TL;DR: Use pomade for slick backs and classic styles, matte clay for textured and modern looks, paste for easy everyday styling, gel for strong-hold wet looks, and sea salt spray for volume and beachy texture. Match the product to your hair type — thick hair needs clay, fine hair needs light paste or spray.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Hair
Walk into any store and the hair product aisle can be overwhelming. Pomade, clay, paste, gel, cream -- what is the difference, and which one is right for you? Our barbers at Tay's Barbershop break it down so you can find your perfect match.
Understanding Product Types
Pomade
Best for: Slick backs, side parts, and classic styles.
Pomade provides shine and strong hold. Water-based pomades wash out easily and are the most versatile option. Oil-based pomades give a higher shine but are harder to remove. Suavecito is a popular water-based option that our barbers recommend for its easy application and reliable hold.
Our recommendation: Start with a water-based pomade. Apply to damp hair and comb into your desired style. It is easy to rework throughout the day.
Matte Clay
Best for: Textured crops, messy styles, and natural-looking holds.
Clay provides strong hold with a natural, matte finish. It adds texture and separation without looking like you are wearing product. This is the go-to for the textured crop and most modern styles.
Our recommendation: Use on dry or slightly damp hair. Warm a small amount between your palms and work through your hair, focusing on the top and front.
Hair Paste
Best for: Medium-length styles, casual looks.
Paste falls between pomade and clay. It offers medium hold with a low to medium shine. It is the most forgiving product -- easy to apply, easy to restyle.
Our recommendation: Great for everyday use when you want a put-together look without a lot of effort.
Hair Gel
Best for: Strong hold, wet-look styles.
Gel provides the strongest hold and a wet, shiny finish. It is ideal for slicked-back styles that need to stay in place all day. The downside is that it can feel stiff and flake if not applied correctly.
Our recommendation: Use sparingly on damp hair. Avoid letting it dry before you finish styling.
Sea Salt Spray
Best for: Surfer texture, beachy waves, volume.
Sea salt spray adds volume and texture with a very natural look. It is perfect for men with longer hair who want a relaxed, effortless style. Baxter of California makes a well-regarded sea salt spray that works across hair types.
Our recommendation: Spray on damp hair and scrunch with your hands. Let it air dry for the best results.
Matching Product to Hair Type
| Hair Type | Best Product | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Thick, straight | Matte clay or paste | Controls volume without heaviness |
| Thin, fine | Light-hold paste or sea salt spray | Adds volume without weighing hair down |
| Curly or wavy | Cream or light paste | Defines curls without crunch |
| Coarse or textured | Pomade or heavier clay | Provides control and smoothness |
Application Tips
- Less is more -- start with a small amount and add if needed
- Warm it up -- rub product between your palms before applying
- Work from back to front -- this prevents product buildup at the front
- Style while damp for stronger hold, or style while dry for more texture
- Use a blow dryer for extra volume and to set the style in place
Choosing the right product is only half the equation. A professional fade or well-executed cut gives the product a solid foundation to work with. If you are growing out facial hair, our beard care guide also covers the best oils and balms to keep your beard in shape.
Ask Your Barber
The best way to find the right product is to ask your barber during your next visit. At Tay's Barbershop, we can recommend specific products based on your hair type, style, and lifestyle. We will even show you how to apply it properly so you can recreate the look at home.
Visit us at our Sacramento location or in Rancho Cordova for your next cut and product consultation.
Ready for a Fresh Look?
Book your appointment at Tay's Barbershop today. Walk-ins welcome at both locations.
Book Now
