Walk into the shop and you will see two tins side by side on most stations: a pot of matte clay and a tin of classic pomade. They look similar and do different jobs. Choosing between them comes down to the finish you want, the hair you have and how much you restyle through the day.
What Matte Clay does
Matte Clay is a firm styler with a natural, matte finish, which is a plain way of saying no shine. It adds texture and grip, so it is the one we reach for on short crops, textured fringes and fades where you want the hair to look dry and piecey rather than slick. The hold lasts a working day, and the hair never looks wet.
Because it is firm, a little goes a long way. Take a small amount, warm it between your palms until it disappears, then work it through towel-dry hair from the roots outwards. On fine hair, too much clay can feel heavy, so start with less than you think you need and add a touch more if the style asks for it. It suits hair of most lengths, though it is at its strongest on short to medium cuts and on hair that holds a little texture of its own.
What Classic Pomade does
Classic Pomade is a pliable styler with a little shine. It gives a softer, more classic finish and stays workable, so you can reshape the hair later in the day without it setting hard. It suits longer styles, side partings and slicked-back looks, and anyone who likes a tidier, more polished finish. It also copes well with thick or curly hair that needs a little weight to stay in place.
Use it the same way: a small scoop warmed between the palms and run through damp or dry hair. Pomade is more forgiving than clay if you change your mind, because you can comb it back into shape whenever you pass a mirror. It is also the easier of the two to restyle after a long day.
How to choose between them
Ask yourself two questions. Do you want shine or no shine, and does your hair need grip or weight. If you want a dry, natural look and strong hold on shorter hair, reach for the clay. If you want shine, movement and a classic finish on longer hair, reach for the pomade. There is no rule against using a little of both in different places, though most people settle happily on one.
Whichever you choose, apply it to clean, dry or towel-dry hair, not soaking wet. The product sits better and lasts longer that way, and the hair holds the shape you give it. If you are between styles, our Wash and style service is a good way to try one out before you buy, and the barber will show you exactly how much they use on your hair.
A simple routine that works
- Wash the hair and towel it dry, leaving it slightly damp.
- Take a small amount of Matte Clay or Classic Pomade.
- Warm it fully between your palms until it turns clear.
- Work it through from the roots, then shape with fingers or a comb.
- Add a little more only where the hair needs extra hold.
- Wipe the tin clean and keep the lid on so it does not dry out.
