Give short hair the finish you want.
Choose the sheen, then start with less product.

Matte, satin or glossy

Matte means little added shine. Satin usually describes a soft sheen, while glossy or high-shine products aim for a more polished, wet-looking finish. Choose the look you enjoy and judge it once your hair is dry, in ordinary daylight.

Choose how firmly the style should hold

Read the hold description separately from shine. For hair you can reshape with your fingers, look for flexible or pliable hold. For a firmer shape, compare stronger-hold products. Check whether the styler goes on damp or dry hair before starting.

1. Take a small amount

• This example uses paste on dry short hair. First check that your paste works on dry hair.
• Lift a small dab with one fingertip, using the product’s suggested starting amount. Set the jar and its lid on the counter before rubbing your hands.

2. Spread it over your hands

• Rub your palms and fingertips together until the paste forms a thin film. Break up any visible lump before it reaches your hair.
• A small section needs only a light coating on your fingers. You can add a little more after checking the first pass.

3. Work through one area

• Use coated fingertips to work through a small area you want to shape, from near the roots toward the tips. Avoid rubbing the paste onto your scalp.
• Use what remains on your fingers for the next area. Keep curls in their existing groups if you want to preserve that shape.

4. Place the pieces and stop

• Use two fingertips to lift or turn individual short pieces. For a smoother outline, gently guide them in the same direction.
• Lower your hands and check the shape before adding more. Stop when the hair sits how you want it, then close the jar and wash your hands.
• See the complete short-hair paste method for setup and adjustments.

If the finish feels sticky or heavy

• Stop adding styler. Powder or more gloss can leave another layer on hair that already feels coated.
• When you are ready to reset, shampoo the scalp and gently work the lather through the coated short sections. Rinse thoroughly.
• Next time, start with less. If a smaller amount still feels too heavy, try a different formula with the finish and hold you want.

Buy for the finish and hold

Paste, cream and pomade names cover different finishes. Look for low shine if you want a matte effect, or shine if you want gloss, then choose the hold. One styler may do both jobs without an extra finishing layer.

Browse styling products.

Use a shampoo that removes your styler

Start with your usual shampoo. If a waxy product needs a particular removal method, check that before buying it. Pick a styler you can wash out comfortably instead of making every wash more work.

Browse cleansing products. Your current shampoo, wash schedule and past treatments help guide a personal recommendation.

Powder can add grip to dry hair

Powder is an optional alternative for grip on clean, dry hair. Use the linked hand method only if the label says to rub the powder through your hands. Keep dust from your face; avoid layering it over sticky paste.