Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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1Applying to Dry Hair for Subtle Texture

2Holding Wet Hair in Place

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Co-authored byKelsey Moreyand Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 13, 2023References

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Hair paste is a useful product that styles your hair with a more natural finish, without having the glossy after tones of gel. When it comes to this styling tool, a little product goes a long way. Before breaking out the paste, decide when you want to incorporate this product into your daily routine. When applied to dry hair, paste can give your hair a subtle, matte look. If you add some hair paste into your wet locks, you can give yourself slightly shiny hair with a firm, medium hold. Play around with different styles until you find the best way to add hair paste to your own style!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying to Dry Hair for Subtle Texture

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  1. 1

    Hold longer hair in place with hair paste. Run some paste through your roots with your fingers, working through the bulk of your hair. Don’t overdo the product; instead, massage in enough paste to give your hair a relaxed, gentle hold.[1]

    • For example, prep your hair with a small amount of paste before going on a date, or attending a professional meeting.
  2. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (5)

    2

    Run your fingers through short hair to add depth and texture. Grasp a handful of short hair and drag your fingers from the roots to the ends of your hair. Continue grasping and releasing your hair in this manner, bending and straightening your fingers as you go. Try to imitate a bunching motion as you add the product into your hair.[2]

    • This style works best with hair that’s chin-length or shorter (e.g., bob, pixie cut).

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  3. 3

    Rub a cherry-sized amount of product into your palms. Using your finger, swipe a small dollop from the container of hair paste and place it onto the base of your palm. Rub your palms together in slow, steady circles as you work the product onto your fingers and thumbs.[3]

    • The goal is to warm up the paste so it styles your hair more effectively.

    Tip: If you have medium-length or longer hair, you might need to use a grape-sized amount of product.

  4. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (7)

    4

    Knead the paste into the ends of medium-length hair for a subtle tousle. Use your paste-coated fingers to create defined tendrils of hair. You can make these sections of hair as thick or thin as you’d like—it all depends on the style that you’re going for! Work in quick, efficient motions as you continue styling your hair.[4]

    • This style works especially well for people with short hairstyles, like bobs.
    • There’s no set order or direction that you need to keep in mind when applying this product. You can work from left to right, or from front to back. Do whatever is most comfortable for you!
  5. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (8)

    5

    Pinch short tendrils of short hair if you want to give off an edgier vibe. Start at the root, gripping a section of hair between your forefinger and thumb. Drag both fingers downward, creating a defined, thick section of hair. If you’re going for a bolder style, try to create tendrils that are around 0.5 inches (1.3cm) wide. If you’d prefer a subtler style, try creating smaller, thinner strands, instead.[5]

    • While you can create a similar look with hair gel, hair paste allows your hair to look more matte and less shiny.
  6. 6

    Wait 3-5 minutes for the paste to dry completely. Let the product cool and harden throughout your hair. Tap the edges of your hair to see if it feels dry to the touch, or if you can still feel the paste.[6]

    • The less product you use, the quicker your hair will dry.
    • Add in any extra product to your hair before the paste dries completely.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Holding Wet Hair in Place

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  1. 1

    Towel dry your hair so it’s not dripping wet. When going for a more lasting hold, apply hair paste when your hair is wet, but not sopping. After taking a shower or rinsing your hair, pat your locks dry with a clean towel. If you apply product to dripping hair, you won’t see any lasting results.[7]

    • Don’t blow dry your hair—instead, pat down your hair until it has a damp sheen to it.
  2. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (12)

    2

    Add a nickel-sized amount of paste to your palms and rub them together. Use a finger or a cotton swab to transfer a small amount of paste from the jar to your palms. Use quick, circular motions to warm the product up, smearing it onto the base and tips of your fingers. Do this for at least 3-5 seconds, or until the paste is spread evenly over your hands.[8]

    • Pretend like you’re rubbing your hands together after being outside in the cold.[9]
    • If you warm up the product ahead of time, as it will work more efficiently in your hair.

