Wax, paste, clay, pomade – the names sound alike, the results don’t. What matters is hold and shine to suit your hair length and look. What we use in the salon and recommend for home.
The classic
A fibrous paste with strong hold and a matte finish that you’ll find in many barbershops. It gives short hair texture without gluing it together, and you can restyle it throughout the day.
What we like
Keep in mind
Light texture
A clay cream from the salon range with light hold and a matte look. Ideal for fine to normal hair that should keep its movement – for women and men.
What we like
Keep in mind
Matte, firm hold
A clay pomade with a matte finish and strong hold. Good for textured cuts and crops where the hair should have grip yet still look natural.
What we like
Keep in mind
For thick hair
A matte paste with powerful hold from the professional range. It copes even with dense, stubborn hair and gives clear, piecey texture.
What we like
Keep in mind
Naturally matte
From the brand with roots at Toni & Guy. According to the manufacturer, an “ultra-matte” texturiser for effortlessly tousled looks, with flexible hold for short to mid-length hair – understated, as if you’ve just left the salon.
What we like
Keep in mind
Mouldable, matte finish
A matte wax paste with strong hold for casually tousled looks. Spreads easily and can be reshaped during the day.
What we like
Keep in mind
Affordable, strong hold
A high-street wax with strong hold and a slight shine. For short styles that need to stay put all day – at a very fair price.
What we like
Keep in mind
Beach look
A matte paste for that relaxed, just-back-from-the-beach look. Fairly loose hold, good for mid-length hair and waves.
What we like
Keep in mind
| Product | Hold | Finish | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paste / fibre | medium to strong | matte | Short hair, textured cuts, crops |
| Clay | strong | matte | Fine hair that needs grip |
| Wax | medium to strong | slight shine | Short, defined styles |
| Pomade | medium to strong | shiny | Side partings, slick-backs, classic looks |
| Cream | light | natural | Longer hair, women, movement |
Want more shine or a wet look? Then hair gel is the better product. For longer hair that should stay soft, we recommend a hair cream.
Gel sets hard as it dries and can barely be reshaped afterwards. Waxes and pastes stay pliable – you can restyle your hair during the day.
Not if you wash it out in the evening. Residue on the scalp can weigh it down and make it look greasy.
A light, matte product such as a clay cream. Shiny, heavy waxes flatten fine hair.
For short hair, a pea-sized amount is enough. For thick or longer hair, a little more – but always in small steps.
