The three products men reach for most to style their hair are paste, clay and pomade — and the one you need comes down to the finish you want. Paste gives a flexible, natural matte look; clay gives thicker texture and volume with a matte finish; pomade gives a classic, sharper style with a touch of shine. All three from Men Rock are high-hold, vegan and made in the UK, and they wash out cleanly with no greasy residue.
Here's how each one works, how to apply it, and how to pick the right product for your hair and the look you're after.
What's the difference between hair paste, clay and pomade?
They all hold your hair in place, but they create very different finishes and suit different styles:
| Product | Finish | Hold | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Paste | Matte, natural | High, flexible | Textured, natural-looking everyday styles you can restyle through the day |
| Matt Clay | Matte | High, firm | Volume, thickness and texture — great for shorter and fuller styles |
| Pomade | Medium shine | High | Classic, sharp looks — side partings, slick-backs and neat finishes |
What does hair paste do?
The Men Rock Matt Paste is a pliable, high-hold styler with a matte finish. It's the most versatile of the three: it adds definition and separation without looking stiff or wet, and you can rework your hair through the day. It suits most hair types and lengths, and it's the easiest product to start with if you're not sure what you need. Because the finish is matte and natural, it never looks like you're wearing product.
What does hair clay do?
The Men Rock Matt Clay gives thicker texture and more visible volume, with a firm, matte finish. Clay is the pick when you want your hair to look fuller — it's especially good for shorter styles, fringes pushed up or across, and messy, textured looks that need to stay put. It grips harder than paste, so a little goes a long way.
What does pomade do?
The Men Rock Pomade is a high-hold styler with a medium shine, and it's built for classic, polished looks. If you're going for a sharp side parting, a slick-back or a neat, groomed finish, pomade is the one — the subtle shine reads as deliberate and smart rather than greasy. It reshapes easily if you want to comb your hair back into place.
How do you apply hair paste, clay or pomade?
The technique is the same for all three, and getting it right matters as much as the product:
- Start with the right hair. Paste and clay work best on towel-dried or dry hair; pomade works on either. Very wet hair dilutes the hold.
- Use a small amount. Scoop out about a fingertip's worth — less than you think. You can always add more.
- Warm it in your hands. Rub it between your palms and fingers until it's evenly spread and slightly softened, so it distributes without clumping.
- Work from the back and sides in. Apply through the roots first for hold, then shape the ends and top last.
- Style and finish. Use your fingers for texture, or a comb for a sharper, classic look. Add a touch more product only if you need it.
How do you choose the right one for your hair?
Match the product to the look, not the other way round:
- Want a natural, everyday look you can restyle? Go for Matt Paste.
- Want volume, thickness and messy texture? Go for Matt Clay.
- Want a classic, sharp, slightly polished style? Go for Pomade.
Fine or thinning hair usually looks best with clay or paste, because a matte finish creates the illusion of more volume, while shine can make hair look flatter. Thick or coarse hair can carry any of the three.
Find your finish.
High-hold paste, clay and pomade — matte or shine, all vegan and made in the UK, all easy to wash out. Explore Men Rock Hair Styling.
Frequently asked questions
Is hair clay or paste better?
Clay gives more texture, volume and a firmer matte hold, so it's better for fuller, messier styles and shorter hair. Paste is more flexible and natural, and easier to restyle through the day. For most everyday looks, paste is the easier starting point; for volume and grip, choose clay.
Does pomade make your hair look greasy?
Not if you use the right amount. The Men Rock Pomade has a medium shine designed to look polished, not wet. Use a small, fingertip-sized amount and warm it in your hands first — that gives an even, deliberate finish rather than a greasy one.
Can you wash hair paste, clay and pomade out easily?
Yes. Men Rock's hair styling products are water-based and wash out cleanly with normal shampoo — no waxy build-up and no need to scrub.
How much product should I use?
Start with about a fingertip's worth. It's much easier to add more than to remove excess, and too much product weighs hair down and makes any style look flat.
Are Men Rock hair styling products vegan?
Yes. Men Rock's Matt Paste, Matt Clay and Pomade are all vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK.
