endless.


You can check out our blog for hairstyle inspiration and tutorials, covering everything from short textured cuts to long surfer hair.

Sign up for our newsletter to get notified of new products, offers, and hairstyle tips straight to your inbox, as well as 10% off your first order.

FAQs

What are the Best Tools to Use on Men's Hair?

A hairdryer with a diffuser attachment can prove to be really handy for styling curly or wavy hair. A microfibre towel is also great for drying your hair without causing frizz and breakage.


You should also create a collection of quality haircare products that includes shampoo, conditioner, and styling products – a bundle can be a great way to get everything you need in one go.

What Do Men Use to Hold Their Hair?

While some people choose to use a hairspray, we recommend using a styling hold product like our Hybrid Hair or Compound Clay. Hairsprays can be too heavy and make your hair look greasy or unmanageable, whereas our styling products are lightweight and help keep your desired style in place all day.

What is Best to Use to Style Men's Hair?

A sea salt spray is one of the most versatile styling products for men's hair. It adds texture and volume to your locks, making it easier to style and giving you that beachy, laidback look. It can also be used on any hair texture and length, from short to long, straight to curly. Try our Marine Mist for a natural-looking, effortless style.

Can Guys Wear Hair Accessories?

They definitely can! Headbands are particularly in style at the moment, and they're also practical for keeping hair out of your face. Clips and hair bands are good, too, especially for men with long hair.

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

Read more

Salt Grooming Recommends...