Hair Paste & Putty NZ | Matte Texture & Hold | Zilion NZ
Hair Paste and Putty in New Zealand
Paste and putty are the workhorses of short and mid-length styling. They give more grip than a cream, more movement than a gel, and most of them leave a natural or matte finish that looks like good hair rather than product. A pea-sized amount can push a crop forward, rough up a textured fringe, separate a messy quiff or give a bob some piece-y definition.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from barbershop names such as Fatboy, L3VEL3, The Bluebeards Revenge, Dapper Dan and Hanz De Fuko to salon brands including Redken, Wella Professionals, Schwarzkopf Professional, Nak Hair, Milk Shake, REF Stockholm Sweden and De Lorenzo. There are more than 60 pastes and putties to choose from, plus money-saving twin packs.
About Hair Paste and Putty
Pastes are usually soft, spreadable stylers made with waxes, oils and polymers. They range from light, pliable formulas such as Redken Pliable Styling Paste to firm, gritty ones like Muk Hair Filthy Styling Paste. Putties tend to be a little denser and drier, which gives them more texture and a more matte look. Fatboy Perfect Putty, our best seller in this collection, is the classic example.
The two main choices are hold and finish. Hold runs from medium, which moves with you and can be reworked, to strong, which keeps a shape all day. Finish runs from ultra-matte, as in O&M Matte Texture Paste, through natural and low shine to a medium shine like Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste. Many pastes are water-based and wash out easily, while wax-rich formulas can need a second shampoo.
Paste and Putty by Finish and Hold
Matte, strong hold. For textured crops, quiffs and messy styles that need to last: Wella Professionals EIMI Rugged Texture, Nak Hair Tough'N Up, Echosline Look Fixing Matt Paste, O&M Matte Texture Paste, Hi Lift Shaper Matte Paste, Eleven Australia Strong Hold Styling Paste and L3VEL3 Hair Styling Paste Matte.
Matte, medium hold. Natural movement that can be restyled: The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste, Dapper Dan Matt Paste, Nak Hair In Shape, Schwarzkopf Osis+ Mess Up, Session Label The Paste Matte, De Lorenzo Elements Sandstorm and Eleven Australia Matte Texture Styling Paste.
Putties. Dry, gritty texture with a lived-in look: Fatboy Perfect Putty and Perfect Honey Putty, L3VEL3 Matte Putty, Session Label The Mud Moldable Putty and DunGud Fashion Police Strong Putty. Fatboy Spray Putty puts the same idea into a spray.
Pliable and natural. Softer control for longer hair and women's cuts: Redken Pliable Styling Paste, Davines More Inside Medium Hold Pliable Paste, Milk Shake Lifestyling Freehand Paste, Lust Modelling Paste and Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up.
Fibre and sculpting pastes. Stretchy, fibrous textures that hold separation: Osmo Fibre Paste, L'Oreal Professionnel Tecni.Art Web Sculpting Paste, Paul Mitchell ESP Elastic Shaping Paste and Natural Look StyleArt Fibre Cream.
Paste with shine. For a polished finish with flexible grip: Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste, Davroe Defining Strong Hold Paste, Milk Shake Fixing Paste and Affinage Professional Flexi Styling Paste. For more shine, see Hair Pomade.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most pastes and putties at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- L3VEL3
- The Bluebeards Revenge
- Redken
- Fatboy
- De Lorenzo
- Schwarzkopf Professional
- Wella Professionals
- Dapper Dan
- Nak Hair
- Milk Shake
- Pure Organic
- REF Stockholm Sweden
Top 10 Hair Pastes and Putties
- Fatboy Perfect Putty 75g: the original matte texture putty and our best seller in this collection this year.
- Wella Professionals EIMI Rugged Texture 75ml: a matte paste with strong hold for rugged, tousled styles.
- L3VEL3 Matte Putty 150g: a creamy putty with medium, flexible hold and a clean matte finish, in a value 150g tub.
- The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste 100ml: medium hold and a natural matte finish for everyday barbershop styles.
- Redken Pliable Styling Paste 150ml: a medium-hold paste for any length that Redken says shapes without stiffness, flaking or build-up.
- Nak Hair Tough'N Up 90g: a texture-building putty with strong hold and a matte finish.
- Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Mess Up 100ml: a remouldable matte paste with medium hold and a dry, non-greasy texture.
- Osmo Fibre Paste 100ml: a pliable fibre paste for texture and definition that still moves.
- Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste: high hold with a medium shine, reworkable with a little water.
