Hair Gel, Waxes, and Pomades
When it comes to styling, finding the right product is crucial for setting your hair type without leaving residue or creating that "sticky" effect, which can be really annoying. We've selected for you the best hair gels, as well as perfect waxes and pomades to set any type of hairstyle, without compromising on using only high-quality ingredients that nourish and restructure your hair without drying it out. Don't miss out on brands like Aesop, Maria Nila, Alterna, and many more!
Practical Guide: How to Style Your Hair with Gel
Whether for a fancy evening, a romantic date, or simply to add some flair to your look, a gel hairstyle can make a difference, helping you make an impression at first glance. But how do you do it without making any mistakes? Don't worry: just follow these 4 steps and you'll glide through it like a pro, courtesy of 50 ml!
- Decide on the Hairstyle. First, figure out the type of hairstyle you want and gather all the necessary accessories: a large mirror, a brush, a comb, hair clips, etc. Having a clear vision of the hairstyle you want and having all your tools at hand will make the process much smoother and less stressful!
- Choose the Gel. Now that you know what hairstyle you're going for and what tools you need, it's time to pick the right gel for your hair type (curly, dry, oily?) and the finish you want (wet look, defined, or softer?). Read the label carefully to find the perfect gel for long-lasting or moderate hold, or ones specifically designed for curly, wavy, or straight hair. Here's a tip: Lightweight gels are perfect for a messy and playful look; Medium-hold gels give a slightly glossy finish with a slightly stiffer feel; and Thick gels are great for “Side Part” or “Slick-Back” styles, offering maximum hold, which is why they are often used in professional settings.
- Wash Your Hair. While you can apply gel to freshly washed hair, it's always better to style it after a shower. Apply gel to clean hair—it's more hygienic, more effective, and the product won’t leave clumps or unwanted buildup. On greasy or dirty hair, the gel may not hold as well!
- Apply Properly. It's application time! Now, the million-dollar question: "How do you put gel in your hair?" Start by using a small amount proportional to the length and thickness of your hair (don’t overdo it!), and rub it between your hands to warm it up, making the gel easier to apply. Distribute it evenly across your hair as if you were applying shampoo, then style the strands according to the look you want. Use a comb if necessary to complete the styling. Applying hair gel correctly will ensure maximum performance, giving you long-lasting style while using less product, avoiding waste.
What is Hair Wax and How to Use It
If in the ‘90s and early 2000s, gel ruled with defined pixie cuts and wet looks, hair wax has made a strong comeback in recent years. Wax is a dense and thick product with great hold and a natural finish. Particularly popular in stick form, wax is perfect for taming or hiding baby hairs for a sleek and polished look. Unlike water-based products like gel and mousse, hair wax doesn’t dry out, making it ideal for reapplication throughout the day. However, this also makes it hard to remove: the only way is with a deep-cleaning shampoo! So, in short, here's the difference between gel and wax: gel is for highly defined, structured, edgy, and bold hairstyles, while wax is used for more natural and soft looks. Now let's go over the 5 easy steps to apply wax:
- Take a small amount. Don't overdo it—it's better to apply wax in thin layers, little by little.
- Warm it up between your palms. Melt the product with the heat of your hands to make the application easier.
- Distribute the product. Apply a thin layer over the top of your hair. In this first phase, DO NOT run your hands through your hair.
- Style. Now run your hands through your hair and style as desired.
- Refine. Take a little more product to tame any flyaways or rebellious strands.
- Wax Stick Guide. This type of wax is designed for targeted action on specific areas of the hair, especially the hairline where baby hairs are. Identify the area you want to work on, then apply the wax by running the stick directly over the hair or scalp and use your fingers to finish the look. You can also rub the stick on your fingers first, but you’ll lose the convenience of the stick format!
What is Hair Pomade and How to Use It?
Pomade is a soft hair product similar to gel or wax that usually offers hold and shine. It’s best applied to slightly damp hair that's long enough to be combed. Some of you might also know it as grease... yes, just like the musical! In fact, the characters apply pomade and comb their hair with flair during the dance scenes. Here are the steps for applying pomade to your hair, just like Danny Zuko would:
- Wash and dry your hair until it's slightly damp. Pomade works best on slightly dried hair because it's activated by water, unlike dry-application products like waxes.
- Emulsify a small amount between your hands. Use a small amount depending on the length and thickness of your hair. The best advice we can give is this: if your hair is long enough to comb, start with an amount the size of a fingernail. Warm the product on your fingertips. Once it's evenly distributed, you can proceed with the application.
- Focus on the roots first. The roots are where you gain control over your hairstyle, giving it shape and direction. That’s why it’s important to warm the product on your fingertips instead of your palms so you can reach the base of your hair and massage the product into the roots.
