The best hair styling products for men depend on the finish and hold you want, but the product name alone won’t tell you how a formula behaves. Below are three picks from our grooming shelves at The Black Label, then a guide to matching paste, cream, clay and other styling types to your hair.
1. L3VEL3 Matte Styling Paste 150ml
L3VEL3 Matte Styling Paste 150ml is our pick if you want definition without shine. It suits a neat style or a more textured finish, and at £12 it’s an easy place to start if you’re new to paste.
Paste usually gives flexible hold, so you can reshape your hair during the day. Start with a small amount, work it through evenly and add more only where the style needs extra grip.
2. Slick Gorilla Clay Pomade 70g
Slick Gorilla Clay Pomade 70g combines texture with firm hold. Use it to refine a side part, shape a slicked-back look or add structure to textured sections.
You choose the finish by how you apply it. Work it through wet hair for a wet-look finish, or through dry hair for a more natural look, then shape with your fingertips or a comb. It’s £17.
3. Slick Gorilla Lightwork Hair Clay 70g
Slick Gorilla Lightwork Hair Clay 70g is a lighter clay with a matte finish. It adds body and texture, so it works for a messy crop, a defined quiff or everyday movement.
Its lightweight feel makes it a useful option for finer hair when you want texture without a heavy feel. Warm a small amount between your palms, spread it evenly and apply it to dry hair for a natural look. It’s £14.50.
Hair styling product types: paste, cream, pomade, clay, wax, gel, mousse and spray
Styling products differ in how they shape hair and the finish they leave. The words on the jar are a starting point, not a guarantee: hold and shine can vary by formula, so check the product’s own directions when you can.
| Product type | Typical styling feel | Good place to start |
|---|---|---|
| Paste | Flexible, often medium hold with low shine | Short or medium styles with movement |
| Cream | Soft feel, often light or medium hold | Longer hair, waves or curls that need definition |
| Pomade | Often gives more shine and shape | Slicked-back looks or a defined side part |
| Clay | Often strong hold with a matte finish | Textured short styles that need grip |
| Wax | Can add shape and texture; finish varies | Styles you want to shape with your fingers |
| Gel | Can set hair firmly, often with visible shine | Styles that need a more fixed shape |
| Mousse | Light foam that can support volume | Hair that needs lift without a heavy cream |
| Spray | Usually used to help hold a finished style | Finishing a style after shaping it |
Think of paste as a middle ground when you want hold without a stiff look. Cream tends to feel softer, so it can work better when you want hair to move. Pomade often suits a polished shape with shine. Clay is a common choice for a dry, textured finish, but a firm clay can be harder to spread evenly.
Gel can set firmly and look glossy. That’s a common pattern, not a rule for every gel. Some formulas may feel different, so follow the label and start with less than you think you need.
Wax, mousse and spray aren’t interchangeable. Wax is a styling option for shaping, mousse is a foam you can work through hair, and spray is often used after shaping. Their finish and hold depend on the formula. For removal, rinse first if the product loosens with water; use shampoo if residue remains. A product that feels waxy or heavy may need more than a quick rinse.
If you’re ready to browse, our men’s hair styling collection is the relevant place to start.
Match hold, finish and application to your hair and hairstyle
Start with the style you want, then think about how your hair behaves. A short textured crop and a longer centre part need different control. Fine hair can fall flat if you apply too much product, while thick hair may need more hold to keep its shape.
Choose hold by how much control you need
Light hold lets hair move and can suit a relaxed shape. Medium hold gives more control while leaving room to adjust. Strong hold is useful when a style must stay in place, but it can feel firmer. The hold words on different products aren’t a shared standard, so test a small amount before using more.
For a side part or slicked-back style, you may prefer a product that gives clear shape and some shine. For a messy crop or quiff, a lower-shine paste or clay can help keep texture visible. If you have curls or waves, a cream may help define the shape without fixing each strand into place. Our Slick Gorilla Curl Cream 100ml is made for curly and coily hair, with light hold and moisture. Hair length matters too: a heavier product can weigh down longer or finer hair.
Apply gradually, then build
Begin with clean hair and use a small amount. Warm it between your palms if the product feels dense, then spread it through evenly. Work from the back towards the front so you don’t load the hairline first. Add a little more only where the style needs extra control.
Damp hair can make some products spread more easily, while dry hair can make texture and separation stand out. The right choice depends on the formula and the look you want. Follow the product directions, and don’t assume a technique that works for one paste will work for a clay or gel.
A pre-styler is applied before the main styler. You might work a suitable product into clean, damp hair, then use a hairdryer to shape it before adding a small amount of finishing product. This can help when you want to set a direction or build lift first. Keep the layers light; too much product underneath can leave hair heavy before you even finish styling.
Check the result and wash it out
If your hair looks greasy, feels coated or loses lift, use less next time. If the shape falls apart, you may need a stronger hold or a different product type. Avoid adding more on top without checking how your hair feels. A quick rinse may remove some products, while others need shampoo. Wash the scalp gently and use conditioner on the lengths if they feel dry.
For a different finish, our Slick Gorilla hair product range and L3VEL3 hair and grooming range give you two brand collections to browse. Compare the product directions with your preferred hold and finish before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hair product for men with fine hair?
For fine hair, start with a light amount of paste or cream and see whether it keeps the shape without weighing it down. A matte product can suit a textured look, while a heavier product may make fine hair sit flatter. Product formulas vary, so apply a little first and add more only if needed.
Is clay or pomade better for men’s hair?
Clay is often used for a matte, textured style with stronger control. Pomade is often chosen when you want more shine and a smoother shape. Neither is right for every head of hair. Match the product to your chosen style, then check the label because hold and finish differ by formula.
Should I apply hair styling product to wet or dry hair?
It depends on the product and the finish you want. Damp hair can help some products spread, while dry hair can show more texture or shine. Check the directions on the product, then start with a small amount. If the result feels heavy or uneven, try a different application state next time.
How do I wash styling product out of my hair?
Rinse your hair first and see whether the product lifts away. If your hair still feels coated, wash with shampoo and rinse well. Some products come out more easily than others, so follow the label. Use conditioner on the lengths if they feel dry, and avoid rough scrubbing at the scalp.
Conclusion
Choose a hair styler by the hold and finish you want, then test a small amount on your own hair. For a matte, textured look, start with the paste or the Lightwork clay. For a neater shape with firmer control, try the Clay Pomade. Browse our hair styling collection for more options, with local delivery in Gibraltar or free collection from The Barbers Club.
