The men’s hair product aisle is confusing. Pomade, clay, wax, paste, cream, gel, fibre: they all promise hold and style, but they work very differently. Here’s a plain-English breakdown from the barbers at Fade Artist in Barrie, covering what each product does, which haircuts it suits and how to use it properly.
The Two Things That Matter: Hold and Shine
Every styling product sits somewhere on two scales:
- Hold: how firmly the product keeps your hair in place, from light to strong.
- Shine: how much it reflects light, from completely matte to high gloss.
Once you know what you want on these two scales, choosing a product gets much easier.
Men’s Hair Products Compared
| Product | Hold | Shine | Best for | Washes out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade (water-based) | Medium to strong | Medium to high | Slick backs, side parts, pompadours | Easily |
| Pomade (oil-based) | Medium to strong | High | Classic, vintage styles | Hard, needs several washes |
| Clay | Medium to strong | Matte | Textured crops, messy styles, fine hair | Easily |
| Paste | Light to medium | Low to medium | Everyday natural styles, short to medium hair | Easily |
| Wax | Medium to strong | Low to medium | Short, spiky or defined styles | Moderately |
| Cream | Light | Natural | Longer hair, curls, frizz control | Easily |
| Gel | Strong | High (wet look) | Very structured styles | Easily, but can flake |
Pomade: For Polished, Classic Styles
Pomade gives a smooth, shiny finish and is the go-to for slicked-back hair, side parts and pompadours. Modern water-based pomades wash out with a single shampoo, while traditional oil-based ones offer a richer shine but can take several washes to remove.
Use it if: you want a neat, groomed look with some shine, like for work, weddings or a classic side part.
Skip it if: you have fine hair that falls flat easily, or you want a natural, matte finish.
Clay: For Texture and Volume
Clay contains natural ingredients like kaolin or bentonite that absorb oil and add grip. It gives strong, flexible hold with a completely matte finish, and it makes hair look thicker. That’s why it’s the barber’s favourite for modern, textured cuts.
Use it if: you have a textured crop, a quiff, a messy style or fine hair that needs volume.
Skip it if: you want shine or a slick, sculpted finish.
Paste: The All-Rounder
Paste sits between clay and wax. It has light to medium hold, a low to natural shine and is easy to restyle during the day. It’s a great first product if you’re not sure where to start.
Use it if: you want a natural, “I didn’t try too hard” look for everyday short and medium cuts.
Wax: For Definition and Control
Wax is thicker and stickier than paste. It holds shape well, separates hair into defined pieces and works well on short hair. Because it can build up, use it sparingly, and wash it out properly at night.
Use it if: you have short, spiky or piecey styles, or coarse hair that needs taming.
Cream and Gel: The Specialists
Cream gives light, soft hold with a natural finish, which makes it perfect for longer hair, curly hair and frizz control. Gel gives a hard, shiny, wet look that holds all day. It’s great for very structured styles, but it can feel crunchy and flake if overused.
Matching the Product to Your Hair Type
- Fine or thin hair: Clay or a light paste. Avoid heavy pomades and wax that weigh hair down.
- Thick hair: Strong clay, wax or pomade to control volume.
- Curly or wavy hair: Cream or a light paste to define curls without crunch.
- Oily hair: Matte products like clay absorb excess oil. See our tips on avoiding greasy hair.
- Coarse hair: Wax or pomade to smooth and control.
How to Apply Hair Product the Right Way
- Start with the right amount. A fingertip or pea-sized amount is enough for most short cuts. You can always add more.
- Warm it up. Rub the product between your palms until it’s soft and invisible.
- Apply to towel-dried or dry hair. Clay and paste usually work best on dry hair. Pomade and cream work well on slightly damp hair.
- Start at the back. Work through the back and sides first, then the front, so you don’t overload the fringe.
- Style with your fingers or a comb. Fingers give texture, and a comb gives a sharper, polished finish.
For a messy, textured look, our guide to the perfect messy hair look walks through the full technique.
Ask Your Barber
The best way to find the right product is to ask the person who just cut your hair. At Fade Artist, our barbers finish every cut with the right styling product and can show you exactly how much to use. Next time you’re in the chair, ask them to walk you through it.
Common Hair Product Mistakes
- Applying product to soaking-wet hair. Water dilutes most products, so they lose hold. Towel-dry first unless the label says otherwise.
- Putting it all on the front. Dumping product straight onto the fringe makes it greasy and heavy. Spread it from the back forward.
- Using the wrong finish for your cut. A shiny pomade on a textured crop, or a matte clay on a slick back, fights the haircut instead of helping it.
- Never washing it out. Product left on overnight builds up on the scalp. Shampoo it out at the end of the day, especially with wax and oil-based pomade.
- Sticking with one product forever. When your haircut changes, your product often should too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pomade and clay?
Pomade gives a shiny, smooth finish for classic styles. Clay gives a matte, textured finish with more volume. Pomade is for polish, and clay is for texture.
What hair product is best for thin hair?
A matte clay or light paste. Both add grip and volume without weighing fine hair down.
Is wax bad for your hair?
No, but it can build up on the hair and scalp. Use a small amount and wash it out properly with shampoo at night.
Which hair product lasts all day?
Strong-hold clay, wax or gel lasts the longest. For extra hold, finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Book Your Next Cut in Barrie
The right product only works with the right cut. Book with the barbers at Fade Artist, 431 Huronia Rd #2, Barrie. Call (705) 896-0003 or book online. Browse all our men’s haircuts.
