Pomade, Wax, Clay or Gel: Choosing the Right Styling Product

The wall of tins and tubes is confusing. Here is what each men’s styling product actually does, and who it is for.

Start with two questions

Before the brand, decide two things: how much hold you want (how firmly the style stays) and how much shine you want (wet-look gloss versus natural matte). Almost every product is just a different point on those two scales.

The four big families

Pomade

Medium-to-strong hold with shine. Classic for slick backs and side parts. Oil-based versions last for days but need a proper wash to remove; water-based versions rinse out easily.

Wax

Flexible hold, low-to-medium shine. Good for textured, piecey looks on shorter hair.

Clay

Strong hold, matte finish, adds thickness. A favourite for fuller, natural-looking styles and thinner hair that needs body.

Gel

Strongest hold, high shine, stiff finish. Best in small amounts; too much looks crunchy.

How much to use

• Start with a pea-sized amount — you can always add more.
• Warm it between your palms first so it spreads evenly.
• Apply to damp hair for control, dry hair for texture.

Ask your barber

The fastest shortcut is to ask the person who just cut your hair which product suits your cut and hair type — they style it dozens of times a day. If you want a recommendation in person, pop into https://artursbarbershop.com/ and ask while you are in the chair — it is worth doing on your next men’s haircut near me in Chicago.