Best Hair Styling Products for Men: Clays, Pastes and Sprays

The best hair styling products for men depend on three things: how much hold you need, how much shine you can live with, and how long your hair is. For most people with short to medium hair, Cremo Hair Clay Pomade is the easiest all-round pick, with a high-hold matte finish that the listing says is flexible and suits all lengths. If you want something lighter and more forgiving, Sun Bum Sonny’s Surf Hair Paste is the runner-up, with a medium-hold soft matte finish that reads as natural. The rest of this guide sorts clays, pastes, pomades and sea salt sprays by what they actually do on your head, so you can match a product to your haircut instead of buying whatever sits on the shelf.

Anyone who spends a weekend morning grooming the dog already understands the basic idea: the right tool for the coat makes the job quick, and the wrong one makes it a fight. Hair is the same. A wet-look pomade on fine, flat hair weighs it down, while a light sea salt spray on thick, coarse hair does nothing. This is a research-based roundup. We did not personally use these products; we compared manufacturer listing details, ingredient and hold claims, and what independent grooming editors and barbers consistently say about each product type.

L3 Level 3 Hair Texture Powder for Men, Volume, Natural Look, 30 g | Styling powder, hair texturizer, non-greasy finish, buildable hold, easy application, small 30 g size

Chosen because it specifies Volume and Natural Look.

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Viking Revolution Ultimate Hair Care Collection for Men - 10 Piece Kit | Includes Sea Salt Spray, Texture Powder, Hair Clay, Comb Set & Hair Oil - Complete Styling Kit - Gift Set for Men

Chosen because it specifies 10 Piece Kit and Includes Sea Salt Spray.

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Cremo Forming Hair Styling Cream for Men, Medium Hold & Shine, 3.4 Oz

Chosen because it specifies Medium Hold & Shine and 3.4 Oz.

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STMNT Grooming Goods Matte Paste 3.38 oz | All Day Strong Hold & High Volume | Hair Clay Paste For Men | Non-Greasy Formula | Texture Paste for Hair | Ideal for Dry & Damp Hair | Mens Hair Styling

Chosen because it specifies All Day Strong Hold & High Volume and Hair Clay Paste For Men.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Cremo Hair Clay Pomade, high hold, matte, flexible, for all lengths.
• Best Natural Look: Sun Bum Sonny’s Surf Hair Paste, medium hold, soft matte finish.
• Best for a Classic Slick Style: Suavecito Pomade Original Hold, medium shine, water based.
• Best Light Texture: Viking Revolution Sea Salt Spray, for volume and beachy texture.
• Best Travel Size: Reuzel Clay Matte Pomade, a 1.3 oz medium-hold matte clay.
• Best for Conditioning Ingredients: Brickell Men’s Styling Clay Pomade, strong hold with argan oil and niacinamide.
• Best Premium: Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay, strong pliable hold, 92% naturally derived per the listing.

Comparison Table

1. Cremo Hair Clay Pomade: Best for Everyday Textured Styles

• Hold: high, per the listing
• Finish: matte
• Size: 3.4 oz
• Stated use: damp hair styling, all hair lengths, natural tousled look
• Scent: not listed

Best for: men who want one product that works on a messy crop, a short quiff or a longer textured cut. Skip if: your hair is very fine and tends to go limp, since high hold products ask for more product and more washing out.

Cremo sells this as a clay with a flexible hold, which is the combination most people actually want. A rigid hold looks stiff by lunchtime and cracks when you run a hand through it. A flexible hold lets you push the style around during the day. The listing also says it works on damp hair and can be air dried, which matters if you do not want to blow dry every morning.

In practice, clays like this work best when you start with towel-dried hair, warm a pea-sized amount between your palms until it is no longer cold, and work it from the back forward. Most people use too much on the front and not enough at the crown, which is where hair usually refuses to sit. Because it is a matte product, it hides scalp shine and adds visible thickness, which is a quiet bonus if your hair is thinning slightly at the temples.

Pros: matte finish, high hold with flexibility, works on several lengths, low-cost entry point. Cons: can feel heavy on fine hair, needs a proper shampoo to rinse out fully.

