Finding the right hair styling product can make all the difference to your everyday grooming routine. Whether you prefer a polished, high-shine look or a relaxed, textured finish, understanding the different types of men's hair styling products can help you achieve your preferred style with confidence.
Pomades, clays, pastes and styling powders each offer distinct benefits, from firm hold and definition to natural-looking volume. However, choosing between them isn't always straightforward.
In this guide, we explore how these popular styling products work, their key differences and how to select the right option for your hair type and desired finish.
In This Guide
What Is Hair Pomade?
Hair pomade is a classic men's grooming product designed to provide definition, control and a smooth finish. Depending on the formula, it can offer anything from natural-looking texture to a high-shine appearance.
Pomades are particularly popular for traditional hairstyles such as slick backs, side partings and pompadours.
Featured Product: Morgan's Styling Pomade High Shine 100g
For those who appreciate a refined, classic finish, Morgan's Styling Pomade High Shine 100g is an excellent option.
Its water-soluble formula delivers firm hold and a distinctive glossy finish while remaining easy to wash out. Suitable for a range of hair types and lengths, it helps create controlled styles with a polished appearance.
Best for: Slick backs, structured side partings and hairstyles requiring noticeable shine.
Styling tip: Rub a small amount between your palms before distributing it evenly through your hair. Use a comb for a neat, defined finish.
What Is Hair Clay?
Hair clay is designed to deliver texture, structure and hold, usually with a low-shine or matte finish.
Unlike high-shine pomades, clays are well suited to more understated hairstyles. They can help create definition and separation without making the hair look glossy.
Hair clay is especially useful for short to medium-length styles that require shape and control.
Featured Product: Morgan's Matt Clay 120ml
Morgan's Matt Clay 120ml offers a smooth, creamy consistency with firm hold and a matte finish.
Its beeswax-based formula is particularly suited to thicker hair, helping create modern, structured hairstyles while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
The product also features a distinctive fragrance combining bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood and patchouli.
Best for: Thick hair, textured quiffs and structured matte hairstyles.
Styling tip: Apply a small amount to your fingertips and work through slightly damp or dry hair, shaping individual sections as required.
What Is Hair Paste?
Hair paste is a versatile styling category that typically provides texture, definition and varying levels of hold.
While some pastes offer flexibility and a natural finish, others deliver stronger control and a more pronounced matte appearance.
The exact result depends on the formula, making it important to consider the specific product rather than relying on the category alone.
Featured Product: Murdock Sea Salt Paste 50g
For a textured hairstyle with strong hold, Murdock Sea Salt Paste 50g offers a distinctive approach to styling.
Formulated with sea salt, this dry styling paste is designed to create an ultra-matte finish, added volume and lasting structure.
It is particularly suitable for men who prefer defined texture rather than a smooth, glossy appearance.
Best for: Voluminous quiffs, textured crops and strong-hold matte styles.
Styling tip: Work a small amount through damp or dry hair. For additional volume, use a sea salt spray or mousse before blow-drying, then finish with the paste.
What Is Styling Powder?
Styling powder provides a different approach to men's hair styling, focusing on volume, lift and texture with a lightweight feel.
Unlike traditional creams and pomades, styling powders are generally applied directly to dry hair, especially around the roots.
They are particularly useful for creating fuller-looking hairstyles without a glossy finish.
Featured Product: Pomp & Co Volumising Dust Powder 10g
Pomp & Co Volumising Dust Powder 10g is designed to add texture, volume and a dry-matte finish.
Its formula contains silica silylate and offers light to firm textured hold, while the targeted applicator helps distribute the product with greater control.
This makes it a practical choice for adding lift to flat hairstyles or creating a textured finish.
Best for: Root volume, fuller-looking styles and lightweight matte texture.
Styling tip: Apply sparingly to dry hair near the roots, then use your fingertips to lift and shape the hair. Build up gradually to avoid using too much product.
Pomade vs Clay vs Paste vs Powder
Although these styling products can produce similar looks, their textures and finishes differ considerably.
| Product | Typical Finish | Main Benefit | Ideal Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade | Glossy or polished | Definition and control | Slick back or side parting |
| Clay | Matte | Texture and firm structure | Textured quiff |
| Paste | Natural to matte | Versatile texture and hold | Tousled or defined styles |
| Powder | Dry matte | Root lift and volume | Voluminous textured hair |
These are general characteristics rather than fixed rules. Hold strength, shine and performance vary between individual formulas.
How to Choose the Right Styling Product
Consider Your Hair Type
Fine or flat hair may benefit from a lightweight styling powder that creates lift without requiring a heavy coating.
Thicker hair can often accommodate products with greater structure, such as firm-hold clays and pastes.
For medium-length hair, the best choice depends on whether you want polished control, flexible texture or added volume.
Decide on Your Preferred Finish
If you prefer a classic, glossy hairstyle, a high-shine pomade is a natural starting point.
For a more contemporary, understated appearance, consider a matte clay or sea salt paste.
If volume is your priority, a styling powder can provide lift while maintaining a dry finish.
Think About Hold and Flexibility
Strong-hold products are useful for maintaining structured styles, particularly when the hair needs to stay in a defined shape.
Lighter styling options may be more appropriate for relaxed hairstyles that benefit from movement.
Always consider how the product performs on your own hair, as results can vary depending on length, thickness and application technique.
How to Apply Men's Hair Styling Products
Even a well-chosen styling product can be less effective when applied incorrectly.
1. Start with the right hair condition. Some creams, clays and pastes can be used on damp or dry hair. Styling powders are generally best applied to dry hair.
2. Use a small amount first. Starting with too much product can make the hair difficult to style or leave an unwanted residue.
3. Distribute the product evenly. Warm pomades, clays and pastes between your hands before working them through the hair. Apply powders in controlled amounts, focusing on areas that need volume.
4. Style according to your preferred finish. Use a comb for a smooth, polished look or your fingers for natural-looking texture.
5. Adjust when necessary. Add small amounts of product until you achieve the desired hold and definition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pomade better than hair clay?
Neither is necessarily better. Pomade is often preferred for smooth, glossy styles, while clay is generally more suitable for matte texture and structure. The right choice depends on your hairstyle and preferred finish.
Can styling powder be used on fine hair?
Yes. Styling powders can be particularly useful for fine or flat hair because they provide lift and texture without the same application method as traditional creams or pomades. Begin with a small amount.
Does hair paste provide strong hold?
Some hair pastes offer strong hold, while others prioritise flexibility. Murdock Sea Salt Paste, for example, is designed to provide strong hold, volume and an ultra-matte finish.
Can you use pomade and styling powder together?
Yes, although combining products requires care. Use small amounts and consider the desired finish, as adding a glossy pomade over a matte powder may change the overall appearance and reduce the lightweight effect.
Which hair styling product is best for everyday use?
This depends on your hair type, styling routine and preferred appearance. A matte clay or paste may suit everyday textured styles, while a pomade can be useful for polished looks. Styling powder is another option when extra volume is needed.
Find Your Ideal Hair Styling Product at The Modern Man
Choosing between pomade, clay, paste and styling powder becomes easier once you understand how each product affects hold, texture, volume and finish.
From the classic shine of Morgan's Styling Pomade to the matte structure of Morgan's Matt Clay, the texture of Murdock Sea Salt Paste and the lightweight lift of Pomp & Co Volumising Dust Powder, there are different options for different grooming preferences.
Whether you're refining your everyday hairstyle or experimenting with a new look, the right styling product can help you achieve the finish you're after.
Explore our complete collection of men's hair styling products at The Modern Man and find the products that suit your routine.
