Hair Products Decoded: Pomade, Clay, Gel, or Cream?
Choosing the right hair product should feel simple. You want to hold the finish you like, and a style that lasts through your day. This guide explains the real differences between pomade, clay, gel, and cream, then matches each to common hair types and goals. All examples use the products you can pick up at Salt City Barbershop in Midvale, so you can leave the guesswork behind.
The quick breakdown
Pomade Finish: medium to high shine. Hold: medium. Best for classic control and combed shapes.
Clay Finish: matte. Hold: medium to strong. Best for texture, lift, and volume.
Gel Finish: wet look shine. Hold: firm. Best for crisp definition when you want a locked look.
Cream Finish: natural, low shine. Hold: light to medium. Best for soft control and frizz reduction.
Pomade: polished and timeless
What it does
Pomade smooths the cuticle and adds controlled shine. It keeps parts clean and brush backs neat without crunch.
Best hair types
Straight to wavy hair. Medium density. Works on thick hair when applied correctly to damp hair.
How to use
Towel dry to slightly damp. Emulsify a pea to dime size in your palms. Start at the roots, work back to front, then comb the shape.
Pro tip
If your hair separates later in the day, mist lightly with water and recomb. Pomade reactivates with moisture.
Clay: matte texture and real lift
What it does
Clay gives structure without shine and bulks up fine hair. It separates strands for a modern, natural look.
Best hair types
Fine hair that needs volume. Medium to thick hair that needs separation. Great for crops, brush backs, and messy quiffs.
How to use
Work on dry hair. Warm a pea-sized amount until it disappears in your hands. Push against the grain at the roots for lift, then with the grain to set shape..
Pro tip
Layer in thin passes. Two light applications beat one heavy scoop and leave the style more touchable.
Gel: sharp lines and firm hold
What it does
Gel sets hair in place with a glossy finish. Think sharp spikes, defined curls, and high hold shapes.
Best hair types
Straight to wavy hair that can handle a firm set. Useful for short styles that need crisp edges.
How to use
Apply a small amount to damp hair, distribute from roots to ends, then comb or finger style. Let air dry. Do not overwork once it starts to set.
Salt City note
If you love a true gel finish, ask your barber for current in-shop options or a pro recommendation. Many clients prefer clay or cream for a softer, reworkable feel day to day.
Pro tip
Avoid flakes by applying to clean, product-free hair. Shampoo first if you used heavy pomade or clay the day before.
Cream: soft control and natural movement
What it does
Cream tames puff and frizz while keeping hair flexible. It adds a clean, natural finish that works from office to evening.
Best hair types
Short to medium hair. Wavy and frizz-prone textures. Great for men who want control without stiffness.
How to use
Use on a towel, damp or dry hair. Rake through mids and ends, then palm-press the surface to calm flyaways.
Salt City pick Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream. Light to medium hold with a fresh feel on the scalp.
Pro tip
Blend a pea of cream over clay when you want matte volume with a smoother surface.
Prep matters: cleaner hair styles better
Great styling starts in the shower. When your hair is clean and conditioned, products spread evenly, and you can use less.
Salt City prep STMNT Shampoo and Conditioner for a balanced cleanse on days you feel weighed down. BROSH All Wash Wood Seed 3 in 1 when you want a fast refresh for hair, face, and body. Ask your barber which routine fits your density and scalp.
Match by hair type
Fine or thinning: Goal is to lift without collapse. Use BROSH Clay on dry hair. Build in light layers. For a cleaner surface, finish with a fingertip of Tea Tree Shaping Cream.
Thick or heavy: Goal is control and separation. On damp hair, use BROSH Pomade for classic shapes. On dry hair, use BROSH Clay at the roots for lift, then palm-press a little Tea Tree Shaping Cream on the surface to calm bulk.
Wavy or frizz-prone: Goal is defined without crunch. Work Tea Tree Shaping Cream through mids and ends. Twist a few sections with fingers. If you want more hold, add a tiny amount of pomade to the outer layer.
Short, sharp styles: Goal is crisp edges. Use gel on clean, damp hair and let it set. For a softer look, swap gel for a small amount of pomade and comb tight.
FAQs we answer in the chair
How much product should I use?
Start with a pea-sized. Add more only if needed. Using less almost always looks better.
Where do I apply first?
Start at the roots for control, then finish on the surface for the look you want to see.
Can I mix products?
Yes. Clay for lift, cream for smoothness, or pomade for shine on the surface. Keep amounts small.
How do I avoid buildup?
Rotate a proper shampoo when hair feels coated. Condition every time you wash your hair so it stays flexible.
Build your shelf with help from Salt City
At Salt City Barbershop, you get tested products and real guidance. We stock BROSH Pomade Original Hold, BROSH Clay, STMNT wash and condition, and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream. Your barber will match product to your hair type and show exact amounts so you can repeat the result at home.
Ready to dial in your finish
Visit Salt City Barbershop at 752 E Fort Union Blvd, Midvale. Pick up your products and ask for a quick styling demo after your cut so you know exactly how to recreate the look tomorrow.