Walk into any store and you’re confronted with dozens of hair products—pomades, waxes, clays, gels, pastes, creams. Different holds, different finishes, different claims. Most men have no idea what half of them do or which ones they actually need.
At Venice Barbershop, located off US 41 next to the courthouse, we’ve been helping men navigate hair products since 2010. We’ve seen every product type, tested countless brands, and learned what actually works for real men in real conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about men’s hair products—what they do, when to use them, and which ones are worth your money.
Why Most Men Use the Wrong Products
Marketing Over Function
Most hair products are marketed with vague promises—”strong hold,” “natural look,” “all-day control.” These terms mean different things to different brands. You can’t trust marketing claims alone.
Wrong Product for Hair Type
What works for thick, coarse hair won’t work for fine, thin hair. What works for short hair won’t work for longer styles. Most men don’t consider their specific hair type when choosing products.
Wrong Product for Desired Result
You want a matte finish but buy a pomade that gives high shine. You want strong hold but buy a light cream. Mismatch between product and desired result guarantees disappointment.
Using Too Much or Too Little
Product amount matters as much as product type. Too much makes hair look greasy and weighed down. Too little provides no hold or control. Most men use the wrong amount.
Understanding Product Types
Pomade
What it is: Oil-based or water-based product that provides hold and shine.
Best for: Classic styles like slicked-back hair, side parts, pompadours. Works well on medium to thick hair.
Hold level: Medium to strong, depending on formula.
Finish: High shine to medium shine.
When to use: When you want a polished, classic look with visible shine. Good for formal occasions or traditional styles.
Pros: Provides good hold, adds shine, can restyle throughout the day (water-based), works well for slicked styles.
Cons: Can look greasy if overused, high shine isn’t suitable for all situations, oil-based versions are hard to wash out.
Application: Start with dime-sized amount, warm between palms, apply to damp or dry hair, comb or hand-style into place.
Clay/Matte Pomade
What it is: Clay-based product that provides hold without shine.
Best for: Modern styles, textured looks, casual appearance. Works on all hair types but especially good for fine to medium hair.
Hold level: Medium to strong.
Finish: Matte (no shine) to low shine.
When to use: When you want hold and control without looking like you’re wearing product. Ideal for casual, natural-looking styles.
Pros: Natural-looking finish, strong hold, adds texture and volume, doesn’t look greasy, works well in Florida humidity.
Cons: Can be harder to distribute evenly, may dry out hair if used daily without proper washing, difficult to restyle once set.
Application: Use on dry or slightly damp hair, warm between palms thoroughly, work through hair from roots to tips, style as desired.
Wax
What it is: Thick, wax-based product that provides strong hold and texture.
Best for: Short to medium hair, spiky styles, textured looks. Good for thick, coarse hair.
Hold level: Strong to very strong.
Finish: Low to medium shine.
When to use: When you need maximum hold for difficult-to-control hair or styles that require structure.
Pros: Very strong hold, good for creating texture and definition, works well on stubborn hair.
Cons: Can feel stiff or crunchy, difficult to wash out, can build up on hair, not easy to restyle.
Application: Use sparingly on dry hair, warm thoroughly between palms, work through hair in sections, style immediately.
Gel
What it is: Water-based product that provides hold and shine when it dries.
Best for: Very short hair, slicked styles, formal looks. Works on all hair types.
Hold level: Medium to very strong, depending on formula.
Finish: High shine when wet, can dry with shine or matte depending on product.
When to use: When you need strong hold that lasts all day without touch-ups. Good for very short hair or formal occasions.
Pros: Strong, long-lasting hold, easy to apply, washes out easily, inexpensive.
Cons: Can look wet or greasy, often dries hard and crunchy, difficult to restyle, can flake if too much is used.
Application: Apply to damp hair, distribute evenly, style immediately before it dries, let air dry or use blow dryer.
Cream/Lotion
What it is: Lightweight, cream-based product that provides light hold and conditioning.
Best for: Longer hair, wavy hair, casual styles. Good for fine to medium hair.
Hold level: Light to medium.
Finish: Natural to low shine.
When to use: When you want light control and conditioning without heavy hold or shine. Good for casual, relaxed styles.
Pros: Lightweight, conditions while styling, natural finish, easy to distribute, doesn’t weigh hair down.
Cons: Limited hold for structured styles, may not control thick or coarse hair, needs reapplication for all-day hold.
Application: Apply to damp hair, distribute evenly from roots to ends, air dry or blow dry, minimal styling needed.
Paste
What it is: Thick, paste-like product that provides medium hold and texture.
Best for: Short to medium hair, textured styles, messy looks. Works on most hair types.
Hold level: Medium.
Finish: Low shine to matte.
When to use: When you want texture and definition without strong hold or high shine. Good for casual, slightly messy styles.
