Pomade, wax, clay, gel, cream, paste — the shelf of men's styling products is confusing, and the wrong choice can leave your hair stiff, greasy, or flat. The good news is that most products differ along just two lines: how much hold they give and how much shine. Once you understand those two dials and what each product type does, picking the right one for your hair and style becomes simple. This guide breaks it all down.
The short version
Products vary mainly in two things: hold and shine.
Pomade gives shine and flexible-to-strong hold; great for classic slick styles.
Clay and paste give a matte, natural finish with solid hold; very versatile.
Cream gives light hold and a natural look; good for everyday control.
Gel gives strong hold and high shine but can feel stiff.
The two things that matter
Before the product names, understand the two dials every product sits on. Hold is how firmly it keeps your hair in place, from light (natural movement) to strong (locked down). Shine is the finish, from matte (looks like natural dry hair) to high shine (glossy and wet-looking). Modern styles often favor a matte or low-shine finish with a natural look, while classic slicked styles lean on shine. Knowing where you want to land on both dials points you straight to the right product.
The main product types
Here is what each common product does, in plain terms.
Product
Hold
Shine
Best for
Pomade
Medium to strong
Shiny (or matte, if labeled)
Classic slick-back, pompadour
Clay
Strong
Matte
Textured, natural-looking styles
Paste
Medium
Low to matte
Versatile everyday texture
Cream
Light
Natural
Light control, softer looks
Wax
Medium to strong
Low to medium
Definition and separation
Gel
Strong
High
Firm, structured wet look
Pomade, clay, and paste
These three cover most men's needs. Pomade is the classic — it gives shine and reliable hold, and water-based versions wash out easily while oil-based ones last longer between washes. It is the go-to for slicked, combed styles. Clay is the modern favorite: a strong, matte, natural finish that adds thickness and works beautifully in textured crops and messy-but-controlled looks. Paste sits in the middle — flexible, low-shine, and forgiving, making it a great all-rounder if you only want to own one product.
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Cream, wax, and gel
Cream is the lightest option, giving gentle control and a natural finish without stiffness — ideal for softer, everyday styles or for taming without an obvious "product" look. Wax adds definition and separation with a pliable hold, useful for shorter textured cuts. Gel delivers the strongest hold and highest shine and is what gives that firm, structured wet look, but it can feel crunchy and flake if overused, which is why many men have moved toward clays and pastes for a more natural result.
Pro tip — less is more, and warm it up
The most common styling mistake is using too much product, which leaves hair greasy, heavy, and flat. Start with a small amount — about the size of a pea or dime — rub it between your palms to warm and spread it evenly, then work it through. You can always add a little more, but you cannot easily take it out.
Matching product to your hair
Your hair type matters as much as the product. Fine hair does best with lightweight products like clay, paste, or cream that add texture without weighing it down — heavy pomades can make fine hair look limp. Thick or curly hair can handle heavier products and often needs more hold or moisture to stay controlled. If your hair is dry, a product with some conditioning benefit helps. When in doubt, ask your barber which product they used on you and how much — they picked it for a reason.
Applying it well
Technique finishes the job. Most products go into towel-dried or dry hair, though some creams and lighter products can go into damp hair for a more natural set. Warm the product in your hands, distribute it from the back forward and root to tip, then style with your fingers or a comb depending on the look. For matte, textured styles, fingers and a bit of tousling work best; for sleek styles, a comb gives clean lines. Build up gradually rather than dumping it all in at once.
Ask your barber what to use
Find a barber near you on Barbers At Your Service.
Pomade gives shine and a smooth, classic finish suited to slicked and combed styles, while clay gives a matte, natural finish with strong hold and added texture. Choose pomade for a polished look and clay for a modern, textured, natural one.
Which hair product is best for a natural, matte look?
Clay and paste are the top choices for a matte, natural finish. Clay offers stronger hold and more texture, while paste is more flexible and forgiving. Both avoid the glossy, wet look that pomade and gel produce.
How much product should I use?
Start small — about the size of a pea or dime — and warm it between your palms before applying. Using too much is the most common mistake and leaves hair greasy and flat. You can always add a little more if needed.
What product is best for fine hair?
Lightweight products like clay, paste, or cream work best for fine hair because they add texture and hold without weighing it down. Heavy pomades can make fine hair look limp and greasy. A matte product also creates the appearance of more volume.
General grooming information — results vary by hair type, barber, and products, and prices vary by location.
