Choosing Between Pomade & Clay
When it comes to selecting a product to help you style and keep your hair in place, pomade and clay are two popular options that each offer subtly different benefits. Depending on your preferred hairstyles and hair styling methods, one might be better suited for you than the other. In this blog we’ll break down what the key differences are between these two types of products and how to best use them to achieve your desired look.
Starting with Application
One of the first key differences you’ll notice between a pomade and clay is in their ease of application. Pomade, in particular a water based pomade like the Suavecito Original Hold Pomade, is a more flexible product that spreads easily between your hands. It spreads smoothly through your hair and can be applied to dry or damp hair. Clay on the other hand is noticeably less flexible when taking it out of its container and requires a little more effort to apply.
Our Suavecito Firme Clay has a clay-based formula that results in a naturally thicker consistency. We recommend rubbing it between your hands longer than you would our Original Pomade so that the heat generated from your hands can help break down the product and make it easier to work through your hair. The heat generated from your hands helps to emulsify the product and prevent clumping.
Original Hold Pomade
- Made without harsh chemicals; won’t dry out or damage hair
- Medium hold and medium shine
- Creamy wax-like consistency glides into hair
- Works for all hair types and textures
- Signature Suavecito scent
Firme Clay
- Adds texture, definition, and hold without leaving hair feeling dry or stiff
- Clay based formula
- Strong hold, low shine
- Great for fine, short, or stubborn hair
- Signature Suavecito scent
Differing Levels of Shine
Pomade typically adds more shine to your hair than clay does. The Suavecito Original Hold Pomade results in an even gloss across your hair, whereas the Firme Clay results in a more natural-looking finish. It’s important to note that there is variety when it comes to the shine level you get from a pomade. For instance, a product like the Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade is designed to give you a high-shine look, while the Original Hold has more of a medium-shine. When it comes to clay, they will most likely always be in the minimal to no shine category.
Hold and Versatility
Both clay and pomade offer excellent hold to your hair, however they do so in significantly different ways. You’ll find that after applying pomade, your hair will stiffen into the desired shape you have styled it into. It won’t get flaky or crusty like with cheap hair gels, but you will notice a subtle hardening effect. This will result in a sleek, tailored look. If you want neat comb lines without a hair out of place, pomades are ideal.
Clay, because it is so dense, adds hold to your hair through its own weight. It also adds volume the more you work it into your hair. This makes it a great option for tousled, relaxed hairstyles. Clays also work really well when used with heat tools like a blow dryer. As you add heat to your hair, the product becomes more pliable and easier to work with. As such, when using clay we recommend always starting with clean, dry hair.
For some more guidance on how to best style your hair with either clay or pomade, watch one of our favorite barbers break it down for you in this video!
If you find your hairstyle needs touching up throughout the day, whether it’s after a workout or before a hot date, you will want to re-style differently depending on the product in your hair. With clay, you can take a blow dryer and a little extra product and re-work the areas in your hair that need fixing. If you have pomade in your hair, you can simply run a comb back through your hairstyle with a few spritz of water and extra pomade if necessary.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between clay and pomade comes down to the look you are trying to achieve. Both products are easy to work with and versatile, they just need slightly different approaches when styling. If you prefer a natural, textured look with a minimal shine finish and a flexible hold, clay may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sleek, polished hairstyle with shine and versatility, pomade would be the ideal choice. As with most hair care products, we recommend trying each for yourself to see what looks and feels the best.