Walk into any drugstore and you’ll find dozens of hair products making big promises. But most men over 40 don’t need complicated routines or trendy products—they need simple, effective styling that looks professional and lasts all day.
At Venice Barbershop, located off US 41 next to the courthouse, we’ve spent 15 years helping men understand what actually works for styling and maintaining their hair. The good news? It’s simpler than you think. Here’s everything you need to know about styling your hair like a gentleman.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before you can choose the right products and techniques, you need to understand your hair type and how it behaves.
Thickness and Density
Thick hair holds styles well but can be harder to control. Thin hair is easier to style but may lack volume and hold. As you age, most men’s hair becomes thinner, which actually makes styling easier in some ways—you need less product and less effort.
Texture
Straight hair is easiest to style but can look flat. Wavy hair adds natural texture and volume. Curly hair (less common in older men) requires different techniques. Most men over 40 have straight or slightly wavy hair that’s become coarser with age.
Growth Patterns
Cowlicks, whorls, and natural part lines affect how your hair styles. Work with these patterns, not against them. A good barber cuts your hair to work with your natural growth patterns, making styling much easier.
Scalp Type
Oily scalp: Hair gets greasy quickly, needs lighter products, more frequent washing.
Dry scalp: Hair can look dull, needs moisturizing products, less frequent washing.
Normal scalp: Most versatile, can use most products without issues.
The Right Products for Mature Men
Product choice matters more as you age. Here’s what works best for men over 40.
Pomade: The Gentleman’s Choice
Pomade is the classic styling product for good reason. It provides hold, shine, and control without looking stiff or unnatural. For mature men, pomade is usually the best choice.
Water-based pomade washes out easily, doesn’t build up, and provides medium hold with a natural shine. This is ideal for most men over 40 who want a polished but not overly styled look.
Oil-based pomade provides stronger hold and higher shine but can be harder to wash out. Better for special occasions or if you need maximum hold.
Clay and Matte Products
Clay products provide hold without shine, creating a more natural, textured look. Good for men who want control without looking “styled.” Works well for shorter haircuts and casual settings.
Gel: Use Sparingly
Traditional gel can look stiff and dated on mature men. If you use gel, choose lighter formulas and use less than you think you need. Modern styling creams often work better than traditional gel.
What to Avoid
Heavy waxes that look greasy, cheap drugstore gel that flakes, anything with strong artificial scents, products marketed to teenagers with extreme hold claims.
The Reuzel Difference
At Venice Barbershop, we carry and recommend the complete Reuzel product line because it’s specifically designed for traditional barbershop styling. Here’s why Reuzel works so well for mature men.
Reuzel Blue Pomade (Strong Hold, Water Soluble)
This is our most popular product for good reason. Strong hold that lasts all day, high shine for a polished look, water-based so it washes out easily, and works perfectly with Florida’s humidity. Ideal for classic slicked-back styles, side parts, and any look that needs to stay in place all day.
Reuzel Red Pomade (Medium Hold, Water Soluble)
Medium hold with moderate shine, more flexible than the blue, easier to restyle throughout the day. Perfect for men who want control without the super-polished look. Works great for casual and professional settings.
Reuzel Pink Pomade (Heavy Hold, Oil-Based)
The strongest hold in the line, oil-based for maximum control, high shine, traditional barbershop formula. Best for special occasions, formal events, or men with very thick or unruly hair.
Reuzel Clay Matte Pomade
Strong hold with no shine, creates texture and definition, works well for shorter cuts. Ideal for men who want a more casual, natural look without sacrificing control.
Reuzel Grooming Tonic
Pre-styling product that adds volume and makes styling easier. Spray on damp hair before applying pomade. Great for men with thinning hair who need extra volume.
🎯 SPECIAL OFFER: Get 25% Off All Reuzel Products!
Ready to upgrade your grooming routine? Get 25% off the entire Reuzel product line when you order online. Professional-grade products delivered to your door.
Shop Reuzel Products Now – 25% Off
Use these same products our barbers use every day. Perfect for maintaining your style between cuts.
Basic Styling Techniques
Having the right products is only half the equation. Here’s how to actually style your hair properly.
