Men's Hair Styling Guide: How to Use Gel, Pomade, and Styling Clay

Quick Answer

For most men, the right styling product depends on your hair length and desired finish. Use a flexible hold wax pomade for natural, all-day styling, a medium hold gel for wet looks and defined styles, and a styling clay for matte, textured finishes. Start with a small amount, warm it in your hands, and apply evenly from back to front.

Choosing the right hair product can feel overwhelming with so many options on the shelf. Gel, pomade, and clay each offer different holds, finishes, and levels of flexibility. This guide breaks down what each product does and how to apply it for the best results.

Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, understanding the difference between hold and shine will help you pick the right product for your style. We'll walk through the key characteristics of each product type and give you a step-by-step application routine.

Gel vs. Pomade vs. Clay: What's the Difference?

Hair gel typically offers a firm hold with a wet or semi-glossy finish. It's great for slicked-back styles, spikes, and defined looks. However, many gels can flake or dry out the hair. A quality gel, like the Styling Hair Gel for Men, provides a medium hold with a semi-glossy finish and can be reactivated with water, making it easy to restyle throughout the day.

Pomade provides a flexible hold with a natural or high shine. It's ideal for classic styles like side parts and pompadours. Wax pomades, such as the Flexible Hold Wax Pomade for Men, use beeswax to give a flexible hold that can be restyled without stiffness. They also condition the hair with vitamin E and promote hair growth with castor oil.

Styling clay offers a strong, matte finish with a pliable hold. It's perfect for textured, messy looks and works well on short to medium hair. Clay provides a more natural finish than gel and is easier to wash out than some pomades. The tradeoff is that clay can be harder to distribute evenly and may require more effort to apply.

• Gel: best for wet looks and defined styles, but avoid if you dislike flaking or stiffness.
• Pomade: best for flexible, natural shine and restyling throughout the day.
• Clay: best for matte, textured styles with a strong but pliable hold.

How to Choose the Right Product for Your Hair Type

For short hair (under 2 inches), a styling clay or a firm hold pomade works best to add texture and definition without weighing hair down. For medium-length hair, a flexible wax pomade gives you control and a natural finish that moves with you. For long hair, a lighter gel or pomade can help tame flyaways without making hair stiff or greasy.

Consider your scalp sensitivity too. If you have a sensitive scalp, look for products that are non-irritating and non-drying. The Styling Hair Gel for Men is formulated to be non-irritating and flake-free, making it a safe choice for daily use. Also, if you're prone to dandruff, pair your styling product with a gentle shampoo like the Relieving Dandruff Shampoo for Men to keep your scalp healthy.

• Short hair: clay or firm hold pomade for texture and definition.
• Medium hair: flexible wax pomade for control and natural movement.
• Long hair: light gel or pomade to tame without stiffness.

Step-by-Step Application Tips for Pomade and Clay

Applying pomade or clay correctly makes a big difference in the final look. Start with a small amount—about a dime-sized dab for most products. Rub it between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to spread. Apply evenly from the back of your head to the front, focusing on the roots for hold and the ends for finish.

For a natural look, use your fingers to style and let the product set. For more definition, use a comb to create parts or texture. Avoid using too much product, as it can make hair look greasy or heavy. If you need more hold, add a tiny bit more product rather than over-applying at once.

• Always start with a small amount and add more if needed.
• Warm the product in your hands before applying for even distribution.
• Use a comb for precise styles, fingers for a more natural look.

Your 5-Step Styling Routine

1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair: Wash and towel-dry your hair until it's damp but not soaking. This helps the product spread evenly and reduces the amount you need. Checkpoint: Hair should be damp but not dripping.
2. Warm a small amount of product in your palms: Scoop out a dime-sized amount of pomade, gel, or clay. Rub your hands together to warm it, which makes it easier to apply and prevents clumping. Mistake to avoid: Using too much product at once.
3. Apply from back to front: Run your hands through your hair from the nape of your neck toward the front. Focus on the roots for hold and the ends for finish. This ensures even coverage. Checkpoint: Hair should be evenly coated, not greasy.
4. Style with fingers or a comb: Use your fingers for a natural, textured look or a comb for a more defined part or slick back. Work quickly before the product sets. Mistake to avoid: Overworking the hair, which can cause frizz.
5. Let it set and adjust as needed: Allow the product to dry and set. If you need more hold, add a tiny bit more product. For gel, you can reactivate with water to restyle. Checkpoint: Your style should hold all day without stiffness or flaking.

Products That Make Styling Easier

• Flexible Hold Wax Pomade for Men: Our Flexible Hold Wax Pomade is the best hair pomade for men to provide an all day flexible hold. Just a small dab will provide a natural shine finish that can be styled as you wish throughout the day. Beeswax in this men's hair pomade provides a flexible hold, while Vitamin E conditions the hair, and Castor Oil promotes hair growth. Perfect for all hair types and non-irritating to the scalp. 2 oz This pomade gives you a natural shine and the flexibility to restyle without stiffness, making it ideal for everyday wear and all hair types.
• Styling Hair Gel for Men: MEDIUM HOLD. SEMI-GLOSSY FINISH. Reactivates with water, making it easy to maintain your style throughout the day Non-irritating, non-drying, flake-free formula Scented with a refreshing blend of essential oils Sculpt and set the style you want with this medium hold styling gel. It won't flake in the hair and can be easily reactivated with water making it great for wet looks and defined styles that require a... If you prefer a wet look or defined styles, this gel offers a medium hold that won't flake or dry out, and you can reactivate it with water to refresh your style.

Mastering your hair styling routine comes down to choosing the right product for your desired look and applying it correctly. Whether you prefer the flexible hold of a wax pomade or the defined finish of a gel, start with a small amount and build up. With these tips, you'll be able to style your hair with confidence every day.