Pomade vs Clay: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
The eternal question for every man starting his styling journey. Learn the real differences, which one suits your hair type, and why you might need both.
Table of Contents
The Key Differences at a Glance
If you're looking for a quick answer, here's the essence:
Pomade: Provides shine, slick finish, and is ideal for classic hairstyles like Slick Back, Side Part, and Pompadour. Can be applied to damp or dry hair.
Clay: Provides matte finish, volume, and texture. Ideal for modern, natural looks like Textured Crop and Messy Hair. Should only be applied to dry hair.
What Is Pomade and When Do You Need It
Pomade is the most traditional styling product with a history dating back to the 1920s. It has a waxy or creamy texture and provides control with shine.
Types of Pomade
There are two main categories:
Water-Based: Washes out easily with water, allows restyling throughout the day, and leaves no residue. The most popular choice for daily use.
Oil-Based: Traditional formula with maximum hold and intense shine. Requires 2-3 washes to remove, but gives an authentic vintage look.
Ideal For:
- Slick Back and Pompadour
- Side Part (classic parting)
- Quiff with shine
- Formal and professional looks
- Thick, dense hair that needs control
Top Pomades - The Two Barbers Recommendations
What Is Clay and When Do You Need It
Hair clay is the modern styling product that has dominated in recent years. It contains natural clays like bentonite and kaolin that absorb natural oils and provide extreme texture with a matte finish.
How Clay Works
Unlike pomade which "glues" hair in place, clay creates texture and volume. The natural clays in its formula absorb oiliness, making it ideal for fine or oily hair that needs lift.
Ideal For:
- Textured Crop and French Crop
- Messy, "just rolled out of bed" look
- Quiff with volume and texture
- Fine hair that needs volume
- Oily hair (absorbs oils)
Top Clays - The Two Barbers Recommendations
Detailed Comparison Table
See the differences in detail:
| Feature | Pomade | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Shine (low to high shine) | Matte (no shine) |
| Hold | Medium to Strong | Medium to Very Strong |
| Volume | Minimal | Maximum |
| Texture | Sleek, smooth | Textured, natural |
| Application | Damp or dry hair | Dry hair only |
| Reworkability | Excellent (water-based) | Good |
| Washout | Easy (water-based) | Easy |
| Ideal For | Thick, dense hair | Fine, oily hair |
| Styles | Slick Back, Pompadour, Side Part | Textured Crop, Messy, Quiff |
Which to Choose Based on Your Hair Type
The right choice depends on your hair type and condition:
| Hair Type | Pomade | Clay | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | Caution | Ideal | Clay adds volume without weighing down |
| Medium | Ideal | Ideal | Both work perfectly |
| Coarse | Ideal | Good | Pomade provides better control |
| Oily | Avoid | Ideal | Clay absorbs oils |
| Dry | Ideal | Caution | Pomade adds moisture |
| Curly | Good | Avoid | Clay can dry out curls |
Can I Combine Pomade and Clay?
Yes, and it's actually a technique many barbers use:
Layering Technique: Apply clay to the roots first for volume, then pomade to the ends for definition and control. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Mixing: Some barbers mix the two in their palm before application for a custom result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Comparison: Which Should You Get?
Get Pomade if:
- You want a slick, shiny look
- You style Slick Back, Pompadour, Side Part
- You have thick or dry hair
- You want to restyle throughout the day
- You attend formal events
Get Clay if:
- You want a natural, matte look
- You style Textured Crop, Messy Hair
- You have fine or oily hair
- You want volume at the roots
- You prefer casual, everyday styling
Starter Kit: One of Each
The ideal solution is to have both pomade and clay. This way you're covered for any occasion:
Tip: Free shipping on orders over 59 euros!
Why Choose The Two Barbers
Conclusion: There is no "better" product - there's the right product for your hair type and the look you want. Now that you know the differences, you can make the right choice.
Now go style like a pro!