Best suited to short and medium-short cuts, on men or women, where a matte, piecey or tousled finish is the goal. It works for anyone comfortable warming a small amount of paste between the hands; no special technique is needed.

People after a high-shine, wet look or a rigid, all-day lock will find other products a better match.

Pick this paste when you want shape and texture without shine. The matte, flexible hold lets you push hair into place, break it up for a messier look, or slick it back, and rework it later instead of starting over. That makes it a practical everyday product for short styles that need definition but should still look and feel like hair.

Warm a small amount between your palms and work it into wet or dry hair. Style with your fingers or a comb for a touchable, natural finish. Add more only if needed.

• Pro: matte finish with reworkable hold, so styles can be reshaped through the day.
• Pro: can be applied to wet or dry hair.
• Pro: compact 100 ml tube.
• Con: made mainly for shorter hair; on long hair a paste tends to weigh lengths down.
• Con: not the product for a glossy or wet-look finish.
• Con: no full ingredient list published online.