Gen Z Men's Hair Product Breakdown: What to Use for Every Style

The Ultimate Hair Styling Product Guide For Men: Clay, Paste, Pomade, Cream, Powder, Gel & Sea Salt Spray

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: your hair? It deserves better. Not just a quick brush or that 3-in-1 shampoo-horror. We’re talking about unlocking your style potential with the right hair product. But real talk, the styling aisle is confusing. Clay, paste, pomade, cream, powder, gel, sea salt spray... like, where do you even start?

As someone who’s spent way too much time testing, failing, and finally finding the holy grail of hair combos, I’m breaking it all down for you. Think of this as your no-BS guide to hair products that actually work, based on your vibe, not what your dad used in 1996.

Here’s everything you need to know to get your style right, from soft and touchable to locked and loaded.

The Basics: Hold & Shine, Explained

Before we get into the good stuff, let’s cover two words you’ll hear a lot: hold and shine.

• Hold: How strong the product keeps your hair in place
  • Low hold = natural, movement-friendly
  • High hold = sculpted, doesn’t budge
• Shine: How glossy or matte your hair looks after styling
  • Low shine = dry, natural finish
  • High shine = wet, sleek finish

1. Sea Salt Spray

Hold: 1/10
Shine: 1/10

If your hair feels flat or lifeless, sea salt spray is a total game-changer. A few spritzes in damp or dry hair adds natural volume, grip, and that “just left the beach” texture. It’s the ultimate pre-styler that gives your hair some grit to work with.

Pro tip: Use it before blow-drying to boost volume and flow.

2. Texturizing Powder

Hold: 4/10
Shine: 1/10

Dry hair feeling limp? This stuff is like a secret weapon. Tap a bit at your roots, mess it up with your fingers, and boom — instant height and hold with zero grease. It gives you that edgy, natural look while staying totally matte.

Also, you can reactivate it during the day by just tousling your hair.

3. Thickening Cream

Hold: 3/10
Shine: 1 to 2/10

For guys with thin or fine hair, thickening cream adds subtle hold and makes your strands feel fuller. It's super lightweight, easy to layer with other products, and keeps things looking clean and natural.

Bonus points if you use it with sea salt spray for extra lift.

4. Hair Cream (Including Curl Cream)

Hold: 2 to 3/10
Shine: 3/10

Hair cream is ideal for longer styles or guys who like their hair flowy and smooth. It controls frizz, adds hydration, and makes your hair look healthier without the heaviness. For curly hair, curl creams help define curls while keeping them soft and bouncy.

This one's all about flexibility with a little polish.

5. Hair Paste

Hold: 5/10
Shine: 5/10

Think of paste as your do-it-all product. It has medium hold, a balanced finish, and works well for most styles. Whether you're pushing your hair back, shaping layers, or just trying to look more put-together, paste gives you that control without stiffness.

Perfect for medium-length cuts that need structure without going overboard.

6. Hair Clay

Hold: 6 to 7/10
Shine: 1/10

Clay is for those who want solid structure without any shine. It adds body and texture while keeping everything matte and natural-looking. This is great for thick hair or shorter styles where you want your hair to stay in place but still look lived-in.

Always apply it to dry hair and warm it up in your hands first.

7. Pomade

Hold: 7/10
Shine: 7/10

Pomade is your go-to for that slick, classic barbershop look. It works best on short styles like side parts and slick backs. If you're going for shine and control, this is the one. Just avoid oil-based pomades unless you're down for three rounds of shampoo to get it out.

Stick with water-based versions for a cleaner experience.

8. Putty

Hold: 8/10
Shine: 2 to 3/10

Putty has serious grip but still feels soft to the touch. It's great for short, modern styles and holds up even in heat or humidity. It gives you control without making your hair look crunchy or shellacked.

Make sure your hands are dry when applying and always emulsify it first.

9. Gel

Hold: 10/10
Shine: 10/10

Gel is all about extreme hold and gloss. If you're aiming for that sharp, wet look or need your hair to stay put for hours, this one does the job. The downside is it can feel crunchy and look overly slick, so use sparingly and skip it for more natural styles.

Best for bold looks or specific occasions, not everyday wear.

10. Hairspray (Bonus Round)

Hold: 10/10
Shine: Varies

Not the trendiest product, but hairspray still has its place. It’s ideal as a final layer to freeze your style in place. Just don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with helmet hair.

Use a light mist after applying your main styling product if you want your look to hold all day.

Real Talk: Thin Hair Tips

If you have fine or thinning hair, skip the heavy stuff. Stick to:

• Sea salt spray for texture
• Texturizing powder for lift
• Light clays or creams for subtle control

Avoid gels and oil-based pomades since they can weigh hair down and make it look stringy.

Also, don’t grow it out thinking longer hair will hide the problem. It won’t. A good cut does way more than extra length ever will.

Styling Like a Pro

Here’s what you need to know:

• Emulsify your product in your hands before applying
• Start with a small amount
• Work from the roots up
• Always apply to dry hair for best results
• You can combine products, like spray + clay + powder for volume and hold

Hair That Actually Feels Like You

Hair products shouldn’t feel like guesswork. The right one should boost your confidence, match your vibe, and feel like an extension of your style. Whether you're keeping it chill with sea salt spray or going full volume with clay and powder, there's something here for every hair type and every mood.

So experiment, have fun, and keep your hair game on point.

Stay styled with more Gen Z grooming tips, style recs, and confidence-boosting guides right here at Woke Waves Magazine.

#MensHairTips #HairProductGuide #GenZGrooming #SeaSaltSprayLife #ModernHairCare

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