2. Sun Bum Sonny’s Surf Hair Paste: Best for a Natural, Lived-In Look

• Hold: medium
• Finish: soft matte
• Size: 3 oz
• Ingredients named in the listing: Hawaiian black lava sea salt, sea kelp, coconut oil
• Made without parabens, per the listing

Best for: relaxed haircuts where the goal is texture without a visible product look. Skip if: you need a hair-sculpting hold for a tall pompadour.

A paste sits between a clay and a cream. It is softer to work with, and it is less likely to leave white residue in dark hair. The sea salt in this formula gives a bit of grit, which is what creates that grown-in surfer texture, while the coconut oil keeps the strands from feeling brittle. If you currently use a heavy gel and want to move toward a more modern style, this is a low-risk switch.

Medium hold is the key detail. It will carry a short, loose style through a normal workday, but it will not fight humidity or a windy commute with the same strength as a firm clay. People with straight, medium-thickness hair tend to get on well with pastes. People with very curly hair often find them too light on their own and use them over a cream.

Pros: natural finish, easy to restyle, no stiff feel, soft matte look. Cons: limited hold for taller styles, may need a second application by evening in humid weather.

3. Suavecito Pomade Original Hold: Best for Classic Slick Styles

• Hold: medium, “all day” per the listing
• Finish: medium shine
• Size: 4 oz
• Base: water based, wax-like, flake free
• Washes out easily, per the listing

Best for: side parts, combed-back looks and anything that should look neat and defined. Skip if: you want a flat matte finish with no shine at all.

Water-based pomades changed the category. Older petroleum pomades were famous for staining pillowcases and needing several shampoos to remove. A water-based formula like this is far easier to wash out and still gives the comb-through control that classic haircuts need. The listing calls the hold medium, which is the right level for a combed style: strong enough to keep a part, soft enough that the comb does not drag.

Shine is the trade-off. A medium-shine finish looks polished with a fade and a sharp part, and a little too styled with a messy crop. The trick is the amount. Start with a dime-sized scoop, comb it through damp hair, then add more only where the style needs shaping. If you prefer a less shiny look, towel dry the hair more thoroughly first, because extra water makes water-based products look glossier as they dry.

Pros: classic finish, easy to wash out, good for comb-through control, generous 4 oz tub. Cons: noticeable shine, not suited to a tousled, textured look.

4. Viking Revolution Sea Salt Spray: Best for Light Texture and Volume

• Type: texturizing spray
• Size: 8.8 oz
• Ingredients named in the listing: kelp, aloe vera, red algae extract
• Stated effect: volume and beach texture, for men and women

Best for: flat, fine or straight hair that needs body before you add a styling product. Skip if: your hair is already dry or frizzy, since salt sprays can add to that feeling.

A sea salt spray is not really a hold product. It is a prep step. You spray it on damp hair, scrunch or blow dry, and you get lift and a bit of grit that a clay or paste can then lock in. For men with fine hair who feel that every pomade makes them look flat, this two-step approach often works better than one heavy product.

The large 8.8 oz bottle is useful because sprays get used up quickly. Aloe and kelp are listed as part of the formula, which is meant to offset the dry feel that salt can have. If you notice your hair feeling rough after a few weeks, switch to using it every other day and wash with a moisturizing shampoo.

Pros: adds volume, light feel, big bottle, pairs well with clay or paste. Cons: little hold on its own, can dry out hair with daily use.

5. Reuzel Clay Matte Pomade (Travel Size): Best for Gym Bags and Carry-Ons

• Hold: medium
• Finish: true matte
• Size: 1.3 oz (35 g)
• Stated qualities: lightweight, textured and natural looking, rinses out easily

Best for: men who want a salon-grade clay in a pocket-sized tub. Skip if: you style every day and would prefer one large container, because the small size is used up quickly.

Travel sizes get overlooked, but they solve a real problem: a full-size tub is a nuisance in a carry-on and a mess in a gym bag. This version keeps the same medium hold and true matte finish the brand is known for in a size that fits in a pocket. It is also a smart way to try a new product before committing to the larger jar.

The “lightweight” and “rinses out easily” claims are worth noting. Medium hold clay works for short layered cuts, textured crops and fades that need a little definition at the top. It will not give a rigid, high-volume shape, but it does not need a lot of effort to restyle between meetings or after a workout.

