Two products. Two completely different results.
Walk into any barbershop and you'll find both pomade and styling paste on the shelf. They're both used to style hair, but they produce completely different looks — and using the wrong one for your hair type or style can leave you frustrated before you've even left the house.
Here's exactly how to tell them apart and which one you should be reaching for.
What is Styling Pomade?
Pomade is an oil-based or water-based formula that delivers strong hold with a high-shine finish. It's the product behind the classic slick back, the side part, and the vintage barbershop look.
The Aces Styling Pomade is built for exactly this — a deep translucent red-amber formula that melts between your palms and stays workable all day. You can restyle anytime without reapplying. It's the kind of product your barber actually uses.
Best for: Slick backs, side parts, pompadours, classic styles, medium to thick hair.
What is Styling Paste?
Paste is typically wax-based and delivers medium-to-strong hold with a matte or natural finish. It's the modern man's everyday product — versatile, buildable, and looks effortless rather than styled.
The Aces Styling Paste gives you that clean, undone texture that works for messy crops, textured quiffs, and everything in between. It's off-white, matte, and applies easily to dry or slightly damp hair.
Best for: Textured looks, crops, quiffs, casual styles, fine to medium hair.
The Key Differences at a Glance
- Finish: Pomade = high shine. Paste = matte to natural.
- Hold: Both offer strong hold, but pomade tends to be more structured.
- Workability: Pomade stays workable longer. Paste sets firmer.
- Application: Pomade is best on dry hair. Paste works on dry or damp.
- Look: Pomade = polished and intentional. Paste = textured and effortless.
Which One Should You Use?
If you want a clean, sharp, high-shine look — go pomade. If you want something more natural, textured, and low-key — go paste.
And if you can't decide? Most guys in the know keep both. Pomade for going out, paste for the day-to-day.
Play your best hand. The right product makes all the difference.
100% vegan · Sulphate free · Barber developed · Built for men