It may surprise you to learn that the original pompadour was flaunted by none other than Madame de Pompadour, a powerful 18th Century noblewoman who commanded all eyes on her. Today, the likes of Janelle Monae and other celebrity hairstyle icons have reclaimed the pompadour and inspired women to step out of their comfort zone. Clays, pastes, waxes, and pomades are just some of the sculpting products that might make up your ideal collection. Discover the differences between each product, some styling techniques, and ways to unlock your inner diva.
Clay, Paste, Wax, and Pomade, Oh, My!
So what exactly is the difference between these four great products? They’re all designed to hold and sculpt, right? Not quite. Learning the nuances between each product can help you select the perfect miracle potion for you and your hair. Schedule a consultation with a professional stylist to find the best products for your hair, and keep reading to learn the basics.
Pomade
Pomades are the classic go-to when it comes to achieving shine and texture. A high-quality pomade can be reworked throughout the day, remaining soft and flexible. These products won’t leave flaky residue, harden, or dry out hair. They typically provide the strongest hold and the most radiant shine.
Best of all, you don’t need to use a lot to achieve your desired result, making pomades a budget-friendly beauty option.
Wax
Perfect for those with sensitive skin, waxes typically contain fewer harsh chemicals. These products feature an oil base that nourishes hair to achieve medium hold. They may not leave your hair as shiny as a pomade, but waxes are great for bringing out the natural color of each lock.
Oribe’s Rough Luxury Molding Wax is a solid option for creating soft curls or glamorous updos. It’s also a great go-to product for super-short haircuts and pixie cuts.
Clay
Not ready to embrace the greaser life just yet? Opt for a product that gives hair more of a “matte” finish. Clay has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility. You’ll find that clay has a more relaxed vibe than pomade or wax. Made with ethically sourced bentonite and hair enriching minerals, this product is ideal for maintaining a natural aesthetic.
Try Kevin Murphy’s ROUGH.RIDER for a messy pixie chic or long boho curls.
Paste
Like clay, paste is a good option for leaving your hair shine-free and naturally beautiful. Paste offers a medium hold that allows for movement and dimension. If you’ve tried pomades and found them to be too “heavy,” paste may be a good solution for your hair care needs. Your locks will still flow wildly in the wind while you’re exploring Colorado’s hills and mountains. But with a dab of paste, they’ll also retain their shape for an evening out in downtown Denver.
Kevin Murphy’s FREE.HOLD is the ideal product for free spirits everywhere when it comes to non-greasy sculpting.
Why Sculpting Products Are Your Style BFF
Now that we’ve covered the in’s and out’s of each type of product, it’s time to take a closer look at how this magic goop can rock your hair. We’ve already covered the glory of the pompadour. But if a retro aesthetic isn’t your dream design, there are many other uses for sculpting serums.
Clays and pastes are excellent for taming frizzy hair with less damage than daily straightening. These products are ideal for creating a sleek, textured look. If you’ve recently treated your hair to an Olaplex or keratin treatment, a dab of product is enough to help maintain your style at home.
Pomades and waxes can take short hair from dull to vibrant by creating dimension and flair. Working with your hair’s evolving style is a great way to make the most of the “in-between” phase when growing out a pixie or bob.
From curls to slicked-back chic, the possibilities are endless! Join the ranks of glam bosses who are taking back sculpting products, and visit your stylist to learn more about rocking your best hair ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between clay, paste, wax, and pomade for hair?
Each sculpting product serves a different purpose: Pomades offer the strongest hold and the most shine, are reworkable throughout the day, and don’t flake or harden. Waxes have an oil base for nourishing medium hold, produce less shine than pomade, and are ideal for sensitive skin and short/pixie cuts. Clay provides a matte finish with a relaxed, natural aesthetic, ideal for messy styles. Paste is similar to clay in its matte finish but provides medium hold with movement and is good for those who find pomade too heavy.
What sculpting product is best for a natural or matte look?
Clay and paste are both excellent choices for a matte, natural finish. Clay, made with minerals like bentonite, is great for maintaining a natural aesthetic in messy pixie styles or boho curls. Kevin Murphy’s ROUGH.RIDER clay is a popular recommendation. Paste offers similar shine-free results but with medium hold and more movement, making it a lighter alternative for those who find pomade too heavy. Kevin Murphy’s FREE.HOLD paste is ideal for free-flowing styles.
What is pomade and what is it best for?
Pomade is the classic sculpting product known for providing strong hold with high shine. It can be reworked throughout the day, stays flexible, and won’t leave flaky residue or dry out hair. You don’t need much to get the desired result, making it budget-friendly. Pomade is particularly effective for sleek, defined styles with high-gloss finishes.
What type of sculpting product is best for short hair or pixie cuts?
Wax is a great option for super-short haircuts and pixie cuts, Oribe’s Rough Luxury Molding Wax, for example, works well for creating soft curls or glamorous updos with shorter styles. Clay is also a good choice for edgy, textured pixie cuts when a matte finish is preferred. Pomade and paste can also add dimension and flair to short hair during the grow-out phase.
Can sculpting products damage hair?
High-quality professional sculpting products are formulated to hold and style without causing damage. Clays and pastes made with natural minerals and botanicals are particularly gentle. Using the right product for your hair type minimizes the risk of buildup or breakage. It’s always best to consult with a professional stylist to identify which sculpting product works best for your specific hair texture and style goals.
How do I use sculpting products to maintain a style at home between salon visits?
After professional treatments like a keratin or Olaplex treatment, a small amount of sculpting clay or paste can help maintain the style at home without daily heat tools. Apply to damp or dry hair depending on the desired finish, and work through hair from roots to ends. For short hair transitioning during a grow-out phase, pomades and waxes help create dimension and shape that makes in-between lengths look intentional.