- Comb your hair. Now distribute the product throughout your hair. Most will remain at the base of the hair shaft, but with the help of a comb, you’ll spread the excess along the strands, ensuring that shine and hold are uniform.
- Final step: air-dry or blow-dry your hair if you want a fuller effect.
What Can You Use Instead of Hair Gel?
To close this page on gel, here’s a section for those who prefer to create defined hairstyles without gel, wax, or pomade, because they just can't stand the "sticky" feeling these products can sometimes leave. Here are a few tips:
- Try mousse/foam, perfect for defining curls and natural waves. Apply the product to wet hair and let it air dry for a more natural effect, weather permitting, or use a diffuser or a wide-nozzle hair dryer.
- Try hairspray and setting sprays, ideal for holding wavy hairstyles on straight hair, adding volume, and keeping ponytails neat. Spray while keeping your eyes protected.
- Opt for products with natural ingredients that nourish your hair for a gentler effect, while ensuring healthy hair!
50 ml Recommends: The Best Hair Gels, Pomades, and Waxes
- Aesop Sculpt Hair Polish: If you have fine, flat hair and you want a hairstyle that’s both defined and voluminous, this gel is for you! It sculpts and shapes your hair, adding volume and shine even to the flattest and dullest of locks. And the perfect finishing touch? The delightful scent it leaves on your hair! It’s a hair gel that shapes and sculpts all hair types while adding volume to fine or flat hair. It adds shine and a delicate fragrance.
- Maria Nila Styling Clay: Forget the greasy/sticky effect of regular waxes, the Styling Clay is different! Thanks to olive oil and plant-based proteins in its formula, your hair will be tamed while also nourished and shiny!
- Barber Mind Ink Hair Pomade: Sooner or later, gray hair comes to us all. But who says that’s a bad thing? Ink is a hair wax designed for those whose hair has turned gray or white with age, creating a gradual and natural shadow effect.
- Alterna Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Smoothing Gelee: Got dry, damaged hair from dyes and harsh treatments? The Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Smoothing Gel is for you! It nourishes your hair with a hydration boost, fights frizz, and gives an incredible shine. You too can create defined hairstyles without worrying about the health of your hair!
- OUAI Matte Pomade: Matte texture and volume with OUAI’s Matte Pomade, an easy-to-use wax suitable for all hair lengths. Give it a try!
Hair Gel, Pomades, and Waxes: Customer Reviews from 50 ml
- Barber Mind Flash Super Gel. Luca, 32 years old: "I use this gel every day, and I have to say it’s fantastic! I’ve never found a gel that gives this much volume without leaving my hair sticky or full of residue. It’s perfect for my fine hair, and it keeps my style in place all day without drying it out."
- Noberu Tobacco Vanilla Shine Pomade. Marco, 27 years old: "This has become my go-to product. The hold is amazing, and the shiny finish gives my old-school look a classic touch. And that tobacco and vanilla scent... simply irresistible! It lasts all day, and my hair stays perfect."
- Alterna Grit Paste. Francesca, 35 years old: "I’ve tried many styling pastes, but Alterna Grit Paste is my favorite. I love it because it keeps my wavy hair defined without making it too stiff. It has a medium hold that I can easily reshape throughout the day and leaves a very natural shine."
- Maria Nila Gneiss Moulding Paste. Giulia, 29 years old: "Maria Nila’s Gneiss Moulding Paste is truly unique! It gives me the volume I want without weighing my hair down. I love that it contains Shea Butter and Olive Oil because it not only shapes my hair well but also leaves it soft and hydrated. The woody scent is a perfect bonus!"
- Maria Nila Gabbro Fixating Wax. Davide, 30 years old: "I use Gabbro Fixating Wax for my short hair, and it’s incredible. I like it because it gives a strong, matte hold without the shiny effect. It’s perfect for a defined style, and the fresh wood and citrus scent is a real treat. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a powerful, non-greasy wax."
50 ml has selected the best hair gels, pomades, and waxes for you to ensure a perfect hold for your hairstyle without damaging your hair! Check out our selection of Shampoos, Hair Treatments and many other products for Hair Care, by prestigious perfumery brands like Olaplex, Ortigia, Aesop. But that's not all: at 50 ml, you’ll also find products dedicated to Face Care, Body Care, and a wide range of Korean Skincare! If fragrances are your passion, don’t miss our selection of Niche Perfumes, perfect for those who love uniqueness. Looking for a special gift? Choose the 50 ml Gift Card: you choose the amount, and the recipient can select from our exclusive offerings. Sign up for our Newsletter to get exclusive benefits. See you soon!
AlternaReplenishing Moisture Leave-In Smoothing Geleenourishing gel for dry, dyed and bleached hair$50.96
OuaiMatte Pomadevolume and styling gel for all hair typesSpecial Price $16.80 Regular Price $33.60
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