    Did you know? When applied to wet hair, hair paste is most effective when used with shorter hairstyles.[10]

  3. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (13)

    3

    Massage the paste into your short hair for a casual, tousled look. Comb your fingers through your short hair, working the product around your scalp. Bunch and release your fingers as you work through your hair to spread the product evenly. Continue rubbing paste all around your head.[11]

    • While you don’t have to apply the product from left to right, try massaging it into your hair from top to bottom.
    • For example, knead some paste into your short hair when you’re preparing for a casual date, or a fun night out with friends.
  4. Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (14)

    4

    Knead the product into short, wavy hair to smooth out frizz. Take the scruffiness out your waves by massaging a small amount of product throughout your hair. For a stronger hold, focus specifically on the wavy portions of your hair. Continue rubbing in small amounts of paste until you start seeing a noticeable difference.[12]

    • Adding paste to damp hair helps you to create a more textured look.
    • This works best with hair that’s on the shorter side.
    • For instance, get ready for a day at the office by smoothing out your waves and bed head with a small amount of hair paste.
  5. 5

    Blow dry the product to solidify the paste into place. Complete your look by turning on your blow dryer to the normal setting that you use. Dry off all portions of your hair, including the sections with hair paste. Continue swiveling the dryer from left to right until both your hair and the hair paste are dry.[13]

    • You can also let the product dry naturally. Let your hair air-dry for several minutes until it’s no longer damp to the touch.
    • If you need to add in extra paste, be sure to rub it into your hair before the initial product dries completely.
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      • If hair paste doesn’t work for you, try experimenting with pomades and creams instead![14]

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      • If you’re looking to style your beard or other facial hair, consider looking into beard oil or balm.[15]

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      About This Article

      Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (26)

      Co-authored by:

      Kelsey Morey

      Professional Hair and Makeup Artist

      This article was co-authored by Kelsey Morey and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons. This article has been viewed 37,153 times.

      7 votes - 57%

      Co-authors: 9

      Updated: October 13, 2023

      Views:37,153

      Categories: Hair Care

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,153 times.

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      Easy Ways to Use Hair Paste: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      Can you put hair paste on wet hair? ›

      Before applying paste, give your hair a good wash - you don't want today's product competing with yesterday's grime. Once washed, towel dry or blow dry your hair. Paste can be added to both wet and dry hair so don't worry if you don't have time to completely dry your hair.

      What does paste do to your hair? ›

      Styling paste is the ideal product to prep your hair before braiding or upstyling. It helps your hair to stay where you want it and hold a shape with fewer pins. You can also use styling paste on loose hair to create separated texture, smooth flyaways and tame unruly ends.

      Does hair paste work better on wet or dry hair? ›

      Work evenly through damp or dry hair (For a more flexible style, work through wet hair). Finger-style to create desired definition.

      Is it OK to sleep with hair paste? ›

      Is it OK to sleep with hair products on? Having some product in while you sleep is harmless, unless you have scalp issues. Sometimes though, there can be too much product in your hair or it can be in your hair for too long. The product can clog your pores on your scalp.

      Is hair paste good for thin hair? ›

      Hair pastes are ideal for all hair lengths, types and styles…from short to long, fine to thick, messy to combed. And they are water-based, so washing them out is super easy. You really can't go wrong with choosing a product in the hair paste family!

      Do you have to wash hair paste out? ›

      Wash Your Hair to Remove All Styling Products. Even the most stubborn hairstyling products need to be removed daily. If you're using a hard-type wax, oil pomade, or a lot of hair spray that's hard to wash out, be sure to thoroughly practice the following tips.

      Should you use hair paste everyday? ›

      If you're using pomade daily, this shouldn't be an issue. If you decide that you want to use pomade every day, you need to ensure that you are taking care of your hair correctly. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup of products in your hair.

      How long does hair paste last? ›

      Depends on how often you use it. With everyday use it should last approximately two months.

      Does hair paste thicken hair? ›

      Yes, hair-thickening products actually work, though some are temporary while others work to thicken your hair over time. For example: Temporary thickening products use follicle-coating ingredients that make the hair look thicker until you shower.

      What's better pomade or paste? ›

      Choosing the Right Product

      Clay pomade may be the better choice if you have fine or thin hair and want a more natural, textured look. The matte paste may be the better choice if you have thicker, coarser hair and want a more polished, defined look.

      How to make your hair look like a pixie cut without cutting it? ›

      Believe it or not, a faux pixie is just as easy to fake as a faux bob. "Part your hair deeply to one side and sweep the longer side across your forehead, tucking it behind your ear," says Izquierdo. Then, "pin the shorter side of your hair securely behind your ear, creating an asymmetrical pixie look."

      Do you have to wash out hair paste? ›

      Hair pastes are ideal for all hair lengths, types and styles…from short to long, fine to thick, messy to combed. And they are water-based, so washing them out is super easy.

      Do you need to wash out hair paste? ›

      Wash Your Hair to Remove All Styling Products. Even the most stubborn hairstyling products need to be removed daily.

      Should you shampoo after using paste? ›

      Using products like paste and volumizing texture powder can create buildup in your hair over time. If you feel that your hair becomes weighed down or greasy from these products, it may be necessary to shampoo more frequently to remove the buildup and maintain the cleanliness and health of your scalp.

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