- Fatboy Spray Putty 100g: a liquid take on Fatboy's putty for matte texture with an easy spray-on application.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Fatboy Perfect Putty 75g ($32.40)
- Wella Professionals EIMI Rugged Texture 75ml ($27.50)
- Fatboy Spray Putty 100g ($36.00)
- The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay 100ml ($37.95)
- Natural Look StyleArt Fibre Cream 100g ($29.61)
- De Lorenzo Elements Sandstorm 100g ($28.00)
- DunGud Fashion Police Strong Putty 100ml ($40.46)
- Affinage Professional Flexi Styling Paste 100g ($36.00)
- Redken Pliable Styling Paste 150ml ($43.20)
- Redken Texture Paste 75g ($43.20)
Benefits of Hair Paste and Putty
- Natural-looking texture. Matte and low-shine finishes look like healthy, styled hair instead of product.
- Reworkable through the day. Most pastes can be reshaped with your fingers, and some, like Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste, reactivate with water.
- Grip for short hair. Paste and putty give short cuts the separation and structure that creams cannot.
- Adds fullness. Texture-building putties make fine or flat hair look thicker.
- Versatile. The same tub can give a smart side part for work or a messy finish for the weekend.
- Easy to wash out. Water-based pastes such as L3VEL3 Hair Styling Paste Matte rinse out without residue.
How to Choose a Hair Paste or Putty
Pick your finish first. Matte suits textured, modern cuts. Natural or low shine suits everyday styles. A little shine suits smarter, more polished looks.
Match the hold to your hair. Fine or soft hair usually only needs medium hold, as strong pastes can weigh it down. Thick, coarse or long-on-top hair often needs strong hold or a putty to keep its shape.
Think about length. Very short hair takes firm pastes and putties well. Longer hair, including bobs and lobs, looks better with a pliable paste such as Redken Pliable or Davines More Inside.
Consider texture. If you want extra grip or volume, putty is the better choice. If you want neat definition, choose a paste. If you are between the two, a Clay is worth a look, and softer looks sit in Styling Cream.
Size and value. Try a 65 to 75ml tub first, then move to 100 to 150g sizes or a twin pack once you know what you like.
How to Use Hair Paste and Putty
Start with dry or towel-dried hair, depending on the product. Scoop a pea-sized amount, rub it between your palms until it warms and spreads evenly, and work it through from the back of the head to the front so the front does not get overloaded. Use your fingertips to lift the roots and twist or pinch the ends for separation. For more volume, blow-dry first and apply to dry hair. Add a little more only if you need it, as too much paste makes hair heavy.
Why Shop Hair Paste and Putty at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Every paste and putty we sell is genuine stock from brands we are authorised to supply.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Twin packs. Save on L3VEL3, The Bluebeards Revenge, Dapper Dan, Redken Brews, Hanz De Fuko and American Crew in Men's Twin Packs.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type, length and the look you want, and we will suggest a paste.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver hair paste and putty right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Hair Paste & Putty FAQs
What is hair paste?
Hair paste is a soft styling product made with waxes, oils and polymers that gives flexible hold and texture, usually with a natural or matte finish.
What is hair putty?
Putty is a denser, drier styling product that gives more grip and texture than most pastes, typically with a matte, lived-in finish.
What is the difference between paste and putty?
Paste is usually smoother and easier to spread, good for definition. Putty is firmer and grittier, good for texture and volume.
What is the difference between paste and clay?
Clay contains mineral clays that absorb oil, so it gives a drier, more matte finish and extra volume. Paste is softer and more pliable.
What is the difference between paste and pomade?
Pomade usually gives more shine and is used for slick, polished styles. Paste gives a more natural or matte look with texture.
What is the difference between paste and wax?
Wax is often stiffer and can have more shine, giving firm, sculpted hold. Paste is softer and easier to rework.
Which paste gives the most matte finish?
O&M Matte Texture Paste is described as ultra-matte. Wella EIMI Rugged Texture, Echosline Look Fixing Matt Paste and The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste are also very matte.
Which paste has the strongest hold?
Look at Wella EIMI Rugged Texture, Nak Hair Tough'N Up, Echosline Look Fixing Matt Paste, Eleven Australia Strong Hold, Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste and DunGud Fashion Police Strong Putty.
What is Fatboy Perfect Putty?
It is Fatboy's original texture putty for a matte, piece-y finish, and our best-selling product in this collection this year.
What is the difference between Fatboy Perfect Putty and Perfect Honey Putty?
Both are Fatboy texture putties in 75g tubs. Check each product page for the hold and finish details of each.
What is Fatboy Spray Putty?
It is a liquid spray version of Fatboy's putty, giving matte, lived-in texture with an easier application.
What is Wella EIMI Rugged Texture?
It is a professional matte paste from Wella's EIMI styling range, giving strong hold and a rugged, tousled finish.
