How to Choose the Right Hair Product
- Jun 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Choosing the right hair product isn't about buying the strongest hold or the latest trend - it's about finding a product that suits your hair type, styling routine and the finish you want to achieve.
Whether you're deciding between hair clay, pomade or hair oil, understanding what each product is designed to do makes choosing the right one much simpler.
This guide explains the key differences between the most common hair products, who they're best suited for and how to build a routine that works for your hair.
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.
Formulator's Insight
"Most people begin by choosing a product... professional formulators begin by understanding the hairstyle they're trying to create. Once you know whether your goal is texture, control or healthier-looking hair, choosing the right product becomes much simpler."
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 creates grip between individual hair fibres, increasing texture, lift and separation while maintaining a natural matte finish - it 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. Pomade works by bringing hair fibres together, creating smoother control, greater definition and a more polished appearance. 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 is best viewed as part of a broader hair care routine rather than a styling product. Many people pair a lightweight hair oil with a styling product such as hair clay or pomade to achieve both lasting style and healthier-looking hair - depending on the oils used, hair oil can help:
Reduce frizz
Improve shine
Increase softness
Improve manageability
Support a balanced, healthy-looking scalp
Our Organic Hair Oil is formulated with 100% natural botanical oils selected to nourish both the scalp and hair, helping to support a balanced, healthy-looking scalp while reducing frizz, improving softness and enhancing natural shine. Rather than creating hold, it complements your styling routine by improving the overall appearance and manageability of your hair between washes and styling.
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.
For more detailed guidance, explore our related articles:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hair product for men?
The best hair product depends on your hair type and styling goals. Hair clay is ideal for texture and volume, pomade is better for control and definition, while hair oil focuses on improving softness, reducing frizz and supporting healthy-looking hair.
How do I choose the right hair product?
Start by identifying what you want your hair to do. If your goal is texture and a matte finish, choose a hair clay. If you want a neater, more controlled style, choose a pomade. If your priority is healthier-looking hair, add a hair oil to your routine.
Should I use hair clay or pomade?
Hair clay is better for textured, natural-looking hairstyles, while pomade is better for smooth, structured styles. The right choice depends on the finish and level of control you're looking for.
Is hair oil a styling product?
Hair oil is primarily a hair care product rather than a styling product. It helps reduce frizz, improve softness and support healthy-looking hair but doesn't provide hold.
Can I use more than one hair product?
Yes. Many people combine a styling product such as hair clay or pomade with a lightweight hair oil to maintain both style and hair health.
What hair product gives the most volume?
Hair clay is often the best option for creating volume because it adds texture, lift and separation while maintaining a natural matte finish.
Which hair product looks the most natural?
Hair clay generally creates the most natural-looking finish because it provides texture and hold without adding noticeable shine.
Which hair product is easiest to wash out?
Most modern hair clays, pomades and hair oils wash out easily with shampoo, although this depends on the specific formulation and the amount of product used.
