Virgil – The Man's Guide

Product Review

Since I started growing my hair out, I’ve tried countless products. I have naturally thick, wavy hair with a cracking awkward cowlick. That sounds great, but it definitely needs taming. So, let’s start our Hair Product Reviews with one of the most recently released products on the market. If your algorithm is anything like mine, this man is unavoidable — and I’m here for it all.

Sam Bentham may not be a name you immediately recognise. Sam Rascals, on the other hand, is the chiselled, tattooed barber with the perfect hairline, dishing out some of the best haircuts in the country. After a brief stint on Geordie Shore, Sam knuckled down and began grafting on a brand he could truly stand behind. Newcastle-based barbers Rascals Co is now an international brand, scaled through savvy marketing, sharp content and, most importantly, consistently great modern haircuts. Sam speaks candidly about his cutting knowledge and personal trendy-setting style, blending edgy with smart while bleaching, cutting or growing out his own hair.

Rascals Co’s newest product is the Styling Cream with Flexible Hold. I’ve been testing this product for two months and have nearly finished two tubes.

This sits in the mid-to-high price range at £19.00. I know what you’re thinking — mid-priced? GQ Grooming Award winners Highland market their cream at £30.00, while the ever-famous Brylcreem can be picked up in Boots for around £6.00. So, £19 feels just a touch expensive, but is it created towards the premium end.

Out of all the hair products I’ve ever used, this smells the best by a country mile. I couldn’t tell you exactly what the scent is, but it’s spa-like shea butter fresh, clean and long-lasting, lingering throughout the day.

The cream is designed to offer a flexible hold. I get the initial crisp-hold feel but after a few hands through or shake it falls into a more natural style. I’ve had to reapply it a few times, depending on what I’m doing, but that isn’t necessarily a negative, as it reworks extremely well. I tend to wear my hair in a modern, slightly wet look, so a small top-up to bring it back to its best isn’t an issue. 

Like most creams, it goes in wet, but this formula is slightly thinner and remains wetter for longer. My hair takes forever to dry, but once it does, I love both the look and the feel. It can be difficult to gauge how much product you’re using, so I tested it at various levels of dampness and with different quantities. I found application easiest when my hair was towel-dried, with a small amount of moisture still present. I have followed the added Sam suggestion of some sea salt spray before applying but I can’t tell the difference. Once dry, it delivers a natural, flowing finish with no stickiness or greasiness.

I’m not a huge fan of the tube packaging. I understand why it’s been chosen — the thinner consistency makes dispensing easier — but I find it harder to maintain a consistent amount, and you don’t get that final scrape from the bottom.

Verdict: Mid to Long Hair
Sam Rascals’ claim of spending over a year developing the best possible product is likely true. Compared with similar styling creams, this delivers on performance, versatility and scent. Honestly, it smells absolutely incredible.

Pros:
• Exceptional smell
• Easy application and reapplication
• Natural, lightweight finish once dry
• Flexible hold without heaviness

Cons:
• Premium price
• Tube packaging makes consistency difficult