Men’s Hair Styling Products Comparison by Type & Brand
At Old Fashioned Barbershop, we believe that choosing the right men’s hair styling products is essential for achieving the perfect hairstyle. With numerous product types and brands available, understanding the differences between pomade, clay, paste, cream, and spray helps you make an informed decision based on your hair type, styling needs, and daily routine.
This guide offers a comprehensive comparison of men’s hair styling products by type and brand, helping you choose the best option whether you style your hair daily or seek professional barbershop results.
Understanding Men’s Hair Styling Products
Men’s hair styling products are designed to shape, control, and enhance hairstyles. The main differences between products come down to:
Hold strength
Finish (matte, natural, or shine)
Texture and flexibility
Hair length and thickness compatibility
The most common product types:
Pomade
Clay / Matte products
Paste & Cream
Styling Sprays
Each type serves a specific purpose and delivers a different styling result.
Pomade: Classic Styling & Control
Pomade is ideal for clean, structured hairstyles and remains one of the most popular men’s hair styling products used at Old Fashioned Barbershop.
Key features:
Medium to strong hold
Smooth, easy application
Natural to shiny finish
Best styles:
Slick back
Side part
Classic barbershop looks
Brand comparison:
FIRSTHAND – Clean hold with low shine
UPPERCUT DELUXE – Strong control for classic styles
LAYRITE – Balanced hold with easy wash-out
DEPOT – Refined, professional finish
NOBERU – Soft structure with a natural feel
BAZGIR – Strong hold for demanding styles
VELJKOVIĆ – Traditional, simple styling
Clay & Matte Products: Texture & Volume
Clay-based products are ideal for modern, textured hairstyles with a natural appearance.
Key features:
Strong to extra-strong hold
Matte (no-shine) finish
Adds thickness and volume
Best styles:
Messy looks
Textured crops
Modern natural styles
Brand comparison:
FIRSTHAND – Extra-firm matte control
LAYRITE – Thick texture with strong grip
UPPERCUT DELUXE – Lightweight clay spray option
DEPOT – Balanced matte styling
NOBERU – Soft, natural matte finish
BAZGIR – High-performance matte hold
Paste & Cream: Flexible Everyday Styling
Paste and cream products offer the perfect balance between control and movement, making them ideal for daily grooming.
Key features:
Medium hold
Natural finish
Easy restyling throughout the day
Best styles:
Casual looks
Medium to long hair
Everyday grooming
Brand comparison:
FIRSTHAND – Relaxed, textured styling
UPPERCUT DELUXE – Flexible daily control
LAYRITE – Light, clean definition
DEPOT – Refined movement and elegance
BAZGIR – Stronger discipline with flexibility
VELJKOVIĆ – Simple, classic cream styling
Styling Sprays: Light Hold & Pre-Styling
Styling sprays enhance volume and texture and work perfectly alongside other men’s hair styling products.
Brand comparison:
UPPERCUT DELUXE – Salt spray & clay spray
LAYRITE – Grooming spray for control
DEPOT – Clean finishing spray
Supporting Grooming Products
For the best results, styling should be supported by proper grooming.
Common supporting products include:
Shampoo & conditioner
Beard oil & beard balm
Scalp treatments
At Old Fashioned Barbershop, we rely on complete grooming solutions from trusted professional brands.
How to Choose the Right Men’s Hair Styling Products
When selecting men’s hair styling products, consider:
Hair thickness and length
Desired hold level
Finish preference
Daily vs professional use
The best product is the one that aligns with your styling goals and hair needs.
Men’s hair styling products are not one-size-fits-all. Each product type—pomade, clay, paste, cream, or spray—serves a different purpose depending on your hair type and desired style. By understanding these differences, you can achieve better results and a more confident look.
👉 Visit Old Fashioned Barbershop and explore our curated selection of men’s hair styling products tailored to your style and routine.
👉 Upgrade your grooming experience with professional men’s hair styling products recommended by Old Fashioned Barbershop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best men’s hair styling products for daily use?
Paste, cream, and light pomades are ideal for daily styling due to their flexibility and comfort.What is the difference between pomade and clay?
Pomade offers smooth control and shine, while clay provides texture, volume, and a matte finish.Can I combine multiple styling products?
Yes. Many professionals use sprays for pre-styling and pomade or clay for finishing.