So, you woke up one morning and realized its 2018, and you need to stop getting the basic buzz cut that you’ve been getting since you were five. You look around and everyone has these amazing hairstyles, like that Brad guy at work. You see all the ladies compliment him and want to touch his luxurious locks. Why can’t that be you?

1. Identify your hair texture

Whether it’s thick and curly or thin and straight, you have to know what your hair texture is in order to know how to cut and style it. Some hairstyles just aren’t achievable if you have a certain hair texture.

2. Identify your face shape

Do you ever see a guy whose haircut just looks weird? He’s got it styled but something about it is off. It’s probably his face shape, and his hair doesn’t compliment it. This is a problem that you should avoid or else you will never be Brad. Here are a few examples showing different hairstyles with different face shapes.

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment

It took me over a year to find how I wanted my hair to be cut and styled. For a while I thought I had what I wanted, but then I decided to try something else and ended up loving it more. Try different products and methods and explore all your options before locking in on a set routine.

4. There’s no such thing as women’s products when it comes to hair

In my hair routine, I use a blow dryer, straightener, mousse, product, and hairspray. You may think that only women use these, but men are using these more because they work. Every product has a purpose which can help you achieve the perfect hairstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these.

5. Find a consistent barber/hairdresser

If you don’t already go to one, find a place and barber that you like. You may have to pay a little bit more, but you are getting quality over quantity. When you have the same person cutting your hair consistently, they know exactly how to cut your hair every time, they understand how your hair needs to be cut and what to use, and you know what you’re going to get every time. No more sitting in line at Great Clips and praying to the hair gods that you don’t get that woman who messed up your hair last time.

6. Youtube is your friend

There are thousands of hair tutorials that show you how to do a certain style that can help you get started.

7. Patience is key

If you have to grow your hair out for a desired look, you’re going to hit some awkward stages. They are annoying but important to reach length you want. Hats can be useful through these stages.