Start With Damp Hair
Most styling products work best on damp (not wet, not dry) hair. After washing, towel dry until your hair is slightly damp. This allows products to distribute evenly and provides better hold.
Use Less Than You Think
Most men use too much product. Start with a dime-sized amount, work it between your palms, and apply evenly. You can always add more, but using too much makes hair look greasy and heavy.
Apply From Back to Front
Start at the back of your head and work forward. This ensures even distribution and prevents the front from getting too much product (which makes it look greasy).
Work It Through
Use your fingers to work product all the way through your hair, from roots to tips. Don’t just apply to the surface—get it distributed throughout for better hold and more natural appearance.
Style With Purpose
Use a comb for precise, classic styles like side parts or slicked-back looks. Use your fingers for more textured, casual styles. A combination often works best: comb for basic shape, fingers for final texture and adjustment.
Let It Set
Give your style a minute or two to set before making final adjustments. Products need time to activate and hold. Don’t keep fussing with it—style it once and let it work.
Classic Styles for Mature Men
Here are the most flattering and appropriate styles for men over 40, with specific product recommendations.
The Side Part
Timeless, professional, works for almost everyone. Creates clean lines and structure. Works well with thinning hair.
How to style: Apply Reuzel Blue or Red Pomade to damp hair. Create a clean part with a comb. Comb hair to the side, following your natural part line. Smooth down with your hand.
Slicked Back
Classic, confident, works well with gray hair. Shows off your face and looks intentional.
How to style: Apply Reuzel Blue Pomade (or Pink for maximum hold) to damp hair. Comb straight back from forehead to crown. Smooth sides with your hands. Works best with at least 2-3 inches of length on top.
Short and Textured
Modern but not trendy, easy to maintain, works well for active lifestyles.
How to style: Apply Reuzel Clay Matte Pomade to damp hair. Work through with fingers, creating texture and slight lift. No combing needed—keep it natural and casual.
The Ivy League
Short on sides, slightly longer on top, clean and professional. Easy to style, appropriate everywhere.
How to style: Apply small amount of Reuzel Red Pomade to damp hair. Comb forward and slightly to the side. Minimal product needed—this cut does most of the work.
Buzz Cut Maintenance
Even buzz cuts benefit from product. Keeps scalp healthy and hair looking intentional rather than just short.
How to maintain: Use Reuzel Grooming Tonic daily to keep scalp healthy. Small amount of pomade can add slight shine and make it look more polished.
Styling for Florida’s Climate
Living in Venice, Florida means dealing with humidity, heat, and salt air. Your styling routine needs to account for these factors.
Humidity-Proof Your Style
Water-based pomades like Reuzel Blue and Red work better in humidity than oil-based products. They provide hold without getting heavy or greasy in the heat. Apply slightly more product than you would in dry climates—humidity requires extra hold.
Keep It Shorter
Longer styles are harder to maintain in Florida’s climate. Shorter cuts stay neater, feel cooler, and require less product and effort. If you insist on length, be prepared to use more product and restyle more frequently.
Wash More Frequently
Sweat and humidity mean you’ll need to wash your hair more often in Florida. Daily washing is common and necessary. Use a gentle shampoo to avoid drying out your scalp.
Lighter Products in Summer
Even in Florida’s mild winters, summer heat is intense. Consider switching to lighter products (Red instead of Blue, or Clay instead of pomade) during the hottest months.
Common Styling Mistakes
Using Too Much Product
This is the number one mistake. Hair looks greasy, heavy, and unnatural. Start small and add more only if needed.
Applying to Dry Hair
Most products don’t distribute well on dry hair. You’ll get uneven coverage and poor hold. Always start with damp hair.
Not Washing Out Product
Product buildup makes hair look dull and greasy, and makes styling harder. Wash thoroughly every day, especially with water-based pomades.
Fighting Your Natural Hair
If your hair naturally parts on the left, don’t try to force it to the right. If you have a cowlick, work with it, not against it. Your barber cuts your hair to work with these patterns—style it the same way.
Over-Styling
Mature men look better with subtle, classic styling than with obviously “done” hair. The goal is to look well-groomed, not styled. Less is more.
