Pomade Vs Clay Vs Paste Vs Cream: The Barber’s Guide To Choosing The Right Hair Product

Walk into any barbershop and you’ll hear the same question: “What product should I use?” The truth is, most men don’t need more products - they need the right one for their hair type, desired style, and daily routine. At STC Barbershop, we help clients choose styling products that actually work, so your haircut looks fresh every day, not just when you leave the chair.

Here’s a simple, barber-approved guide to choosing between pomade, clay, paste, and cream - plus how to apply them for the best results.

Start With the Two Things That Matter Most: Hold + Finish

Every product has two main characteristics:

• Hold: light, medium, strong (how well it keeps the shape)

• Finish: matte, natural, or shiny (how it looks in light)

If you want a clean business look, you’ll usually want medium hold + natural finish. If you want messy texture, you’ll likely want matte finish + medium/strong hold.

Pomade: Best for Classic, Sleek Styles

Pomade is the go-to for slick backs, side parts, and polished styles.

• Best for: straight hair, medium-length hair, formal looks

• Finish: typically natural to high shine

• Hold: medium to strong

• Pro tip: water-based pomade washes out easier than oil-based.

Pomade is perfect if you want that “clean and controlled” look, especially when paired with a fade or taper.

Clay: Best for Matte Texture and Volume

Clay is ideal for messy, modern styles and volume.

• Best for: fine hair, thinning hair, short to medium cuts

• Finish: matte

• Hold: medium to strong

Clays add grip and thickness, which makes hair look fuller. Great choice if you want a textured crop, messy quiff, or natural lift without shine.

Paste: Best All-Around Versatility

Paste is the “middle ground” product, flexible, reworkable, and natural-looking.

• Best for: most hair types (straight, wavy, even some curls)

• Finish: natural to matte

• Hold: light to medium

If you’re not sure what to buy, paste is often the safest bet because it styles well without looking heavy.

Cream: Best for Wavy/Curly Hair and Soft Control

Creams are lighter and great for taming frizz, defining waves, and controlling flyaways.

• Best for: wavy/curly hair, longer hair, dry hair

• Finish: natural

• Hold: light

Cream is perfect if you want hair to look “effortless,” not stiff.

How to Apply Product Like a Barber

• Start with a pea-sized amount (you can add more later).

• Rub it between your palms until it’s evenly spread.

• Apply from back to front, then style into shape.

• For more volume: apply to damp hair and blow dry.

• For more texture: apply to dry hair and pinch the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much product (causes greasy, flat hair)

• Picking the wrong finish (shine when you want texture, or vice versa)

• Skipping the “warm-up” rub between hands (causes clumps)

Want the fastest shortcut? Ask your STC barber what product matches your haircut and lifestyle, we’ll recommend the best option based on how your hair behaves in real life.