4 Hair Styling Pastes to Elevate Your Grooming Game in 2024

Insider Goods Review Team

Discover Expert-Recommended Products for Effortless Style and Hold

When it comes to perfecting your hairstyle, choosing the right hair styling paste can make all the difference. With countless options available, finding a paste that offers the right balance of hold, texture, and finish can be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for a matte finish, strong hold, or a versatile product that adapts to various styles, selecting the right hair paste is key to achieving your desired look.

Hair styling pastes are ideal for men who want a product that offers flexibility, strong hold, and a natural-looking finish. However, not all pastes provide the same level of performance. That’s why Insider Goods has curated a list of the top 4 hair styling pastes to help you find the perfect fit for your grooming needs.

A+

OVERALL GRADE

Hanz de Fuko Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay

By Hanz de Fuko

A

OVERALL GRADE

STMNT Matte Clay Paste

By STMNT

B+

OVERALL GRADE

Hair Dough Styling Clay For Men

By Hair Dough

B

OVERALL GRADE

Alex Costa Hair Clay for Men

By Alex Costa

Many men seek effective hair styling products to create a look that lasts all day without weighing their hair down. However, finding the right hair styling paste can be a challenge. This is because many products do not offer the desired balance of hold, texture, and versatility needed for different hairstyles.

Hair styling pastes are known for their ability to provide a strong yet flexible hold, making them a popular choice for achieving a natural finish. Unfortunately, many products on the market today lack the quality and performance necessary for achieving salon-quality results at home.

It’s no wonder that hair styling pastes have become essential in many grooming routines. But not all pastes are created equal. That’s why Insider Goods has carefully assessed what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a hair styling paste, and we present the top 4 hair pastes you can trust.

6 Ways Hair Styling Pastes Can Perfect Your Style

Keeps your hairstyle in place throughout the day without stiffness.
Provides a matte or low-shine finish for a more natural look.
Enhances hair texture and volume for fuller-looking styles.
Allows for easy restyling throughout the day without losing hold.
A non-greasy formula that doesn’t weigh down hair or leave residue.
Effective on short, medium, or long hair, catering to different styles.

3 Things All Effective Hair Styling Pastes Must Have

High-Quality Ingredients

Look for products made with quality ingredients to ensure a healthy scalp and hair.

Flexible Hold

Ensure the paste provides a strong yet pliable hold that can adapt to different styles.

Matte or Low Shine Finish

Choose a paste that offers a matte or subtle shine finish for a natural look.

Hair Styling Paste: 3 Things to Avoid

Avoid pastes that are too heavy or greasy, which can weigh down hair and make it look oily.
Products with overpowering scents can be irritating or distracting.
Steer clear of products that are hard to remove, which can leave buildup in your hair.

Top 4 Hair Styling Pastes of 2024

A+

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Strong, flexible hold
  • Matte finish for a natural look
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formula
  • Adds texture and volume
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Made with organic ingredients

Cons

  • In high demand and may be on backorder/sold out

The Bottom Line

Our panel of grooming experts agrees that Hanz de Fuko Premium Men’s Hair Styling Clay is the top choice. This product offers a strong yet flexible hold with a matte finish, ideal for creating natural, textured styles. It’s formulated with high-quality organic ingredients and provides all the benefits of a premium hair styling paste without any greasy residue. Overall, Insider Goods was highly impressed with its performance, securing its position as the best hair styling paste on our list.

A

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Provides a strong, long-lasting hold
  • Matte finish with a natural look
  • Enriched with high-quality ingredients
  • Suitable for various hair types

Cons

  • Slightly higher price point
  • Limited availability in some regions

The Bottom Line

Coming in at the number two spot is STMNT Matte Clay Paste, known for its robust hold and natural matte finish. With high-quality ingredients and a versatile formula, it remains a top contender for those seeking an effective styling paste. While it has a slightly higher price point, its performance justifies the investment.

B+

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Medium to strong hold
  • Natural matte finish
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formula
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Smaller packaging size
  • Not ideal for very thick hair

The Bottom Line

Hair Dough Styling Clay For Men is a reliable option for those looking for a medium to strong hold with a natural matte finish. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it suitable for daily use, and it offers great value for money. Despite its smaller packaging and limited effectiveness on very thick hair, it remains a solid choice for a hair styling paste.

B

OVERALL GRADE

Pros

  • Strong hold with a matte finish
  • Infused with natural ingredients
  • Lightweight and easy to apply

Cons

  • Higher cost per ounce
  • Limited retail availability

The Bottom Line

Alex Costa Hair Clay for Men provides a strong hold with a matte finish, making it ideal for those who prefer a natural look. Infused with natural ingredients, it offers good performance but comes with a higher cost per ounce and limited availability. Despite these minor drawbacks, it is a good option for men seeking a high-quality hair styling paste.