How to Choose the Right Hair Product
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Walk into any barber, browse any grooming store, or spend five minutes scrolling online and you'll quickly discover one thing: there are a lot of hair products.
Hair clay. Pomade. Wax. Hair oil.
Each promises something different. More hold. More texture. More shine. More volume.
The challenge isn't finding a product. It's finding the right one for your hair, your routine, and the look you're trying to achieve.
This guide breaks down the differences between the most common hair products, helping you understand what they do, who they're best suited for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
In This Guide
Start With Your Goal
Understanding Hold
Understanding Finish
What Is Hair Clay?
What Is Pomade?
What Is Hair Oil?
Choosing By Hair Type
Natural vs Synthetic Hair Products
Common Hair Product Mistakes
Which Hair Product Is Right For You?
Start With Your Goal
Before choosing a product, ask yourself a simple question: what do I want my hair to do?
Most people fall into one of four categories.
I Want More Texture & Volume
Look towards a hair clay.
Hair clay is designed to add separation, texture and movement while maintaining a natural appearance. It's particularly useful for shorter to medium-length styles and typically provides a matte finish.
I Want More Control
Look towards a pomade.
Pomades provide structure and control while retaining some flexibility. Depending on the formula, they can offer anything from a natural finish to a subtle shine.
I Want Healthier-Looking Hair
Look towards a hair oil.
Hair oil isn't a styling product in the traditional sense. Instead, it helps improve the appearance and manageability of the hair by reducing frizz and adding shine.
I Want A Natural Everyday Look
Many people use a combination of products.
A styling product such as clay or pomade provides shape and hold, while a hair oil supports the overall condition of the hair.
Understanding Hold
One of the biggest differences between hair products is hold.
Light Hold
Allows hair to move naturally.
Best for:
Longer hairstyles
Relaxed styles
Natural movement
Medium Hold
Offers structure without stiffness.
Best for:
Everyday styling
Side parts
Medium-length hair
Firm Hold
Provides maximum control and volume.
Best for:
Textured styles
Quiffs
Short to medium hairstyles
Hair that struggles to hold shape
Understanding Finish
The finish refers to how much shine a product leaves behind.
Matte Finish
A matte finish reflects very little light.
It creates a more natural appearance and can make hair appear fuller and thicker.
Best for:
Textured crops
Modern hairstyles
Fine hair
Everyday styling
Natural Finish
A subtle amount of sheen that mimics healthy hair.
Sits between matte and shiny products.
Shine Finish
Adds noticeable gloss and definition.
Often associated with traditional pomades and slicked-back styles.
What Is Hair Clay?
Hair clay is one of the most versatile styling products available. Products such as our Organic Hair Clay are designed to create texture, volume and separation while providing enough control to shape and hold a hairstyle. Hair clay is particularly popular amongst those looking for a hairstyle that feels effortless rather than overly styled. It's often chosen for its ability to add movement, create lift, reduce shine and provide flexible, reworkable hold throughout the day.
Further Reading:
What Is Pomade?
Pomade is designed to provide control and definition. Our Organic Hair Balm acts as a natural pomade alternative, providing medium hold and a soft, natural finish. Historically, pomades were associated with slicked-back hairstyles and high shine. Modern pomades are far more versatile and can range from natural finishes to noticeable shine depending on the formulation. Pomades are often chosen by people who want:
More control
A neater appearance
Flexible hold
Softer styling
Pomades generally suit medium to thick hair particularly well.
Further Reading:
What Is Hair Oil?
Hair oil serves a different purpose. Our Organic Hair Oil is designed to help reduce frizz, improve shine and support healthy-looking hair. Rather than creating hold, hair oil helps support the appearance and condition of the hair.
Depending on the oils used, it can help:
Reduce frizz
Improve shine
Increase softness
Improve manageability
Support a healthy-looking scalp
Hair oil is best viewed as part of a broader hair care routine rather than a styling product.
Further Reading:
Choosing By Hair Type
Fine Hair
Fine hair often benefits from products that create texture and volume without weighing the hair down.
Generally recommended:
Hair Clay
Lightweight Hair Oil
Further Reading: Best Hair Product for Fine Hair
Thick Hair
Thick hair often requires greater control and structure.
Generally recommended:
Hair Clay
Pomade
Hair Oil
Further Reading: Best Hair Product for Thick Hair
Dry Hair
Dry hair often benefits from a combination of styling and nourishment.
Generally recommended:
Hair Oil
Conditioning Pomade
Hair Clay in moderation
Further Reading: Hair Oil for Dry Hair
Frizzy Hair
Frizz is often linked to moisture imbalance and environmental factors.
Generally recommended:
Hair Oil
Pomade
Hair Clay depending on hair type
Further Reading: Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair
Natural vs Synthetic Hair Products
Modern grooming products can contain a wide range of ingredients. Some formulas rely heavily on water, silicones, synthetic polymers and preservatives. Others are built around plant oils, butters, waxes and clays. The important thing is understanding what you're putting into your hair and choosing products that align with your priorities.
Examples of commonly used natural ingredients include:
Bentonite Clay
Jojoba Oil
Argan Oil
Shea Butter
Carnauba Wax
Further Reading: Natural vs Synthetic Hair Products
Common Hair Product Mistakes
Using Too Much Product
Most people use more product than they need.
Start small and add more if required.
Choosing Based On Trends
The most popular product isn't necessarily the best product for your hair.
Ignoring Hair Type
A product that works brilliantly for thick hair may perform completely differently on fine hair.
Focusing Only On Hold
Hold matters, but so do finish, texture, washability and overall appearance.
Which Hair Product Is Right For You?
Choose Hair Clay If:
You want texture
You want volume
You prefer a matte finish
You like a natural look
Recommended Product:
Choose Pomade If:
You want control
You prefer a neater finish
You like some shine
You want flexibility throughout the day
Recommended Product:
Choose Hair Oil If:
You want to reduce frizz
You want more shine
You want softer hair
You're focused on hair care rather than hold
Recommended Product:
Final Thoughts
The best hair product isn't the one with the strongest hold, the highest shine or the most marketing behind it - it's the one that suits your hair, your routine and the look you're trying to achieve. Understanding the differences between clay, pomade and hair oil is the first step towards building a simpler, more effective grooming routine.
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