- Image Lab by Alex Costa
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- Before you style your hair, do this
Before you style your hair, do this
Hair texture tricks every guy should know
Good hair days can eventually become everyday
All you need to do is go back 12 years on my YouTube channel and you’ll see where my hair journey first started.
Technically I didn’t know that there would even be a “hair journey” at the time, but if you skim through even just the thumbnails, you can see this evolution taking place.
There were definitely a couple of what was I thinking moments through the years.
But you’re really only going to find the hairstyle that works for you by switching it up every so often.
And while you’re experimenting, it’s always good to know what you should have at your disposal to finish off the fine details of your style and get the most texture and volume out of your hair.
This week:
💇♂️ Leveling up your hair game, especially if it’s flat or lifeless:
- Pre-styling products that change everything
- Volume building techniques that work
- Daily habits to improve hair health and thickness
🔥 This week you can find the necklace I wear everyday
🚨 New product alert

TEXTURE IS
YOUR SECRET WEAPON

Texture is the difference between “I tried” and “I nailed it.”
You can have the best haircut, the cleanest fade, or even the strongest jawline but if you find your hair always falls flat by noon, are you getting the most out of your style?
And it’s not that you necessarily need more product.
It’s actually more important that you know what to do with the right product. Whether your hair is straight, fine, or just refuses to hold shape, when you know how to build volume with your hair, it won’t go unnoticed...for all the right reasons.
The step most guys skip

If you’ve watched my videos on men’s hair then you’ve seen me talk about this stuff a few times now. I’m talking about pre-styler, like the Forte Series sea salt spray.
Think of the pre-styler as the foundation for your hairstyle. It preps your hair to hold shape, adds volume before you even touch your styling product, and helps everything look more natural like those popular messy hairstyles we see all over TikTok.
Why it matters:
• Adds grip and structure to soft, slippery hair
• Prevents your style from collapsing halfway through the day
• Creates texture and volume without weighing your hair down
What to look for:
• Sea Salt Spray – Adds grit and subtle wave to straight or limp hair
• Volumizing Mousse – Lightweight foam that lifts hair from the root
• Thickening Tonic – Coats each strand to create the look of fuller, denser hair
What you can do:
It’s as simple as spraying and working the product into damp, towel-dried hair. Focus on your roots and mid-lengths and then let it settle for 30 seconds before blow drying for an immediate lift to your hair.
Actually blow dry your hair

Yes, don’t just towel dry, comb, and done - this is where you’re going to get volume. But blow drying isn’t just about drying your hair fast - it’s what you do while trying to shape and style your hair that matters most.
Here’s how to do it right:
Start with your head upside down to naturally lift the roots
Use your fingers or a round brush to pull hair upward as you direct heat toward the roots
Once you’ve created the volume, switch to cool air to set the shape in place
Pro tip:
A lot of guys will just let their hair dryer run on hot air to dry and shape their hair but switching to cooler air after you’ve dried your hair on hot air is what actually helps lock your hairstyle in place.
Style with the product (and technique)

At this point you know you’ve got to put some product in your hair to lock in the style and you might already have your go-to product in mind.
Avoid:
Shiny pomades and gels - These weigh your hair down, make it look greasy, and kill natural movement.
Go for:
Matte clays or pastes - They provide hold without shine, help build texture, and let your hair move naturally.
Styling creams – Ideal for longer or wavier hair, giving soft hold and definition without stiffness.
Styling powder – If you haven’t tried a powder yet I highly recommend you give it a shot.
Firstly, it’s easy, you just shake a bit in your hair.
Secondly it’s simple to work in and gives you instant texture and style.
Lastly, they’re great for an effortless style where you don’t care too too much about the hold you get, but still want a look that shows off your hair’s texture and style.
How to apply like your barber:
Warm the product between your palms until it’s completely smooth
Start at the back of your head and work toward the front (this avoids buildup in the front)
Use fingertips to style - don’t just press or flatten your hair
Daily maintenance with minimal effort
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have good hair. In fact, if you’ve got a couple minutes at the beginning of your day then you’ve got time to give your hair the style and texture it deserves.
If you’re the type who wants to look good and get out the door fast, here’s how to do it right…
Quick daily routine (3 minutes or less):
1. Towel dry gently
2. Spray a sea salt or thickening spray
3. Blow dry while lifting with your fingers (30–60 sec)
4. Touch of matte clay to finish…done
Pro tip: If you’re waking up and getting ready for the day, add a bit of water to your comb or brush to loosen up your hair, then start with a sea salt or thickening spray, followed by the product of your choice.
Keep it simple:
Don’t overwash - Shampooing every day strips your hair’s natural oils. Stick to 2–3x per week.
Condition daily - This keeps hair soft, easier to manage, and healthier over time.
Pat dry, don’t rub - Rubbing with a towel creates frizz and damage. Pat dry instead.
A little styling product goes a long way - whether it’s a clay, cream, or powder, go with a product based on the texture you’re looking for.
WHAT’S NEW
![]() | Speaking of texture and volume, we just launched our newest Forte Series product, the Volumizing Mousse. For guys out there who have flat, lifeless hair, this almost immediately transforms your hair with instant volume. |
![]() | The Behind the Business vlog continues this week with more content around how we create and test products for Forte Series - spoiler alert, a lot of it happens right in my apartment. |