Walk into any store's grooming aisle and you'll find dozens of products with vague claims and confusing labels. The truth is, choosing the right hair product is actually simple once you understand two things: hold strength and finish type. Here's your complete breakdown.
Understanding Hold and Shine
Every hair product falls somewhere on two scales. Hold ranges from light (hair moves freely) to strong (hair stays locked in place). Finish ranges from matte (no shine, natural look) to high shine (wet, polished look). Your hairstyle determines where you need to be on each scale.
Product Types Explained
Pomade
Hold: Medium to Strong | Finish: High Shine
Best for: Pompadours, slick backs, side parts, and any style where you want a polished, wet look. Water-based pomades wash out easily. Oil-based pomades offer stronger hold but are harder to remove.
Clay
Hold: Medium to Strong | Finish: Matte
Best for: Textured crops, messy styles, and any look where you want natural texture without shine. Clay adds volume to fine hair and definition to thick hair. The go-to product for most modern hairstyles.
Gel
Hold: Strong | Finish: Wet/Shiny
Best for: Slick backs, wet looks, and styles that need to hold all day without budging. Modern gels are less crunchy than the ones from the '90s but still provide the strongest hold of any product.
Wax
Hold: Medium | Finish: Low to Medium Shine
Best for: Adding definition and separation to individual pieces of hair. Works well for shorter styles and spiked looks. Can feel heavy in larger amounts.
Cream
Hold: Light to Medium | Finish: Natural
Best for: Longer styles, natural looks, and adding moisture. If you want your hair to look like your hair (just better), cream is your product. Great for the California climate where heavy products can melt.
Sea Salt Spray
Hold: Light | Finish: Matte/Textured
Best for: Beach waves, surfer texture, and adding volume to flat hair. A staple for the California lifestyle.
How to Apply Products Correctly
- Start with less than you think you need (you can always add more)
- Rub the product between your palms until evenly distributed
- Apply from the back of your head forward
- Style the front last for maximum control where it matters most
- Use a blow dryer for extra volume and hold before or after application
Common Mistakes
- Using too much product (start with a dime-sized amount)
- Applying to completely dry hair (slightly damp works best for most products)
- Using the wrong product for your style
- Not washing product out properly, causing buildup
For more tips, see our guide on maintaining your haircut at home.
Ask Your Barber
Still not sure which product is right for you? Ask your barber at Blanco Kutzz. We can recommend the perfect product for your hair type and style during your next visit. Book on Instagram.