Pros: portable, true matte look, medium hold, easy rinse. Cons: small quantity, not enough hold for demanding styles.

6. Brickell Men’s Styling Clay Pomade: Best for Strong Hold with Care Ingredients

• Hold: strong
• Finish: matte
• Size: 2 oz
• Ingredients named in the listing: argan oil, niacinamide, hydrolyzed protein
• Scented

Best for: men who want firm control but dislike the dry, crunchy feel some clays leave behind. Skip if: you are scent-sensitive, since the listing marks it as scented.

Brickell positions this clay as a styling product that also pays attention to the hair itself. Argan oil and hydrolyzed protein are common in conditioning products, and niacinamide shows up in skincare. None of that guarantees a result on your head, and the listing does not make a health claim, so treat it as a formulation choice rather than a promise. What you can say with confidence is that the hold is described as strong with a matte finish, which suits short, structured cuts.

A 2 oz jar is small, so the cost per ounce is higher than the mass-market options above. Using a small amount and building up keeps it lasting longer. It is a good fit for men who style daily and want a product that behaves more like a grooming treatment than a glue.

Pros: strong matte hold, care-oriented ingredient list, compact. Cons: smaller size, scented, higher cost per ounce.

7. Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay: Best Premium Pick

• Hold: strong but pliable
• Finish: matte
• Size: 2.5 oz
• Stated qualities: lightweight, texturizing, 92% naturally derived per the listing

Best for: men who want a salon-brand clay with a pliable feel and do not mind paying more. Skip if: you are on a tight budget, because the mid-range options above do much of the same job.

The word “pliable” matters. Pliable hold means the product keeps a shape while still letting you rework it with your fingers during the day. This is the property that separates salon-quality clays from basic gels, which tend to set hard and flake when disturbed. Texturizing, in this context, means the clay makes individual strands look thicker and separates them, so the style looks full rather than flat.

The “92% naturally derived” claim comes from the manufacturer listing, and we cannot verify what that percentage refers to, so treat it as marketing. The practical takeaway is that this is a premium, lightweight product that suits those who buy grooming products by how they perform rather than by the sticker.

Pros: pliable strong hold, matte finish, lightweight feel, salon-brand reputation. Cons: premium cost, limited size.

Also Consider

• Baxter of California Clay Pomade: a 2 oz water-based matte clay with strong hold, aimed at adding thickness and definition. A good alternative to Brickell if you want a more traditional barbershop brand.
• Hair Dough Styling Clay: a matte, strong-hold molding paste, described by the listing as shine-free. Popular for quiffs and textured tops. Size is not listed in the short title.
• Fix Your Lid Styling Fiber: a 3.75 oz high-hold matte fiber for short to medium hair, citrus scented and sulfate-free per the listing. Fibers are stretchy and good for reworking a style through the day.
• Pete & Pedro Natural Sea Salt Spray: an 8.5 oz light-hold spray for volume and beach waves. An alternative if the Viking spray does not suit your hair.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We started with real, currently listed products across the main styling categories (clay, paste, pomade and sea salt spray), then narrowed the list using manufacturer listing details such as hold level, finish, size and named ingredients. We then compared what grooming editors, barber supply retailers and independent review sites say about each product type, and we limited ourselves to claims that appear in the product listing or are standard knowledge about the category. Where a detail such as scent or ingredient list was not shown, we marked it as not listed instead of guessing.

We capped the list at two products per brand, covered every common hold level, and included a spread of budget, mid-range and premium products. We have not quoted prices because they change daily; the price tier words in the table are a general guide only.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Men’s Hair Styling Products

Match the Hold to Your Hairstyle

Hold is the most important label. Light hold (sea salt sprays, creams) works for hair longer than about two inches that you want to move naturally. Medium hold (pastes, lighter clays and water-based pomades) suits most office-friendly styles. Strong or high hold (clays, fibers, firm pomades) is for short quiffs, spiky tops and styles that need to hold their shape through wind and humidity. If a product claims “all day hold” but your hair is longer than four inches and heavy, expect to reapply by afternoon.

Match the Finish to Your Taste

Matte products look like hair. Shiny products look like a styled haircut. Neither is better; they signal different moods. A matte clay with a mid-fade looks modern and low-effort. A medium-shine pomade with a side part looks classic and sharp. If you are unsure, start with matte, because shine is easier to add (a drop of oil or a different product) than to remove.

