Hair mousse
A light, foam-based product mainly used to boost volume or define waves and curls. Applied to damp hair before drying, it helps hair hold volume without weighing it down, and its light texture makes it a common pick for styling wavy or permed hair without a stiff or heavy feel.
Hair wax
A solid or creamy product with some oil content, mainly used for defining curls or building texture. It is typically warmed slightly by rubbing between the palms before being worked into the hair, and it excels at creating natural-looking texture and separation, making it popular for short or layered styles. Shine and hold levels vary a lot between different wax products.
Hair gel
A clear, water-based product known for strong hold, commonly used for slicked-back or neatly combed styles, though it can feel stiff once it dries. It applies with a moist feel but sets firm as it dries, which makes it a go-to for high-hold looks like a slick-back or a neat, short cut. Applying it in smaller amounts can help if the stiffness bothers you.
Pomade
Shinier and oilier than wax, typically used for classic slicked-back or high-gloss looks, and generally available in oil-based and water-based versions. Oil-based pomade holds its shine and grip longer but can be more of a chore to wash out, while water-based pomade rinses out more easily while still delivering a similar styling effect, which is part of why it has become more popular in recent years.
Hairspray
A finishing product applied at the last step to lock a completed style in place, with hold and natural look depending heavily on spray distance and amount. It is meant to preserve the shape created by an earlier styling product, not to build style on its own. Spraying too much too close to the hair can cause clumping or leave a visible white residue, so light, layered passes from a reasonable distance give a more natural finish.
Hair clay
A clay-like product with a matte texture that is gaining popularity for adding both volume and texture without the shine of wax. Its near-total lack of shine makes it a common choice for a natural, undone-looking style, and its strong texturizing power also makes it well-suited to intentionally tousled or messy looks.
Choosing by hair type
Curly or wavy hair generally pairs well with mousse or cream-based products, straight hair looking for volume and texture often does better with wax or clay, and looks that need firm hold usually call for gel or hairspray. The same product can behave differently depending on your hair's thickness and curl pattern, so it helps to know your own hair type before deciding which styling product is the best fit.
What order to layer products in
The general rule is to apply a volume- or texture-building product, mousse or wax, first, then finish with hairspray once the style is fully shaped. Rather than mixing several products together at once, applying them one step at a time lets each one do its job fully: build the base shape and texture first, then lock it in with a finishing spray, and the style tends to hold up far better throughout the day.