Pomade vs Hair Putty (Differences Explained)
You've stood in front of the mirror with three different products in your hand, unsure which one is going to give you the look you want. Sound familiar?
Pomade. Putty. Hair Clay. Wax. Cream. Hair Paste The grooming aisle doesn't make it easy.
But here's the thing — most guys only need to understand two of the best hair products to unlock 90% of their styling options: pomade and hair putty.
They look similar. They're both a hair styling product. But they do completely different things.
Pick the wrong one and you'll end up with stiff, crunchy hair — or a style that collapses before lunch.
Let's sort it out — fast.
Hair Styling Confusion: Putty vs. Pomade – What’s the Difference?
At their core, pomade and hair putty are built for different results.
Hair putty gives you texture, movement, and a natural matte finish.
Consider contemporary, lived-in looks, such as disheveled quiffs, disheveled layers, and a relaxed, effortless structure.
Pomade gives you sleek control, defined shape, and a polished finish, often with a high shine.
Think sharp side parts, classic pompadours, slick backs. Styles with intention.
Feature |
Hair Putty |
Pomade |
Hold |
Medium hold to strong, flexible |
Medium to strong, firm structure |
Finish |
Matte, natural look |
Shiny or semi-matte, polished |
Texture |
Thick, slightly tacky |
Smooth, creamy |
Best for |
Messy, textured, voluminous styles |
Sleek, defined, classic looks |
Washability |
Easy to rinse out |
Varies (water-based = easy, oil-based = harder) |
Key takeaway: If you want natural texture and flexibility , go with putty. If you want stronger, firm hold and a polished finish , pomade is the better choice.
Putty vs. Pomade – Which One Holds Up Better Throughout the Day?
Choosing the right styling product isn’t just about initial results—it’s about how it performs over time .
We put putty and pomade through a real-world test: an 8-hour workday, humidity, and a post-work gym session.
Feature |
Hair Putty |
Pomade (Glacial Clay Pomade) |
Hold Duration |
6-8 hours, slightly flexible |
Up to 24 hours hold |
Restyling |
Easy to rework throughout the day |
Easy re-workable style |
Sweat & Humidity Resistance |
Moderate, may need touch-ups |
High, resists humidity & sweat |
Washability |
Rinses out easily |
Vegetable Glycerin -based = washes out better than other pomades |
If your day goes longer than 8 hours (and it usually does), pomade has the edge. But putty gives you the freedom to reshape your style on the fly — no reapplication needed.
And when wash day comes? Forget the double-shampoo struggle. The Wash — our natural hair cleanser — cuts through both products cleanly, every time.
Hair Putty – The Go-To for a Textured, Natural Look
If your style goal is anything that looks natural, relaxed, or deliberately imperfect — putty is your tool.
It's built for guys who want volume without weight, hold without stiffness, and a finish that doesn't shout "I used product."
Best For:
✅ Short to medium-length hair
✅ Textured styles (e.g., quiffs, messy crops, tousled layers)
✅ Reworkable hold (can adjust throughout the day)
How to Apply:
Start with dry or slightly damp hair .
Scoop a dime-sized amount and rub between palms to warm up.
Distribute evenly through hair, focusing on roots for volume .
Shape and style as needed— no crunch, no stiffness .
Less is more — that's the golden rule of good hair care. Start with half what you think you need.
Over-apply and you'll kill the natural finish that makes putty worth using in the first place.
If you've got thick or longer natural hair, work it through in sections for even coverage without weighing anything down.
Putty works best when it's supporting your hair's natural movement — not fighting it.
A moisturizing formula also helps here, keeping your hair healthy and pliable so the product distributes cleanly and holds without stiffness.
Want to see putty in action across different hair types and lengths?
Check out our men's hair guide for style inspiration broken down by hair length and texture.
Pomade – The Classic Choice for Sleek, Defined Styles
Pomade has been around forever. The problem?
Most old formulas were heavy, greasy, and a nightmare to wash out.
Modern pomade fixes all of that, often by replacing traditional ingredients like beeswax with more advanced formulas.
That’s where modern pomades, like Highland Style Co.’s Glacial Clay Pomade, change the game .
No buildup. No residue. No second shampoo required.
Best For:
✅ Sleek, defined styles (e.g., side parts, pompadours, slick backs)
✅ Medium to thick hair
✅ A clean, refined look that holds all day
How to Apply:
Work with damp or dry hair , depending on desired finish.
Use a small amount and rub between palms.
Apply evenly from roots to ends, using a comb for extra precision.
Lock in your style with strong yet flexible hold .
Which One Is Right for Your Hair Type?
Not every product works for every hair type. Here's a quick reference:
Go with putty if you have:
• Fine or thin hair or fine hair — putty adds volume without weighing it down
• Naturally wavy or curly hair — works with your texture, not against it
• A relaxed style that needs flexible, reworkable hold
Go with pomade if you have:
• Medium to thick hair — pomade manages it without losing structure
• Straight hair — ideal for sleek, precision styles
• A defined look that needs to last all day
Not sure where your hair type fits? Our complete men's grooming guide breaks down how to choose products based on your hair texture, thickness, and natural behavior.
Expert & Barber Recommendations – What Professionals Say
Professional barbers cut through the noise fast: the right product is the one that fits your hair type and your lifestyle — not the one with the flashiest packaging.
Their two consistent rules for achieving the perfect hair look:
1. Match the product to the finish you want. If you want something natural, stop buying products that promise maximum natural shine.
If you want sleek and structured, don't use a matte clay and wonder why it looks flat.
2. Use less than you think. Most guys over-apply. With both putty and pomade, less product means more control. Start small. Add if needed.
Your barber knows your hair — whether you're working with long hair, fine hair, or chasing a natural look.
Ask them which formula fits your texture and lifestyle. They'll steer you right.
Final Verdict – Which One is Right for You?
This doesn't have to be complicated.
Casual, textured looks? Putty is your go-to. Flexible hold, natural finish, reworkable all day.
Defined, long-lasting styles? Pomade wins with its high hold, structured finish, built to last.
Want the best of both worlds? Glacial Clay Pomade sits right in the middle — a versatile matte pomade with medium-to-strong hold, a semi-matte finish, and a formula that's actually good for your hair.
No grease. No buildup. Washes out clean.
One product. All-day hold. Zero compromise.
Ready to upgrade your routine? Explore the full Highland Style Co. product range and find what works for your hair.
