Why Barbers Say “Less Is More” When It Comes to Product Use

Dec 11

Walk down any grooming aisle and you’ll see countless gels, clays, pomades, creams, sprays, and oils promising the perfect hairstyle. It’s easy to think that using more products—or using them in larger amounts—will give you better results. But ask any experienced barber, and you’ll hear the opposite: less is more.

At In The Cut Barbershop in Vancouver, we see many men struggling with greasiness, heavy hair, flakiness, and flat styles—all because they’re using too much product or the wrong type altogether. The truth is that a great haircut should do most of the work for you. Product is only meant to enhance your look, not create it from scratch.

Here’s why barbers always recommend using less product, and how it can drastically improve your everyday style.

1. Too Much Product Weighs Your Hair Down

One of the most common issues men face is using so much product that their hair becomes heavy and lifeless. Even strong, thick hair can lose volume when overloaded.

What happens when you use too much product:

Your hair becomes greasy or shiny in a bad way
The style falls flat instead of holding shape
Hair feels crunchy or stiff
Natural texture gets lost
Your scalp gets clogged

Using a smaller amount helps your hair move naturally, breathe, and maintain its volume.

Barber tip:
Always start with a pea-sized amount. You can build up gradually—but you can’t undo overuse without washing your hair again.

2. Your Haircut Should Do the Heavy Lifting, Not the Product

A well-designed haircut grows out well, holds its shape, and complements your natural texture. When men use too much product, it usually means they’re trying to force their haircut into behaving in a way it wasn’t meant to.

Good haircuts = minimal product needed

You should never need a mountain of gel to keep your hair in place. A clean fade, a well-textured top, or a properly layered style should look good with almost no effort.

That’s why barbers say:
“If you need a lot of product to make your haircut look right, you need a better haircut.”

At In The Cut, we design cuts that match your lifestyle, hair type, and preferred look—so your grooming routine becomes simple and effortless.

3. Using Too Much Product Can Damage Your Scalp

Your hair isn’t the only thing affected by product overuse—your scalp pays the price, too.

Excess product can cause:

Build-up
Dandruff-like flakes
Itchy scalp
Blocked follicles
Oily residue
Acne around the forehead or hairline

When you use just a small amount, your scalp stays cleaner, healthier, and more balanced.

Barber tip:
If you style daily, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue.

4. Light Product Use Creates a More Natural, Modern Look

Today’s grooming trends lean heavily toward natural, textured, effortless styles. Overloading your hair with gel or wax creates a dated, overly slick or crunchy look.

Less product helps you achieve:

Softer movement
Natural-looking volume
Controlled texture without stiffness
A fresh, modern finish

Matte products like clay or cream perform best when used minimally—they’re designed to enhance texture, not smother it.

5. You’ll Save Money and Make Your Products Last Longer

Most men go through their hair products far quicker than necessary simply because they’re using double—or triple—the amount they need.

Using less means:

Each product lasts longer
Your wallet stays happier
You can invest in higher-quality grooming essentials
You avoid buildup that requires constant washing

Your products should work for you—not force you into replacing them constantly.

Conclusion

When it comes to hair product use, barbers know one universal truth: less really is more. A great haircut should naturally complement your look, while product should only enhance the shape—not create it. Using minimal product keeps your style natural, your hair healthier, and your scalp cleaner, all while saving you time and money.

At In The Cut Barbershop in Vancouver, we help men find the perfect balance between sharp style and easy maintenance. Whether you need a haircut that works with your natural texture or advice on choosing and applying the right products, our barbers are here to help.

Book your appointment at In The Cut Barbershop today, and let us show you how effortless great grooming can be when you use just the right amount—nothing more, nothing less.