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Men's Hair Styling Guide — Pomade, Clay, Wax & Gel

Pomade, clay, wax, gel, paste, cream — the number of options is overwhelming. This guide cuts through it: which product for which hair type and style.

✍️ My Beauty Centre Editorial Team⏱️ 6 min read🔄 Updated regularly

Which styling product to use

Pomade — shine and slick styles

Pomade gives high shine and medium-to-strong hold. Best for slick, defined styles — side parts, pompadours, and classic combed looks. Water-based pomades wash out easily. Oil-based pomades have stronger hold and higher shine but require shampoo to remove. Best for: thick, straight or wavy hair.

Clay — texture and matte finish

Clay products contain kaolin or bentonite clay for a matte, textured finish with medium-to-strong hold. The most versatile styling product for most men — works on short to medium lengths for a natural, modern look. Best for: all hair types, particularly fine hair that needs texture without weight.

Wax — flexible hold and definition

Hair wax gives flexible hold with a natural to low shine finish. Easy to rework throughout the day. Best for: shorter styles, textured crops, and those who touch their hair regularly. Not ideal for very thick or coarse hair — does not provide enough hold.

Gel — maximum hold

Gel gives the strongest hold of any styling product and dries to a firm finish. Best for styles that need to stay put all day — faux hawks, hard parts, and very defined styles. Can cause flaking if applied too heavily. Use sparingly and distribute evenly.

Paste — workable hold with texture

A middle ground between wax and clay. Medium hold, low to medium shine, and reworkable. Good for messy or textured styles that need some definition without a sculpted look.

Application technique

  • Start with a small amount — a pea-to-marble sized amount is enough for most styles
  • Work the product between your palms to warm it before applying to hair
  • Apply to towel-dried or dry hair depending on the product (check label)
  • Work from the back of the head forward for even distribution
  • Style with your fingers first, then refine with a comb or brush
  • Re-apply sparingly if needed throughout the day

Quick reference by hair type

  • Fine hair: clay or light pomade — avoid heavy waxes that flatten
  • Thick hair: strong-hold pomade or gel — lightweight products get lost
  • Curly hair: cream or paste — defines without frizz
  • Wavy hair: clay or paste — enhances natural wave without weighing down
  • Coarse hair: oil-based pomade or strong clay — needs serious hold

Recommended products

American Crew
Forming Cream
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Baxter of California
Clay Pomade
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Gatsby
Moving Rubber Spiky Edge
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TIGI Bed Head
Matte Separation Workable Wax
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Frequently asked questions

Depends on the product. Most creams and pastes work on towel-dried (damp) hair. Clay and wax generally give better results on dry hair. Gel works on damp hair for cast definition. Check the label — and experiment with your specific hair type.
Apply conditioner or shampoo to dry hair before wetting — this breaks down the oil base. Then rinse and shampoo normally. Do not wet the hair first — water locks oil-based products in.
Start with less than you think. A pea-sized amount is enough for short hair. Marble-sized for medium. Build up if needed. Too much product is the most common mistake — it makes hair look greasy and flat.
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