Clays, putties, and pomades

The editors, Details

The secret to great-looking hair? A little bit of goop. Without it, your 'do can look thin and fall flat. (Or conversely, frizz up into a fro.) Here, a quick guide to picking the right product for your hair type and desired look (above: Grant's Golden Brand Pomade).

Pomade

The Look: Classic and polished. Think Joseph Gordon Levitt or Leonardo DiCaprio. It's a timeless style that's great for the office.

What It Does: Gives hair a slick, high shine finish with a lot of hold. Pomades stay moldable all day so you can retouch periodically.

Tip: Apply a small amount to hair with the palms of your hands, then use a comb to shape and give direction. Make sure your pomade is water-based so that it washes out easily at night—you want the product on your hair, not your pillow.

Putty and Clay

The Look: Sexy, undone hair that begs to be played with. Think James Franco or Robert Pattinson. Perfect for the weekend.

What It Does: Gives hair more volume and texture so it'll look thicker and give it separation. Putties and clays both have a matte finish.

Tip: Choose a putty if you want a medium flexible hold and a clay if you want intense all-day hold. Either way, dab a bit into the palm of your hand and work through hair using your fingers to shape and separate into pieces. (Baxter of California clay pomade pictured right)

Créme

The Look: Healthy and natural. Think Jude Law or Johnny Depp. Crémes are ideal for longer hairstyles.

What It Does: Gives hair flexibility and natural shine with a "no product" appearance, so you look effortlessly put together.

Tip: Add a small amount to the palms of your hands and work through hair, concentrating on the ends. (Lock Stock & Barrel Pucka grooming crème pictured left)

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