Pros: Versatile, provides texture, medium hold works for many styles, can restyle throughout day.
Cons: Not strong enough for very structured styles, can feel sticky if too much is used, may not control very thick hair.
Application: Use on dry or slightly damp hair, warm between palms, work through hair focusing on ends, style as desired.
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Blue Pomade, Red Pomade, Pink Pomade, Clay Matte, and more. Products that work for working men.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Hair Type
Fine/Thin Hair
Best products: Clay, matte pomade, light paste.
Why: These products add volume and texture without weighing hair down. Avoid heavy products that make thin hair look flat and greasy.
Application tip: Use very small amounts. Fine hair requires less product than thick hair.
Avoid: Heavy waxes, oil-based pomades, strong gels. These weigh down fine hair and make it look thinner.
Thick/Coarse Hair
Best products: Strong pomade, wax, clay with strong hold.
Why: Thick hair needs strong products to control and shape. Light products won’t provide enough hold.
Application tip: Use more product than you think you need. Thick hair absorbs product quickly.
Avoid: Light creams, light-hold gels. These won’t control thick, coarse hair effectively.
Normal/Medium Hair
Best products: Most products work. Clay, medium-hold pomade, paste all work well.
Why: Medium hair is easiest to work with and responds well to most product types.
Application tip: Start with small amount, add more if needed. Medium hair doesn’t require excessive product.
Avoid: Very heavy products unless you need maximum hold for specific styles.
Curly/Wavy Hair
Best products: Cream, light pomade, paste.
Why: These products define curls without making them crunchy or frizzy. They provide control while maintaining natural texture.
Application tip: Apply to damp hair, scrunch to define curls, let air dry or use diffuser.
Avoid: Strong gels that make curls stiff and crunchy, heavy waxes that weigh down curls.
Thinning Hair
Best products: Clay, matte pomade, volumizing paste.
Why: Matte products create the illusion of thickness. Shine makes thinning areas more visible.
Application tip: Focus product on areas with more hair, use minimal product on thinning areas.
Avoid: High-shine products, heavy products that make hair lay flat, anything that emphasizes thinning.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Style
Slicked Back
Best product: Medium to strong pomade.
Why: Provides hold and shine for classic slicked-back look. Keeps hair in place all day.
Application: Apply to damp hair, comb straight back, let dry naturally or use blow dryer.
Side Part
Best product: Medium-hold pomade or paste.
Why: Provides enough hold to maintain the part without looking stiff or overly styled.
Application: Apply to damp hair, create part with comb, style sides and top, let dry.
Textured/Messy
Best product: Clay or matte paste.
Why: Creates texture and definition without shine. Looks natural and casual.
Application: Apply to dry hair, work through with fingers, style in desired direction, leave slightly messy.
Short Buzz/Crew Cut
Best product: Light clay or paste (optional).
Why: Very short hair needs minimal product. Use only if you want slight texture or control.
Application: Tiny amount on fingertips, run through hair quickly for light texture.
Pompadour/Quiff
Best product: Strong-hold pomade or wax.
Why: These styles require strong hold to maintain volume and height throughout the day.
Application: Apply to damp hair, blow dry while lifting and shaping, finish with additional product if needed.
Natural/Casual
Best product: Light cream or matte paste.
Why: Provides light control and natural finish without looking styled.
Application: Small amount through damp or dry hair, let air dry, minimal styling.
How to Apply Hair Products Correctly
Amount Matters
Most men use too much product. Start small—you can always add more, but you can’t remove excess without washing.
General guidelines:
- Short hair: Dime-sized amount
- Medium hair: Nickel-sized amount
- Longer hair: Quarter-sized amount
- Thick hair: Add 50% more than above amounts
- Fine hair: Use 50% less than above amounts
Warm It Up
Always warm product between your palms before applying. This makes it easier to distribute evenly and prevents clumping.
Rub palms together vigorously for 5-10 seconds until product is warm and evenly spread across both palms.
Apply to Right Hair Condition
Different products work better on different hair conditions:
- Damp hair: Pomade, cream, gel—these distribute more easily on damp hair
- Dry hair: Clay, wax, paste—these work better on dry hair for maximum hold
- Towel-dried: Most products work well on towel-dried hair (damp but not wet)
Distribution Technique
Don’t just slap product on top of your head. Proper distribution ensures even coverage and better results.
Correct technique:
- Warm product between palms
- Run fingers through hair from back to front, distributing product evenly
- Make sure product reaches roots, not just tips
- Use comb or fingers to style as desired
- Make final adjustments with small amounts on fingertips
Styling Direction
Apply product in the direction you want hair to go. If you’re slicking back, apply from front to back. If you’re creating texture, apply in multiple directions.
