Hair putty is often confused with hair paste because it has a similar consistency, but putty is softer with a similar hold – it does allow for some movement of your hair and you can use it to restyle during the day, if needed. Putty is ideal to get a casual look, such as a messy style because unlike pomade, it adds texture and some movement. The more putty you add, the more of a messy look you can create. You can also use putty to lock in slicked back styles and it’s good for a variety of hair lengths and type of hair.
Putty is a matte product that can pull off that textured and tousled look you might be going for and most are water soluble and offer a strong hold. For anyone who’s tried hair clay but ended up with dried out hair might benefit from the use of putty. The great thing about this product is that it provides awesome control with a conditioned look. Sometimes hair styling brands tend to use the words paste, putty and clay interchangeably, which can make it difficult to know what to get or what you’re getting at all. Double check all the properties of what you’re buying so at least you know what you’re getting your hair into.
The more commonly found ingredients in putty can range from pure chemical-based additives to the most natural organic components – the preferred being items found local to nature. Oils like castor and avocado, clay and wax, herbs such as sage, ylang ylang, patchouli, rosemary and others. Co-polymers, alcohols and other chemicals can be used in hair putty as well as the one constant ingredient, water.
To use it, squeeze a small amount on your fingertips and work it into place. You can apply before or after you dry your hair and it remains workable throughout the day and evening.