How to Use Hair Paste

Co-authored by Kelsey Morey and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 11, 2022 References

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

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]
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- For example, prep your hair with a small amount of paste before going on a date, or attending a professional meeting.
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]
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- This style works best with hair that’s chin-length or shorter (e.g., bob, pixie cut).
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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]
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- 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
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]
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- 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
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 (1.3 cm) wide. If you’d prefer a subtler style, try creating smaller, thinner strands, instead.^{[5]
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- While you can create a similar look with hair gel, hair paste allows your hair to look more matte and less shiny.
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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]
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- The less product you use, the quicker your hair will dry.
- Add in any extra product to your hair before the paste dries completely.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Holding Wet Hair in Place

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]
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- Don’t blow dry your hair—instead, pat down your hair until it has a damp sheen to it.
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]
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- Pretend like you’re rubbing your hands together after being outside in the cold.^{[9]
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- 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]
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Expert Source

Kelsey Morey
Professional Hair and Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 11 January 2022.}
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]
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- 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
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]
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- 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
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]
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- 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.