Hair Clays, Wax, or Pomade? Choosing the Best Styling Product

The modern bloke's grooming arsenal extends well beyond the basic shampoo and conditioner. Today's discerning gent knows that achieving those perfectly styled locks requires the right product for the job. A lot multitude of options is available today, from traditional pomades to innovative hair clays and versatile waxes!

How do you know which one suits your needs? This comprehensive guide breaks down the hair clay vs wax vs pomade debate to help you find your perfect styling match.

1. Understanding the Basics: What Sets Them Apart

Before diving into specific products, let's clarify what makes each styling product unique:

Hair Clay

Hair clay contains, as the name suggests, clay minerals like bentonite or kaolin that provide a natural-looking matte finish. The hair clay benefits include:

Strong hold without the shine
Adds thickness and texture to hair
Typically water-based for easy washing
Contains natural minerals that can nourish the scalp

Hair Wax

Wax-based products offer versatility with a medium shine:

Pliable hold that allows for restyling throughout the day
Usually made with beeswax or synthetic waxes
Provides definition and separation
Works well for textured, piece-y looks

Pomade

The oldest of the three, pomades traditionally offer the highest shine:

Available in water-based (modern) and oil-based (traditional) formulations
Creates slick, defined styles
Ideal for classic looks like pompadours and slick-backs
Pomade for men's hair typically provides medium to stronghold

Understanding these fundamental differences is your first step toward choosing the best men's hairstyling product for your specific needs.

2. Matching Products to Your Hair Type

Not all hair is created equal, and neither should your approach to styling products be. Here's how to match the right product to your hair type:

Fine/Thin Hair

Best choice: Hair clay
Why: Adds volume and thickness without weighing hair down
Avoid: Heavy oil-based pomades that can make fine hair look greasy

Thick Hair

The age-old question of hair clay or wax for thick hair is best answered by considering your styling goals:

For control and taming: Pomade offers the strongest hold for unruly thick hair
For texture with control: Clay provides the weight needed to keep thick hair in check
For a natural movement with a definition: Wax gives separation while allowing some natural movement

Curly/Wavy Hair

Best choice: Lighter waxes or water-based pomades
Why: Enhances natural texture without creating crunchiness
Application tip: Apply to damp hair and scrunch to enhance the natural curl pattern

Straight Hair

Best choice: Versatile—all three work well depending on the desired style
For volume: Clay adds bulk and lift
For sleek looks: Pomade creates smooth, controlled styles
For textured, casual styles: Wax provides separation and definition

Finding the right match between product and hair type is crucial for achieving the best product for men's hairstyles that work with, rather than against, your natural hair characteristics.

3. Hold Factor: From Flexible to Fortress

The strength of hold you need depends entirely on your hairstyle ambitions:

Light Hold

Best for: Natural, tousled looks
Product recommendation: Light waxes or clay-cream hybrids
Hair types: Fine hair or short styles

Medium Hold

Best for: Everyday styling with some movement
Product recommendation: Standard waxes, lighter clays, water-based pomades
Hair types: Most hair types and medium-length styles

Strong Hold

Best for: Structured styles that need to stay put
Product recommendation: Heavy clays, firm waxes, or traditional pomades
Hair types: Thick, coarse, or rebellious hair

Reshapable Hold

If you're someone who likes to restyle throughout the day:

Water-based pomades can be reactivated with a bit of water
Waxes remain pliable for hours and can be reshaped with your fingers
Clays typically set more firmly but can be adjusted with some work

Understanding the hold factor helps you nail those men's modern hairstyling tips that require specific levels of control.

4. Finish: From Ultra-Matte to High Shine

The finish of your styling product creates a distinct vibe for your overall look:

Matte Finish (No Shine)

Best product: Clay
Ideal for: Modern, textured styles and a natural look
Particularly good for: Men who prefer their hairstyle to look effortless

Natural/Satin Finish (Subtle Shine)

Best product: Wax
Ideal for: Versatile everyday styles
Particularly good for: Business environments where you want to look groomed but not overly styled

High Shine

Best product: Pomade (especially oil-based)
Ideal for: Classic, slick styles and formal occasions
Particularly good for: Creating a deliberate, polished appearance

The right finish can make or break your style, so consider the occasion and personal preference when deciding between hair wax vs pomade for styling based on the shine factor.

5. Application Techniques: Getting the Most From Your Product

Even the best product can fail if not applied correctly. Here's how to use hair wax and other styling products effectively:

General Application Steps

Start with a small amount (pea-sized for short hair, marble-sized for longer styles)
Warm the product between your palms until it becomes pliable
Apply to either damp or dry hair depending on the product (see below)
Style as desired using fingers for textured looks or a comb for more defined styles

Product-Specific Tips

Hair Clay

Apply to dry or slightly damp hair
Work from roots to ends for maximum volume
Use fingertips to create texture and separation

Hair Wax

Works best on dry or nearly dry hair
Focus on mid-lengths and ends
Great for piece-y definition and second-day styling

Pomade

Styling hair with pomade works best on damp hair for water-based formulas
For traditional oil-based pomades, apply to dry hair
Use a comb for classic, sleek styles
Fingerstyle for more relaxed looks with shine

Mastering these application techniques ensures you get the full benefit of whichever product you choose.

6. Product Recommendations for Popular Styles

Different hairstyles call for different products. Here are recommendations for achieving today's most sought-after looks:

Textured Crop

Best product: Clay
Application: Work through dry hair, focusing on creating a piece-y texture
Pro tip: Use a pre-styling product for extra volume at the roots

Slick Back

Best product: Medium or high-shine pomade
Application: Apply to damp hair and comb back
Pro tip: Blow-dry in the direction you want the hair to go before applying the product

Quiff or Pompadour

Best product: Strong-hold pomade or clay-pomade hybrid
Application: Apply to damp hair, style upward and back with a brush while blow-drying
Pro tip: Finish with a light mist of hairspray for all-day hold

Messy, Bedhead Look

Best product: Lightweight wax or clay
Application: Apply to dry hair, tousle with fingers
Pro tip: Less is more—start with a minimal amount and add more if needed

These recommendations come from barbers and stylists who know the secret to the best men's hairstyling product selection for each specific look.

Finding your perfect styling match might take some experimentation, but understanding the fundamental differences between hair clay, wax, and pomade puts you well on your way to achieving your best look yet. Remember, the right product is the one that works with your hair type, suits your desired style, and feels right for you.

FAQs About Hair Styling Products

1: How often should I wash out styling products?

Clay and water-based products should be washed out daily. Oil-based pomades may require several washes or a clarifying shampoo. Leaving product in overnight, particularly waxes, can clog pores and affect hair health.

2: Can I use these products on a beard?

While you can use hair styling products on beards, dedicated beard balms and waxes are better formulated for facial hair and the skin underneath. Hair clay, in particular, may be too drying for beard use.

3: Which product is best for thinning hair?

Hair clay is typically the best option as it adds volume and thickness. Avoid heavy pomades that can separate hair and make thinning more noticeable.

4: Are these products bad for my hair?

Quality products used correctly shouldn't damage your hair. However, not washing out products regularly or using products with alcohol or petroleum derivatives daily could potentially dry out hair over time.

5: Can I mix different styling products?

Absolutely! Many stylists create custom blends—try mixing clay and wax for hold with some shine, or pomade with a bit of clay to reduce shine while maintaining slickness.