Flexible Paste vs Styling Pomade: Which Hold to Choose
By R+Co | The Culture of Hairdressing | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare R+Co CONTROL Flexible Paste and ELASTIC STYLING POMADE to find the right hold, finish, and texture for your hair type and styling goals.
Quick answer
Choose CONTROL Flexible Paste for strong, buildable hold with a semi-matte finish and natural feel; choose ELASTIC STYLING POMADE for pliable, light hold that adds piecey texture and allows hair to move freely.
Hold strength and finish
The main difference between these two products is the level of hold and the finish they leave. CONTROL Flexible Paste offers strong, buildable hold that locks styles in place while still feeling natural. ELASTIC STYLING POMADE provides a lighter, pliable hold that lets hair move, making it better for those who want texture without stiffness.
Best hair lengths and styles
CONTROL Flexible Paste works well on short to medium hair where you want defined shape and control. ELASTIC STYLING POMADE, with its unique whipped texture, adds piecey-ness and structure to short cuts while giving effortless-chic separation to longer hair. If you have longer layers or want a more relaxed look, the pomade is the better fit.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Control vs movement: CONTROL Flexible Paste gives you strong, buildable hold for structured styles. ELASTIC STYLING POMADE delivers light, pliable hold that lets hair move naturally.
- Finish: matte vs natural: CONTROL Flexible Paste has a semi-matte finish that reduces shine without looking flat. ELASTIC STYLING POMADE has a clean, natural finish that works well for casual texture.
- Best hair length: CONTROL Flexible Paste suits short to medium hair needing defined shape. ELASTIC STYLING POMADE works on both short and longer hair, adding piecey separation without weighing down.
Product facts at a glance
- CONTROL Flexible Paste: CONTROL Flexible Paste offers strong, buildable hold with a semi-matte finish and a natural feel. You can layer the product for extra hold without worrying about a stiff or greasy look, making it ideal for all-day styles that need to stay put.
CONTROL Flexible Paste - ELASTIC STYLING POMADE: ELASTIC STYLING POMADE has a unique whipped texture that adds piecey-ness, structure and guts to short styles and separation to longer hair. The light, clean hold means your hair stays touchable and movable, perfect for undone looks that still have intentional texture.
ELASTIC STYLING POMADE
Which one fits you?
Best for
- You want strong, buildable hold with a semi-matte finish for short to medium styles.
- You prefer a light, pliable hold that adds texture and allows hair to move freely.
Not for
- If you need a wet-look or high-shine finish, neither product is designed for that.
- If you want a heavy, stiff hold that won't budge, the pomade's light hold may not be enough.