What is L3VEL3 Matte Putty?
It is a creamy putty with medium, flexible hold and a clean matte finish, without stickiness or shine. It comes in 100g and 150g tubs and as twin packs.
Is L3VEL3 Hair Styling Paste water-based?
Yes. L3VEL3 describes it as a water-based, workable paste with a matte finish and firm all-day hold that washes out without residue.
What is Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste?
It is a high-hold paste with a medium-shine finish that can be reworked with water, also available as a twin pack.
What is Redken Brews Work Hard Molding Paste?
It is a men's paste from Redken's Brews range that gives firm but mouldable hold with a natural finish, in 150ml and twin packs.
Which paste suits fine hair?
Choose a light or medium-hold matte paste or putty that adds texture without weight, such as Schwarzkopf Osis+ Mess Up, Nak Hair In Shape or L3VEL3 Matte Putty. Use only a small amount.
Which paste suits thick or coarse hair?
Thick hair usually needs strong hold, such as Wella EIMI Rugged Texture, Goldwell StyleSign Roughman or Eleven Australia Strong Hold Styling Paste.
Which paste suits longer hair?
Pliable pastes work best, such as Redken Pliable Styling Paste, Davines More Inside and Milk Shake Freehand Paste.
Can women use hair paste?
Yes. Pastes add texture to pixie cuts, bobs and layered styles. Use a small amount on the ends for definition.
Do I apply paste to wet or dry hair?
Most pastes and putties work best on dry or towel-dried hair. Check each product's directions, as some are designed for damp hair.
How much paste should I use?
Start with a pea-sized amount for short hair and add more only if needed. Too much makes hair heavy and greasy-looking.
How do I get a messy, textured look?
Blow-dry your hair roughly for volume, then rub a matte putty or paste between your palms and twist small sections with your fingertips.
How do I use paste for a quiff?
Blow-dry the front up and back, then work a strong-hold matte paste through and shape the front with your fingers or a comb.
Can I mix paste with another product?
Yes. Many barbers combine a paste with a little cream or sea salt spray. Experiment with small amounts.
Will paste make my hair greasy?
Matte pastes and putties are designed not to. Greasiness usually means too much product or a formula with more shine than you need.
How do I wash out hair paste?
Water-based pastes rinse out with one shampoo. Wax-rich formulas may need two, or an occasional clarifying shampoo.
Can paste damage my hair?
No. Styling paste sits on the surface of the hair. Wash it out regularly so it does not build up on the scalp.
Can I use paste every day?
Yes. Many people style daily with paste. A good shampoo routine keeps build-up away.
Does paste work on curly hair?
It can add definition to short curls, but curls usually respond better to creams and gels. Use a small amount of a pliable paste and scrunch.
Which pastes have a shine finish?
Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste, Davroe Defining Strong Hold Paste, Milk Shake Fixing Paste and Affinage Flexi Styling Paste give more shine than the matte options.
Which pastes come in travel sizes?
Smaller options include REF Stockholm Sweden Rough Paste Mini 75ml, Paul Mitchell ESP Elastic Shaping Paste 50ml and Session Label 65ml tubs.
Which pastes come in twin packs?
Twin packs include L3VEL3 Matte Putty and Hair Styling Paste Matte, The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste and Matt Clay, Dapper Dan Matt Paste, Redken Brews Work Hard Molding Paste, Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste and American Crew Defining Paste.
How much do I save with a twin pack?
Our styling twin packs are priced about 2% below buying two singles, and they help you reach the free shipping threshold.
What is American Crew Defining Paste?
It has medium hold and low shine with a moisturising emollient, giving pliable hold and a thicker, fuller look.
What is Lust Modelling Paste?
Lust describes it as a medium-hold, water-soluble paste with blackcurrant and grape seed oils that adds style and fullness without feeling sticky.
Is there an eco-friendly paste?
O&M says the packaging of its Matte Texture Paste is made from 100% recycled material.
Which paste protects coloured hair?
Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up contains shea butter and Pureology's AntiFade Complex to help protect colour while styling.
Which hair pastes are best sellers?
Fatboy Perfect Putty, Wella EIMI Rugged Texture and Fatboy Spray Putty are our best sellers in this collection this year, followed by The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay.
How long does a tub of paste last?
Used daily on short hair, a 75 to 100g tub usually lasts a couple of months. Larger sizes and twin packs go further.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these styling brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from Fatboy and L3VEL3 to Redken and Wella Professionals.
Are the pastes and putties you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Who can I ask for help choosing a paste or putty?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type, length and the finish you want, and our team will suggest a product.
See more men's styling in Men's Hair Styling, try Hair Wax or Clay for a different finish, or browse all Hair Styling Products.