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Choosing the right men's hair styling product can transform your everyday look. With so many options—gel, wax, pomade, paste—it's easy to get lost. Each formula has its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations, and is designed for different needs depending on the cut, texture, and desired finish. In this guide, discover a detailed and visual comparison to understand the differences between gel, wax, pomade, and hair paste for men, and find the perfect product for your style.
Visual comparison chart: Gel, Wax, Pomade, Hair Paste
|
Product |
Texture |
Outfit |
Brilliance |
Effect |
Ideal for |
Rinsing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Freeze |
Liquid, gelled |
Strong to very strong |
High (wet look) |
Fixed, rigid, structuring |
Structured looks, short hair, sleek effect |
Easy (often with water) |
|
Wax |
Thick, malleable |
Flexible to strong |
Low to medium |
Texturizing, natural, flexible |
Short to medium-length hair, tousled effect |
Variable (some use water, others oil) |
|
Ointment |
Cream, waxy or gelled |
Medium to high |
Medium to high |
Smooth, shiny, structured |
Retro looks, pompadour, slickback, side part |
Easy (with water for modern users) |
|
Dough |
Thick, fibrous, creamy |
Medium to high |
Weak to matte |
Texturizing, volumizing, natural |
Short to medium-length hair, matte finish, soft hairstyles |
Easy (with water) |
1. Men's Hair Gel
Features
- Fluid or gelled texture, transparent or colored
- Very strong hold, frozen effect
- Glossy finish, wet look
Benefits
- Perfect for taming flyaways and keeping your hairstyle in place all day.
- Ideal for structured looks, crests, slicked-back hair or a "wet look" effect.
- Quick application, dries quickly.
- Often easy to rinse
Disadvantages
- The hair has a stiff, cardboard-like effect.
- May leave residue or white film if too much product is used.
- Less suitable for alterations or flexible styles
- It can dry out the hair if it contains alcohol.
For whom?
This gel is for men who want extreme hold and a pronounced shine, for clean, structured hairstyles. Ideal for short hair or for taming unruly strands.
Discover our selection of hair gels.
2. Men's Hair Wax
Features
- Thick, malleable, sometimes fibrous texture
- Flexible to strong hold, depending on the formula
- Natural to slightly glossy finish
Benefits
- Allows you to reshape your hairstyle throughout the day.
- Ideal for textured, tousled or natural looks
- It doesn't stiffen the hair, it leaves movement.
- Perfect for short to medium-length hair
Disadvantages
- May make fine hair greasy or weigh it down if overdosed.
- Some oil-based models are more difficult to rinse.
- Less suitable for highly structured or wet-look hairstyles
For whom?
Wax is suitable for those who want a natural, textured style with a flexible hold. It's perfect for short cuts, thick hair, or for adding dimension to a medium-length style.
3. Men's Hair Pomade
Features
- Creamy, waxy or gelled texture
- Flexible, strong
- Glossy to very glossy finish ("slick" effect)
Benefits
- Ideal for retro hairstyles: Pompadour, slickback, side part
- It allows you to smooth the hair and give an elegant finish.
- Modern: rinses off easily with water (water-based ointments)
- Can be reworked during the day.
Disadvantages
- Old-fashioned ointments (oil-based) are greasier and harder to remove.
- Can weigh down fine hair
- Less suitable for tousled or natural styles
For whom?
Pomade is the choice of those who love vintage looks, ultra-smooth and shiny hairstyles, or barbers. Perfect for medium to thick hair, or for classic cuts.
Discover all our men's ointments.
4. Men's Hair Paste
Features
- Thick, fibrous, sometimes granular texture
- Medium to strong hold, matte or natural finish
- Texturizing and volumizing effect
Benefits
- Ideal for creating volume and texture without shine
- Natural effect, soft hairstyles, "messy" looks
- Perfect for fine to medium, short to mid-length hair.
- Can be reworked during the day.
- Leaves no greasy residue.
Disadvantages
- May leave residue if unevenly distributed.
- Less suitable for ultra-smooth or shiny looks
- May weigh down very fine hair if overdosed.
For whom?
Hair paste is perfect for men who want volume, texture, a matte finish, and a natural style. Ideal for modern cuts, the "just out of bed" look, or fine hair lacking density.
How to choose your hair styling product?
1. Depending on your hair type
- For fine hair: opt for texturizing paste or powder to add volume without weighing it down. Lightweight wax also works.
- Thick hair: waxes, pastes, pomades and strong hold gels are suitable for taming the mass.
- Curly hair: opt for a styling cream, a soft paste or a pomade to define without stiffening.
- Short hair: all products are suitable, depending on the desired effect.
- Medium-length hair: paste, wax or pomade depending on the style.
2. Depending on the desired style
- Wet look, textured: glossy gel or pomade
- Natural, textured look: wax, paste or powder
- Retro, sleek hairstyle: ointment
- Volume, tousled effect: paste, powder or fibrous wax
- Extreme hold: gel or strong paste
3. Depending on the finish
- Brilliant: gel, classic ointment
- Matte: paste, matte wax, clay
- Natural: wax, paste, cream
A closer look at some representative products
- KMS Hair Stay Styling Gel: Firm hold, residue-free, ideal for neat and structured styles. Perfect for slicked-back hairstyles and short hair requiring long-lasting hold.
- American Crew "Fiber" Styling Wax: Strong hold, matte finish, perfect for creating volume and texture without stiffening hair. Ideal for natural and textured looks.
- Suavecito “Original Hold” Ointment: Medium hold, natural shine, for classic or modern looks.
- Redken Brews “Work Hard” modeling clay: Firm hold, natural finish, ideal for structuring the hairstyle while maintaining a flexible and controlled look.
- Layrite Deluxe “Cement Clay” Styling Clay: Strong hold, matte finish. Perfect for short to medium-length hair, it provides defined texture and optimal control without a greasy effect.
- Styling cream: Ideal for curly or wavy hair, styling cream helps define the natural shape of the hair, reduces frizz and provides suppleness without weighing it down.
Application and maintenance tips
- Always take a small amount, warm it between your hands to make application easier.
- Apply to dry hair for added texture and a matte effect, or to damp hair for added shine.
- Avoid overloading, especially on fine hair.
- To remove residue, use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week.
- Adapt your hair care routine with a gentle daily shampoo to maintain scalp health.
FAQ: Your questions about men's hair styling products
What is the difference between hair wax and hair paste?
Wax offers a flexible to strong hold with a natural to glossy finish, ideal for textured and natural styles. Paste, often thicker and more fibrous, provides volume, a matte effect, and a more pronounced texture, perfect for tousled or voluminous looks.
Can several products be mixed?
Yes, it's possible to layer a texturizing powder and a paste, or add a setting spray to enhance hold. Experiment to find the combination that works best for you.
How to avoid residues?
Use a small amount of product, distribute evenly, and wash regularly with a suitable shampoo. Opt for water-based formulas for easy rinsing.
Conclusion: Which product should I choose?
Gel, wax, pomade, or hair paste for men: each product has its advantages depending on your style, hair texture, and desired effect. For a structured and shiny look, opt for gel or pomade. For a natural, textured finish, choose wax or paste. Don't hesitate to try several formulas to find the one that enhances your style and meets your daily needs.
To explore all the options and find the perfect product, discover our complete selection of men's styling products and benefit from personalized advice in store or from our experts.
