Pomade, Hair Wax, Clay, Paste or Gel: The Differences Explained

Pomade, hair wax, clay, paste and gel often sit side by side on the shelf. At first glance they look similar, but in the hair they behave very differently. Knowing the difference helps you find the product that suits your hairstyle faster.

This comparison explains the five most important styling products for men by hold, shine, texture and washability.

Styling products at a glance

Product	Hold	Shine	Restylable during the day	Typical hairstyles
Pomade (oil-based)	medium to strong	silky to high	yes	slick back, side part, pompadour, business look
Hair wax	light to medium	light	partly	loose, textured short styles
Clay	medium to strong	matte	limited	messy look, crop, texture
Paste	medium	low	partly	natural everyday styles
Gel	strong	wet to high	no, it sets hard	spikes, hard wet look

Pomade: classic hold with shine

Pomade is the traditional styling product for men. Oil-based pomade is made of waxes and oils, for example beeswax (cera alba) and lanolin. You warm it between your fingers, work it in evenly and shape it with a comb.

The big advantage: oil-based pomade does not set hard. Your hairstyle stays pliable all day and can be realigned with a comb at any time. On top of that comes a groomed shine that makes contours and comb lines visible. That is exactly what makes pomade the first choice for looks that should appear clean and refined.

• Strength: hold, shine and pliability in one product
• Ideal for: slick back, side part, pompadour, undercut and business hairstyles
• Good to know: oil-based pomade is washed out with shampoo, not with water alone

Whether oil-based or water-based suits you better is covered in our comparison of oil-based and water-based pomade.

Hair wax: light structure for loose looks

Hair wax gives the hair structure and a light hold. It suits short, deliberately loose hairstyles where individual strands should be defined. For smooth, combed styles with clean lines, hair wax often lacks the necessary hold.

Clay: matte texture for the messy look

Clay contains mineral clays. The result is matte and gritty, and the hair looks fuller. Clay suits styles with plenty of texture, such as a tousled crop. It is not intended for a polished look with shine.

Paste: the all-rounder for natural styles

Paste sits between wax and clay. It gives medium hold with little shine and suits understated everyday styles. If you want a clean, groomed appearance, pomade usually gets you further.

Gel: strong hold that sets hard

Gel dries hard and fixes the hairstyle. That provides strong hold, but the style can hardly be corrected afterwards. Recombing often causes flakes. Pomade has the decisive advantage here because it stays pliable.

Which product suits which hairstyle?

• Combed, classic styles: pomade
• Volume with shine (pompadour, quiff): pomade, combined with a blow dryer
• Matte, tousled look: clay
• Natural everyday style: paste or a small amount of pomade
• Hard wet look: gel, or a wet look with pomade that stays pliable

Why many men return to pomade

Pomade combines hold, shine and care. An oil-based formula with beeswax and lanolin coats the hair, protects it from drying out and gives a groomed sheen. NO STYLIST Pomade Pure Lemongrass combines strong, pliable hold with a silky shine and a fresh lemongrass scent. It is handmade in Germany.

If you are using pomade for the first time, our guide to applying pomade correctly covers all the basics.

Frequently asked questions

Is pomade better than hair wax?

For combed hairstyles with clean lines and shine, pomade is the better choice. Hair wax is more suited to loose, textured looks with light hold.

Can you combine pomade and clay?

It is possible but rarely necessary. If you want shine and control, stick with pomade. If you want a matte look, reach for clay.

What lasts longer, gel or pomade?

Gel holds firmly but loses its shape once it breaks. Oil-based pomade also lasts long and can additionally be restyled throughout the day.