Gel vs Clay vs Pomade, Which Is The Best For Your Hairstyle
Choosing the right hair product can make or break your style. With so many options available—gel, clay, pomade, texture powder, and more—it’s essential to understand how each works and what it can do for your look. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between gel, clay, and pomade, as well as how to choose the best product for popular hairstyles, ensuring your style lasts all day.
Best Hair Products For Men 2024
1. Texture Powder
If you're going for a hairstyle that’s textured and full of volume, like the French Crop, texture powder is your go-to. This powder clumps your hair, creating a light, gritty texture without weighing it down. By adding fullness and volume, texture powder can make thin or fine hair appear much thicker. It’s a great product for achieving natural, effortless-looking texture.
How to Use It: Apply to dry hair, focusing on the roots. Use your fingers to scrunch the hair into place, creating lift and texture as you go. This lightweight product won’t feel sticky and leaves a matte finish.
2. Sea Salt Spray
The famous fluffy hairstyle requires lightness and movement, which is where sea salt spray comes in. This product adds volume while enhancing your hair’s natural waves, giving you a slightly tousled and beachy effect. Sea salt spray is perfect if you’re aiming for a laid-back, effortless look with defined texture.
How to Use It: Spray sea salt spray onto damp hair and scrunch with your fingers as it dries, either naturally or with a hairdryer. The salt helps absorb excess oil while adding grip and volume to give you that carefree, textured look.
3. Pomade
For a polished, classic look, such as the slick back, pomade is ideal. This product is known for its flexibility, allowing you to achieve a smooth, sleek style with high hold and natural shine. Traditional pomades were oil-based, but many modern options are water-based, making them easier to wash out while still delivering that old-school, glossy look.
How to Use It: Apply pomade to dry or damp hair and comb through to create a clean, slicked-back effect. For extra shine, you can add a few drops of water to the pomade before applying.
4. Matte Clay
If you’re after a hairstyle with height and volume, like a quiff, matte clay is an excellent choice. It provides a strong, all-day hold while leaving a dry, matte finish, which is perfect for styles that require height without shine. Matte clay is best suited for thicker hair as it provides structure and grip, holding up well throughout the day.
How to Use It: Rub a small amount of clay between your palms to warm it up, then work it through dry hair, focusing on the roots for maximum lift. Use your fingers or a comb to shape the hair into place, allowing for a firm hold and a clean, natural-looking finish.
Differences Between Gel, Clay & Pomade
| Product | Hold | Shine | Texture/Finish | Best For | Application Tips | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel | Strong | High | Wet, stiff | Slicked-back styles, spiky looks | Apply to damp or dry hair; use sparingly to avoid crunchiness | Long-lasting hold, wet/shiny look |
| Clay | Medium to Strong | Low/Matte | Dry, natural texture | Quiffs, messy styles, height | Warm up a small amount in hands, apply to dry hair, focus on roots for added volume | Adds volume, holds height, dry/matte finish |
| Pomade | Medium to High | Medium to High | Smooth, flexible | Classic, polished styles (e.g., slick back) | Apply to damp hair for shine or dry hair for natural hold; comb for sleek finish | Flexible hold, glossy finish, reworkable throughout the day |
Choosing the Right Product for Your Hair Type
- Fine Hair: Opt for lightweight products like sea salt spray or texture powder to avoid weighing your hair down.
- Thick Hair: Pomade and matte clay provide the control needed to tame and style thick, unruly hair.
- Curly or Wavy Hair: Sea salt spray or texture powder can enhance your natural waves and add volume without making your hair feel stiff.
Final Tips For Using Hair Products
It’s all about knowing your hair type, your desired finish, and how much hold you need. Here’s a quick rundown:
- For texture, go with texture powder.
- For volume and wave enhancement, reach for sea salt spray.
- For sleek styles, choose pomade.
- For height and matte finishes, stick to matte clay.