How to Use Hair Paste for Men: Step-by-Step Guide

Hair paste is one of the easiest products to use. It gives texture and movement with a flexible hold, so you can style your hair and still restyle it later. This guide shows you how to use it, how much to take and which styles it suits.

What Does Hair Paste Do?

Hair paste is a styling product that gives medium hold, texture and separation, usually with a matte finish. Unlike gel or hard pomade, it doesn't set stiff. You can reshape your hair through the day. That makes it a good fit for natural, lived-in styles with volume and movement.

How to Use Hair Paste — Step by Step

1. Start with dry or towel-dried hair. This lets you see how the style is shaping up. If your hair is wet, dry it most of the way first.

2. Take a small amount. A dime-sized scoop is enough for most hair. Add more only if you need it.

3. Warm it in your palms. Rub your hands together until the paste spreads evenly across your fingers and palms.

4. Work it through the hair. Focus on the roots for volume and the ends for shape. Start at the back, then the top, and finish at the front.

5. Shape it. Use your fingers for a tousled, textured look, or a comb for something more refined.

6. Restyle if needed. Paste stays workable, so a quick run of your fingers is usually enough to refresh your style.

How Much Paste Should You Use?

  • Short hair: A pea-sized amount.
  • Medium hair: A dime-sized amount.
  • Longer or thicker hair: A nickel-sized amount, applied in two rounds.

Common Mistakes

  • Using too much. This can make hair look heavy. Start small.
  • Skipping the warm-up. Cold paste goes on in clumps.
  • Applying to wet hair. It won't spread or hold as well.
  • Only styling the front. Work product through the whole head for an even look.
  • Not washing it out. Shampoo at the end of the day to avoid buildup.

Which Hairstyles Work Best With Paste?

Paste suits casual, textured styles: messy crops, tousled tops, textured quiffs, loose side parts and natural-looking volume. If you need stronger hold or a sharper shape, a hair clay or pomade may suit you better. See our clay vs pomade vs paste guide.

How to Wash Paste Out

Shampoo as usual, working it through with your fingertips, then rinse well. If product builds up over a few days, a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week can help.

Ready to try it? Jones Horizon Architect Styling Paste gives medium-to-strong, reworkable hold with a matte finish and no shine. Free shipping over $40 CAD.

FAQ

Do you use hair paste on wet or dry hair? Dry or towel-dried hair works best.

How much hair paste should I use? Start with a dime-sized amount and add more only if needed.

Is hair paste good for fine hair? It can be. Use a small amount and focus on the roots and top for texture and volume.

Does hair paste have shine? A matte paste has no shine.

Can I restyle paste during the day? Yes. Paste stays workable, so you can reshape with your fingers.

What is the difference between paste and clay? Paste is more flexible and lighter. Clay gives firmer, thicker hold. Our comparison guide explains more.