Best Hair Product For Men: Clay, Pomade, Paste Or Powder?

Are you baffled by the array of hair styling products available in the market? There are so many different hair products out there such as clay, pomade, paste, and powder but which is the best one for you? In this article, we'll go through the best hair waxes, decoding the mysteries behind each type to help you find the one that suits your hair type and styling needs.

1. Pomade

• Type: Oil-based or water-based.

• Characteristics: Provides a high shine and a strong hold, suitable for structured hairstyles.

• Hair Type: Works well for thick hair, offering control and versatility.

• Product Recommendations: Rhizo (oil-based), water-based pomades for a lighter feel.

Originating from the French word "pomade," meaning ointment, pomade stands as one of the oldest hair products known to humanity. Initially crafted from mashed apples and fats, pomades have evolved into high-performing styling products. Whether oil-based or water-based, pomades offer a high shine and a robust hold, making them ideal for those classic, structured hairstyles. They cater to various hair types, with water-based pomades being easier to wash out than their oil-based counterparts.

2. Clay

• Type: Typically water-based, may also be oil-based.

• Characteristics: Newest type of product, offers a matte finish and strong hold.

• Hair Type: Suitable for various hair types, especially good for fine or thinning hair due to ingredients like bentonite that swell the hair.

• Additional Benefits: Helps keep the scalp and hair healthy, pulls out impurities and excess oil.

• Product Recommendations: Moroccan Oil Texture Clay, products with kaolin or bentonite.

Clays emerge as the new player in the hair product game. Typically water-based (though some may be oil-based), clays offer a matte finish and a formidable hold. Rich in ingredients like bentonite, they swell the hair, making them perfect for those with fine or thinning hair. Beyond styling, clays contribute to scalp and hair health by pulling out impurities and excess oil.

3. Paste

• Characteristics: Thicker than cream but less thick than clay, versatile with a natural to low shine finish.

• Hair Type: Great for fine hair, provides a loose, malleable hold.

• Versatility: Can be scaled up in terms of hold and shine.

• Product Recommendations: Shear Revival's Northern Lights, offers a versatile and natural look.

Pastes carve a niche for themselves, being thicker than creams but less dense than clays. With a natural to low shine finish, pastes offer versatility in styling. Perfect for those with fine hair, pastes can be scaled up for more hold and shine. Their hybrid nature, incorporating various elements like clay properties and beeswax, makes them a favorite for achieving a loose, malleable hold.

4. Powder

• Characteristics: Contains silica or similar ingredients, gives a textured and rough appearance.

• Texture and Movement: Adds texture, movement, and volume to the hair.

• Usage: Can be combined with other products for added texture.

• Product Recommendations: Kevin Murphy Powder Puff for a premium option, V05 for a more budget-friendly choice.

Powders, often overlooked, bring a unique textured dimension to hairstyling. Typically containing silica or similar ingredients, powders create a rougher appearance, adding movement, height, and volume to your hair. They can be used in conjunction with other products to enhance texture and are particularly useful for those seeking a more tousled look.