Consider Your Hair Type

Fine hair works best with lightweight products and low amounts. Start with a sea salt spray for lift, then add a small amount of paste or clay. Thick or coarse hair can handle high hold clays and fibers, but needs more product and warmer hands to distribute it. Curly hair usually needs a moisturizing base first, then a light paste or cream; heavy matte clays can look chalky on tight curls. If you have a sensitive scalp, check the ingredient list and consider fragrance-free options.

Look at Size and Cost per Ounce

A 1.3 oz travel tub costs less on the shelf than a 4 oz jar but is far more expensive per ounce. If you style every day, the larger jar is almost always better value, because most people use about a dime-to-nickel-sized amount. A 3 oz jar typically lasts a month or more with that daily use. Travel sizes are good for trying a new product or for carry-on bags.

Think About Washout

Water-based products rinse out with regular shampoo. Oil- or wax-based pomades can need two washes or a clarifying shampoo. If you wash your hair every day this matters less. If you shower in the evening and style in the morning, a heavier product will build up on your pillow case over a week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much: start with a pea-sized amount. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out without washing.
• Applying to soaking wet hair: water dilutes the product. Towel dry first, so the hair is damp but not dripping.
• Not warming it up: rubbing the product between your palms until it turns clear or soft spreads it evenly and avoids clumps.
• Skipping a clarifying wash: strong-hold products can build up. A clarifying shampoo once every week or two keeps the hair from looking dull.
• Choosing hold that is too strong: it is a common error. Strong hold on fine hair often looks stiff and thin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hair styling product for men with short hair?

A matte clay or a firm paste is usually the best choice for short hair. Cremo Hair Clay Pomade offers high hold with a matte finish and is described as suitable for all lengths, which makes it a safe default. For a lighter feel, Sun Bum Sonny’s Surf Hair Paste has medium hold and a soft matte finish.

What is the best hair product for men with thin or fine hair?

Lightweight products work best. Start with a sea salt spray such as Viking Revolution for lift, then add a small amount of a medium-hold paste or clay. Avoid heavy pomades and gels, which can weigh fine hair down and make the scalp more visible.

Is clay or pomade better for men’s hair?

Clay gives a matte, textured look and is best for modern cuts. Pomade usually gives a shinier, combed look and suits classic styles. Water-based pomades like Suavecito Original Hold are far easier to wash out than older oil-based formulas.

How much styling product should I use?

Begin with a pea-sized amount for short hair or a dime-sized amount for medium hair, and add more only if needed. Over-applying is the most common reason a style looks greasy or heavy.

Can I use sea salt spray every day?

You can, but salt can leave hair feeling dry. If you notice dryness or roughness, use it every second or third day and shampoo with a moisturizing formula. The Viking Revolution spray lists aloe and kelp, but individual results vary.

Do men’s hair styling products work on women’s hair too?

Yes. Hold, finish and texture matter more than the label. Several products here, including the sea salt sprays, are marketed for both men and women.

Can styling products cause scalp problems?

Some people react to fragrance or specific ingredients. If you notice itching, redness or flaking, stop using the product, and check with a dermatologist if it continues. Fragrance-free options are worth looking for if your scalp is sensitive.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one product that covers most situations, buy the Cremo Hair Clay Pomade. If you want a natural, relaxed look, buy Sun Bum Sonny’s Surf Hair Paste. For classic, polished styles, go with Suavecito Original Hold. If your hair is fine and flat, begin with the Viking Revolution Sea Salt Spray and add a light paste. For travel, the Reuzel travel size is the easy answer. Choose Brickell or Aveda if you want strong hold with a premium feel, and you do not mind paying more.

Whichever you choose, think of the first week as a trial. Adjust the amount, the timing and the way you apply it. Most disappointment with styling products comes from technique, not the product itself.

Sources

• Manufacturer product pages and listing details for Cremo, Sun Bum, Suavecito, Viking Revolution, Reuzel, Brickell and Aveda
• Baxter of California and Fix Your Lid brand information
• American Academy of Dermatology: general hair and scalp care guidance
• Barber and grooming publications covering hold, finish and hair type matching

Last updated: October 2026