Less Is More
You can always add more product. Start with less than you think you need, style, assess, then add more if necessary. This prevents the greasy, over-styled look.
Common Product Mistakes
Using the Wrong Product Type
Using gel when you need clay, or pomade when you need paste. Match product type to your hair and desired style.
Applying to Wrong Hair Condition
Applying clay to wet hair or gel to dry hair reduces effectiveness. Follow product-specific guidelines.
Not Warming Product
Cold product doesn’t distribute evenly. Always warm between palms first.
Using Too Much
The most common mistake. More product doesn’t mean better hold—it means greasy, weighed-down hair.
Applying Only to Top
Product needs to be distributed throughout hair, not just on top. Work it through from roots to ends.
Not Washing Out Properly
Product buildup makes hair look dull and greasy. Wash thoroughly, especially with oil-based products.
Expecting One Product to Do Everything
Different situations require different products. You might need clay for casual days and pomade for formal occasions.
Buying Based on Marketing
Don’t trust marketing claims alone. Ask your barber what actually works for your hair type and style.
🎯 GET PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Not sure which products are right for your hair? Visit Venice Barbershop for expert advice. We’ll recommend products based on your specific hair type, lifestyle, and styling needs. Plus, get 25% off all Reuzel products when you order online.
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Professional advice, professional products, professional results.
Product Recommendations by Situation
Work (Professional Environment)
Best choice: Medium-hold pomade or clay with low shine.
Why: Professional appearance without looking overly styled. Holds through full workday.
Work (Physical Labor)
Best choice: Strong-hold clay or matte pomade.
Why: Holds through sweat and hat-wearing. Matte finish doesn’t show dirt as easily.
Formal Events
Best choice: Strong-hold pomade with shine.
Why: Polished, formal appearance. Holds perfectly through long events.
Casual/Weekend
Best choice: Light paste or clay.
Why: Natural, relaxed look. Easy to apply, comfortable feel.
Outdoor Activities
Best choice: Strong-hold clay or wax.
Why: Holds through wind, humidity, and activity. Won’t melt in heat.
Gym/Sports
Best choice: Light clay or skip product entirely.
Why: You’re going to shower after anyway. If you need something, use minimal product.
How to Build Your Product Collection
Start With One Versatile Product
Don’t buy five products at once. Start with one versatile option that works for most situations.
Best first product: Medium-hold clay or matte pomade. Works for most hair types and styles.
Add Based on Specific Needs
Once you have a go-to product, add others for specific situations:
- Need formal option? Add pomade with shine
- Need stronger hold? Add wax or strong-hold clay
- Need lighter option? Add cream or light paste
Most Men Need Only 2-3 Products
You don’t need a bathroom full of products. Most men need:
- Primary product for daily use (clay or matte pomade)
- Formal option for special occasions (pomade with shine)
- Optional: Light option for casual days (cream or paste)
That’s it. Three products cover 99% of situations.
Quality Over Quantity
Two high-quality products are better than five cheap ones. Quality products perform better, last longer, and deliver consistent results.
Product Maintenance and Storage
Keep Containers Closed
Always close product containers tightly. Exposure to air dries out products and reduces effectiveness.
Store in Cool, Dry Place
Heat and humidity affect product consistency. Don’t leave products in hot cars or steamy bathrooms.
Keep Tools Clean
Don’t dig into products with dirty fingers or combs. This introduces bacteria and contaminants.
Replace When Expired
Most hair products last 12-24 months after opening. If product changes color, smell, or consistency, replace it.
Wash Buildup Regularly
Use clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup. Buildup makes hair look dull and reduces product effectiveness.
The Bottom Line on Hair Products
Most men overcomplicate hair products. You don’t need a dozen different products or complicated routines. You need 1-3 quality products that match your hair type and lifestyle.
Key principles:
- Match product type to your hair type and desired style
- Start with small amounts—you can always add more
- Warm product between palms before applying
- Distribute evenly throughout hair, not just on top
- Quality products deliver better results than cheap alternatives
- Ask your barber for recommendations specific to your hair
The right products make your haircut last longer, look better, and require less daily effort. They’re not luxury items—they’re practical tools that make grooming easier and more effective.
At $10-20 per container lasting 2-3 months, quality hair products cost about $0.15-0.30 per day. For professional appearance and easier styling, that’s exceptional value.
Stop guessing about hair products. Use what actually works for your hair type and lifestyle. Your barber can guide you to the right products—we see hundreds of different hair types and know what works in real-world conditions.
Need help choosing the right hair products for your hair type and style? Visit Venice Barbershop off US 41, next to the courthouse. We’ll recommend products based on your specific needs and show you how to use them effectively. We carry professional-grade Reuzel products with 25% off for online orders. Walk-ins welcome Tuesday–Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–2pm. Get professional advice from barbers who actually know what works.