Men's Hair Styling Products Guide: From Wax to Pomade
Choosing the right hair styling product can make or break your look. Japanese brands have developed some of the most innovative styling products in the world, offering options for every hair type and style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about men's styling products.
Each product type—wax, gel, pomade, clay—offers different levels of hold, shine, and flexibility. Your hair texture, thickness, and desired style all factor into finding the right match. Japanese styling products tend to prioritize natural movement over stiff, helmet-like holds.
Types of Styling Products
1 Hair Wax
The most versatile and popular choice in Japan. Wax provides texture, definition, and hold while maintaining a natural look. It's reworkable throughout the day.
Pros
- • Natural, textured finish
- • Reworkable throughout day
- • Good for most hair types
Cons
- • Can look greasy if overused
- • Not ideal for very fine hair
- • Harder to wash out
Best for: Textured styles, messy looks, short to medium hair
2 Hair Gel
Provides strong hold with a wet or shiny finish. Good for slicked-back styles or controlling unruly hair. Sets hard, so not reworkable once dry.
Pros
- • Strong, reliable hold
- • Easy to apply
- • Washes out easily
Cons
- • Can look dated/crunchy
- • Not reworkable
- • May flake
Best for: Slicked-back looks, spiked styles, formal occasions
3 Pomade
Classic product for shiny, slick styles. Oil-based pomades provide the most shine and strongest hold but are hard to wash out. Water-based pomades offer easier cleanup with moderate shine.
Pros
- • High shine, classic look
- • All-day hold
- • Reworkable (oil-based)
Cons
- • Can look greasy
- • Difficult to wash out (oil)
- • Too heavy for fine hair
Best for: Pompadours, side parts, slick styles, thick hair
4 Clay/Matte Paste
Provides hold with a completely matte, natural finish. Contains clay minerals that absorb oil, making it great for oily hair. Creates volume and texture without shine.
Pros
- • Matte, natural look
- • Adds volume
- • Good for oily hair
Cons
- • Can dry out hair
- • Harder to spread
- • Not for dry hair types
Best for: Textured, messy styles, oily hair, adding volume
5 Sea Salt Spray
Adds texture and creates a beachy, tousled look. Provides light hold while adding volume. Good for pre-styling or refreshing second-day hair.
Best for: Wavy hair, surfer looks, adding texture to fine hair
6 Hair Spray
Finishing product that locks in your style. Available in light to strong hold. Use as a final step to maintain your look throughout the day.
Best for: Finishing, locking styles, formal events
Choose Based on Your Hair Type
| Hair Type | Recommended Products | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Thin | Light wax, sea salt spray, volumizing mousse | Heavy pomades, oils |
| Thick/Coarse | Strong hold wax, pomade, cream | Light sprays alone |
| Oily | Clay, matte paste, dry texturizer | Oil-based products |
| Dry | Cream, oil-based pomade, conditioning wax | Clay, drying sprays |
| Curly/Wavy | Curl cream, light wax, sea salt spray | Strong gels (cause crunch) |
Top Japanese Styling Products
LIPPS L08 Mat Hard Wax
Japan's most popular hair wax. Strong hold with matte finish. Creates texture and volume without stiffness. Used by Japanese salons nationwide.
GATSBY Moving Rubber
Cult favorite with multiple variants for different styles. Spiky Edge (strong/matte), Loose Shuffle (light/natural), Wild Shake (volume/texture). Easy to use.
OCEAN TRICO Hair Wax
Salon-quality wax with excellent texture and hold. Natural ingredients, pleasant scent. Multiple variants from matte to shine.
UNO Fiber Neo
Fiber wax that creates natural movement and texture. Contains oil-absorbing powder. Good for all-day freshness.
Loretta Hard Jelly
Gel-type product with strong hold but without the crunch of traditional gels. Good for stubborn hair that needs control.
Pro Styling Tips
Application Technique
- 1 Start with Damp or Dry Hair
Wax and clay work best on dry hair. Pomade and cream can work on damp hair for a smoother look.
- 2 Warm It Up
Rub product between palms until it becomes soft and spreadable. This ensures even distribution.
- 3 Apply from Back to Front
Start at the back of your head, work to the sides, then finish at the front where you need the most control.
- 4 Less is More
Start with a small amount—you can always add more. Using too much is hard to fix.
💡 Layering Products
For best results, combine products: use a pre-styler (sea salt spray or volumizing mousse) on damp hair, blow-dry for shape, then finish with wax or pomade on dry hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove stubborn wax/pomade?
Can styling products cause hair loss?
Why doesn't my style hold all day?
What's the shelf life of styling products?
Summary
The right styling product depends on your hair type, desired look, and finish preference. Japanese brands like LIPPS, GATSBY, and OCEAN TRICO offer excellent options across all categories. When in doubt, start with a versatile matte wax—it works for most hair types and styles.
Remember: proper application technique matters as much as product choice. Warm the product, apply from back to front, and start with less than you think you need. With practice, you'll find the perfect combination for your hair.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Match product type to your hair type and desired finish
- ✓Warm product in palms before applying
- ✓Start with small amounts—add more as needed
- ✓Japanese waxes are among the best in the world