u/throne_of_mind

Hi All, looking for some experiences and recs from the group. Im new to hair products overall, and up until recently had hair down to midback in a ponytail for last 3 years. Only product used was a Harry's taming cream just for smoothing strays etc, and before that no product, just brushed it and let it go, at various lengths but usually super short or medium length. My hair is fine, thinning a bit on top and naturally curls when it gets to my shoulders.

Wanted a change from long hair, but didnt want to go full short, so split the difference and have been going for a slicked back look kind of like Charlie Hunham from Sons of Anarchy. Hairstylist recommended product to achieve that look, so I started experimenting with the available Cremo line at the corner store. Fast forward about 3 months and ive purchased and tried all of those, and started going down the rabbit hole of higher quality brands and products, but I'm feeling a bit lost on next steps to achieve a particular need.

Im in a metal band heading out on a tour in a few weeks through the southwest US and west coast and im looking for something that will (possibly) hold through a set. Last time we went out i had the long hair and wasnt an issue.

The closest ive gotten so far to what im looking to do is also the only non store bought product ive tried: Lockharts water based Goon Grease, which i used during a gig this past weekend. Although it moved during the set I was able to easily restyle it and have it hold after the show and for rest of night. For day to day, work etc id be happy with it tbh. The Cremo product basically sweated out at a show last month and created the effect I call "clown hair" onstage which is what im trying to avoid.

Looking mainly at water based and uwb products for time being as im not at the point to experiment or commit to oil just yet. Im looking at either ordering Flagship Blackship Xtreme or the Lockharts Unorthodox Goon Grease variant for the tour as my everyday, but wanted some opinions here as ive seen alot of good advice while lurking. Would also like to hear recs if maybe i need to look at other product families also. I've tried Cremo shine pomade, clay, styling cream, and texture paste so far along with the Lockhart and Suvecito heavy hold just to get an idea of what all of these do. I can get a version of this look with all of those products with varying degrees of success. Thanks in advance for any tips!