If think of a “silver fox,” George Clooney is likely one of the first faces to come to mind. The 63-year-old actor — known for movies like Up in the Air and Ocean’s Eleven — has famously rocked his grays since the ’90s. And it goes without saying most middle-aged men aspire to have luscious locks like his. Fortunately, there are a handful of products that can help you get George Clooney’s stylish hair.
We spoke to celebrity hair stylists Joey Scandizzo, Hairdresser of the Year with a portfolio of clients including Ruby Rose, Paris Hilton and Sofia Richie; as well as Marc Ballance, who has styled the likes of Nick Jonas and Angus Cloud. They both weighed in on products like clarifying shampoo, protein spray and pomade that will help mimic George Clooney’s famous hair.
“The key to George’s hair is that it always looks like he did it himself — but just happens to do it really well,” Ballance says. “The goal is clean, smart hair that doesn’t shout for attention — just enhances what’s already there.”
Shampoos to Clean Things Up
1. Lightweight and Clean: Ballance recommends Biolage Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo. Its vegan formula removes residue and buildup, using clean ingredients like fermented tea and glycolic acid.
“It’s great for cutting through product buildup without weighing the hair down,” Ballance explains.
2. Color-Safe Cleanliness: Alternatively, Scandizzo recommends Miracle Hair Shampoo. It protects color-treated hair (to help maintain Clooney’s recent coloring).
“It helps boost hydration, softness, and shine without weighing the hair down,” he says. “Packed with hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract and chamomile, it locks in moisture and smooths the hair cuticle.”
Conditioners for Nourishment
1. Soft Volume: Because Clooney’s hair is very fine, Ballance recommends Ouai Conditioner.
“It delivers nourishment without leaving hair greasy or flat,” he explains. “Perfect for that lived-in, Clooney volume.”
2. Color-Safe Sheen: Scandizzo recommends Miracle Hair Conditioner to go along with the same shampoo, to maximize results.
“It adds moisture and manageability,” he says. “It’s especially important for keeping dyed hair looking healthy and fresh.”
Pre-Styling Goodies Lock It Down
1. Smooth and Clean: Products like IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray mimic the calming effects of keratin. Put it in your hair before blowing it dry, and you’ll have soft, clean results.
“A light mist pre-blow dry helps smooth everything out while keeping the hair touchable and clean-looking,” Ballance says.
2. Lock In That Moisture: Not only does Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment help keep things under control — it also adds moisture to otherwise dry hair.
“It smooths, volumizes, and adds just the right balance of hold,” Ballance explains.
Styling Must-Haves
1. Strong AF Sculpting Paste: To really hold things down, Shu Uemura Ishi Sculpt will get the job done.
“It keeps the hair in place but it’s still easy to rework with your hands,” Ballance tells us.
2. Add Some Shine: Those with even just a small amount wave in their hair may want to try IGK Rich Kid, Ballance says.
“It gives a softer texture and enhances the hair’s natural movement without feeling heavy,” he adds.
3. Get It Slick: Scandizzo likes Slick Hold Styling Pomade for a shiny, wet look.
“This enhances natural moisture and delivers a firm hold that lasts,” he explains. “Ideal for short styles or a groomed finish.”
4. Give ‘Em Texture: If the sleek, wet look isn’t your thing, Scandizzo likes to embrace a matte finish using Matte Texture Styling Paste.
“It gives medium hold using ingredients like beeswax, avocado oil, and hydrolyzed soy protein,” he says. “Great for sculpting short hair while keeping it touchable and flexible.”
The Finishing Touch
1. Effortless, Smooth Styling: Even though Scandizzo isn’t brand loyal, he recommends using a black carbon fiber comb for a sleek finishing touch.
“It helps detangle, smooth, and style all hair types while preventing flyaways,” he explains. “It’s perfect for styling sleek, polished looks.”
2. Light but Locks It In: Consider superfine hairspray to hold it all down, Ballance says. That way, you won’t have that nasty crunch.
“Light mist, no crunch,” he says. “Locks it in without freezing the style.”
3. For the Final Touch: Ballance appreciates Elnett Hairspray for its “classic finish.”
“It gives a strong set that stays soft enough to brush through,” he says, adding it’s “ideal for that Clooney ‘effortless but polished’ look.”
