Hair Styling

Men's Hair Styling Products — Find Your Hold, Find Your Finish

The right hair styling product makes the difference between hair that holds its shape through the day and hair that gives up by lunchtime. But with pomades, clays, pastes, waxes, creams, gels, and powders all on the market, finding your ideal product comes down to two things: how much hold you need, and what kind of finish you want. High hold with high shine is the classic pomade territory. High hold with a matte, textured finish is where clays and pastes live. Light, flexible hold with a natural finish is cream and grooming spray country.

At Gentleman & Son, we stock a wide range of men's hair styling products from brands with real barbershop credibility — Layrite, Suavecito, O'Douds, Byrd, Slick Gorilla, Triumph & Disaster, Dapper Dan, and more. Each brings a distinct approach to hold, ingredients, and finish, giving you genuine options regardless of your hair type or style. Use the subcategories above to navigate by product type, or browse the full range and use the product descriptions to match your hold and finish requirements. Free delivery across Australia on orders over $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pomade and a clay?
Pomades — particularly oil-based ones — deliver high shine and a smooth, slicked finish with strong hold. They are the go-to for classic styles like the pompadour, side part, or slick back. Hair clays and pastes use a matte base (often kaolin clay or bentonite) to deliver strong hold with a flat, textured finish — ideal for modern, natural-looking styles. Water-based pomades sit between the two, offering shine and hold that washes out more easily than oil-based versions.

What hair styling product is best for thick hair?
Thick hair needs products with genuine hold — a strong clay, paste, or oil-based pomade. Products marketed as "medium hold" often aren't strong enough to control thick or coarse hair through a full day. Slick Gorilla and Layrite are both consistently popular with men with thicker hair for their reliable hold performance.

What is the best hair product for a natural, matte finish?
Hair clay, paste, or a styling powder will give you a matte, low-shine finish. Powders in particular add texture and volume without any visible product. Browse our clay and paste range and styling powders for these options.

How do I apply hair styling product correctly?
Apply to towel-dried, slightly damp hair rather than fully wet or completely dry hair for the best balance of workability and hold. Emulsify the product between your palms first — this helps distribute it evenly — then work through the hair from roots to ends, styling as you go. A comb or brush can help refine the shape once the product is distributed.