Standing in front of a shelf of tins wondering which one you actually need? The choice comes down to two things: how much shine you want, and how much hold. Here's the barber's cheat sheet.
Pomade — shine and a classic finish
Best for slick, combed-back or side-part styles. Pomades give a polished, reflective finish and stay pliable, so you can restyle through the day. Reach for pomade if you like a sharp, dressed-up look.
Clay — matte hold with natural texture
Our most versatile pick for everyday cuts. Matte clay gives strong, natural-looking hold with zero shine — ideal for textured crops, fringes and messy-but-tidy styles. If you want your hair to look styled-not-greasy, clay is your friend.
Paste — flexible, low-shine everyday hold
The middle ground: lighter than clay, less shine than pomade, easy to apply. Paste suits shorter styles and anyone who wants effortless hold without commitment to a particular look.
Quick match guide
| Your style | Best product |
|---|---|
| Slick side part / classic | Pomade |
| Textured crop / fringe | Matte clay |
| Short, low-effort everyday | Paste |
| Thick hair needing control | Clay |
| Fine hair needing volume | Paste or matte clay |
Not sure? Ask in the chair
Next time you're in, tell your barber the look you're chasing and we'll show you exactly which product gets you there — and how much to use (hint: less than you think). We stock our recommended range in-shop.
📍 Republic Of Barbers — 259–269 Unley Road, Malvern. Book a cut →
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!