Using Old or Cheap Products
That jar of gel from 2015 isn’t doing you any favors. Invest in quality products and replace them regularly. Cheap products don’t perform well and often damage your hair.
Daily Routine for Well-Styled Hair
Here’s a simple daily routine that works for most men over 40.
Morning
- Wash hair with quality shampoo (or just rinse with water if you washed the night before)
- Towel dry until damp, not wet
- Optional: Apply Reuzel Grooming Tonic for volume
- Apply dime-sized amount of pomade, working from back to front
- Style with comb and/or fingers
- Let set for 1-2 minutes
- Make final adjustments
- Don’t touch it again
Evening
- Wash out product thoroughly with shampoo
- Optional: Apply light conditioner if hair feels dry
- Towel dry
- Let air dry naturally
Total time investment: 5 minutes in the morning, 3 minutes at night. That’s it.
When to Restyle During the Day
Most men don’t need to restyle during the day if they’ve used the right products and techniques in the morning. But if you do need a touch-up:
Keep a small comb in your car or desk. A quick comb-through is usually all you need. Don’t add more product mid-day—it will look greasy. If your style has completely fallen apart, you either used the wrong product or not enough of it in the morning.
Product Longevity and Storage
How Long Products Last
A typical jar of pomade lasts 3-6 months with daily use. If you’re going through it faster, you’re using too much. If it lasts longer than 6 months, you’re probably not using enough.
Proper Storage
Store products in a cool, dry place. Bathroom humidity can affect product consistency. Keep lids tightly closed. Don’t leave products in your car—Florida heat will ruin them.
When to Replace
Replace products if they change color, smell off, or change consistency. Most products are good for 12-18 months after opening. Check for expiration dates.
Adjusting Your Routine as Your Hair Changes
As you age, your hair continues to change. Your styling routine should adapt.
Thinning Hair
Use less product—heavy product makes thinning more obvious. Consider Reuzel Grooming Tonic for volume. Keep hair shorter—length emphasizes thinning. Avoid high-shine products that show scalp.
Graying Hair
Gray hair often needs more product for control. Water-based pomades work particularly well with gray hair. Gray shows product residue more, so wash thoroughly. Gray hair can handle higher shine without looking greasy.
Coarser Texture
Coarser hair needs stronger hold products. Reuzel Blue or Pink work well for wiry, coarse hair. Pre-styling with Grooming Tonic helps soften and control coarse hair.
Professional Styling vs. DIY
Your barber can style your hair better than you can—that’s just reality. But you can get close with the right products and techniques.
What Your Barber Does Better
Creates the foundation with a proper cut. Sees your head from all angles. Has professional tools and products. Understands your hair’s growth patterns and how to work with them.
What You Can Do at Home
Maintain the style your barber created. Keep it looking fresh between cuts. Make minor adjustments for different occasions. Build on the foundation your barber provides.
The key is getting regular professional cuts (every 3-4 weeks) and maintaining that cut at home with proper products and techniques.
🎯 REMINDER: 25% Off All Reuzel Products!
Don’t forget—you can get all the professional Reuzel products mentioned in this guide at 25% off when you order online. Same products we use in the shop, delivered to your door.
Order Reuzel Products – 25% Off Today
Blue Pomade, Red Pomade, Clay Matte, Grooming Tonic—everything you need for professional styling at home.
Final Thoughts
Styling your hair like a gentleman isn’t complicated. It comes down to three things: a good haircut, the right products, and simple techniques consistently applied.
You don’t need a dozen products or a complicated routine. You need one or two quality products that work for your hair type and style, and you need to use them correctly every day.
Most men over 40 do best with a water-based pomade like Reuzel Blue or Red, applied to damp hair, styled with a comb or fingers, and left alone. That’s it. Five minutes in the morning, and you’re done.
The goal isn’t to look “styled”—it’s to look well-groomed, professional, and like you take pride in your appearance. That’s what being a gentleman is all about.
Need help choosing the right products or learning proper styling techniques? Visit Venice Barbershop off US 41, next to the courthouse. We carry the complete Reuzel line and can recommend exactly what works for your hair type and style. Walk-ins welcome Tuesday–Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–2pm.
