Short answer: pomade gives shine and a neat, combed look. Wax gives flexible hold and texture. Clay gives strong hold with a matte finish. Paste gives lighter hold with a matte, messy finish. Pick the finish you want first (shiny or matte), then pick the hold (light, medium or strong).
Below you will find the difference between each type, a quick chooser, and product picks from our two styling ranges, Gabri Professional and Black Red.
The quick comparison
| Product | Hold | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade | Medium to strong | Shiny to medium shine | Slick backs, side parts, pompadours |
| Wax | Flexible to strong | Low to high (depends on the wax) | All-round styling and restyling through the day |
| Clay | Strong | Matte | Textured, messy and natural looks |
| Paste | Light to medium | Matte | Tousled, relaxed styles |
What is pomade?
Pomade is the classic barbershop styler. It keeps hair neat, combable and shiny. Water-based pomades rinse out with water and shampoo, while oil-based pomades can need more washing to remove.
Choose pomade if you want a neat, groomed look like a side part, slick back or pompadour.
- Gabri S5 Cream Pomade 100ml has flexible hold with controlled shine and is soft enough to rework during the day.
- Gabri Pomade Spider Wax 150ml has ultra-strong yet flexible hold with a high-shine finish.
- Black Red Styling Pomade Shine 120ml is water-based, with flexible medium hold and a glossy finish.
- Black Red Styling Pomade Ultra 120ml gives ultra-strong hold with medium shine for thick, coarse hair.
What is hair wax?
Wax sits in the middle. It is flexible, so you can reshape your hair during the day. Different waxes give different results, so check the hold and shine before you buy.
Gabri Aqua Wax range (150ml, water-based):
- Ultra Strong Shine (red tub): ultra-strong hold, glossy wet-look finish. Pompadours and slick backs.
- Bright Finish (orange tub): strong, flexible hold and high-gloss shine. Polished looks.
- Bubblegum Strong (blue tub): strong, flexible hold and a natural finish. Quiffs, side parts and everyday styles.
- Rosemary Mint: flexible, long-lasting hold with a natural, touchable finish and no shine.
- Keratin Ultra Hold (black tub): ultra-strong hold with added keratin for bold, long-lasting styles.
- Edge Control: smooths edges and flyaways along the hairline.
Black Red waxes (150ml, hold and shine scored out of 5):
- Green Gloss: 3/5 hold, 5/5 shine. Smooth, polished styles.
- Gold Chic: 5/5 hold, 3/5 shine. Sharp, structured styles.
- Blue Force: 5/5 hold, 2/5 shine. Firm, defined styles.
- Iron Finish Matte: 4/5 hold, 1/5 shine. Textured styles.
- Red Spider Fibre: 4/5 hold, matte finish. Textured, separated styles.
- Vanilla Touch Cream: 2/5 hold, 2/5 shine. Soft, natural styles.
What is hair clay?
Clay is the strong, matte option. It adds grip and thickness, and it gives a natural, no-shine look. It suits short to medium hair that needs texture and control.
- Gabri S1 Defining Clay 100ml has strong, flexible hold, a matte finish and clear separation for textured crops.
- Gabri S2 Smooth Clay 100ml is a lightweight matte clay with flexible hold for smooth, natural-looking styles.
- Black Red Styling Clay Matte 120g gives strong control and a natural matte finish with firm hold and no crunch.
What is hair paste?
Paste is lighter than clay. It gives light to medium hold and a matte finish, and it suits a tousled, relaxed look. The main difference from clay is the hold: paste is softer and easier to restyle.
- Gabri S6 Velvet Paste 100ml has flexible hold and a soft matte finish for natural volume.
- Gabri S4 Clay Paste 100ml uses kaolin clay and sea salt for volume, grip and a matte finish.
- Black Red Sea Salt Paste 120ml gives medium, long-lasting hold with a super matte finish.
Clay vs paste: what is the difference?
Both are matte. Clay holds harder and feels thicker. Paste holds softer and moves more. If you want your style to stay put all day, choose clay. If you want a loose, easy look, choose paste.
Wax vs pomade: what is the difference?
Pomade is usually chosen for shine and a neat finish. Wax is usually chosen for flexibility and texture, and it can be matte or shiny. If you want to restyle during the day, wax is easier.
Which one should you choose?
- Short hair, natural matte look: clay or paste
- Slick back, side part or pompadour: pomade or a high-shine wax
- Fine hair that needs body: a light paste or cream, plus a styling powder
- Thick, coarse hair: an ultra-strong pomade or a strong wax
- Not sure: start with a medium-hold wax and adjust
Need root lift? Add a powder
A styling powder gives instant lift and grip at the roots. Try Gabri Powder Wax Volume & Styling 21g or Black Red Sea Salt Powder 20g.
How to apply any styling product
- Start with towel-dried or dry hair, depending on the product.
- Take a small amount (about a pea to a 5-cent coin) and warm it between your palms.
- Work it from the back to the front, then shape with your fingers or a comb.
- Add more only if you need it. Too much product can make hair look greasy.
How to wash styling products out
Water-based products rinse out with shampoo and warm water. Heavier, oil-based pomades can need a second wash. Always wash product out at night.
Shop the full ranges
Browse Gabri Hair Wax and Black Red. We deliver Australia-wide.
FAQs
Is clay or pomade better for short hair?
Clay for a matte, textured look, pomade for a neat, shiny look. Both work on short hair.
Does wax make hair greasy?
Too much of any product can look greasy. Use a small amount and add more only if needed.
Can I use wax and powder together?
Yes. Many people lift the roots with powder first, then finish with wax.
Which product is best for fine hair?
Lighter products such as a paste, a cream or a powder usually work better, because heavy products can weigh fine hair down.
Do these products damage hair?
Styling products do not damage hair when you wash them out regularly. Do not sleep with product in your hair.
General styling information only. Avoid contact with eyes.
