{"id":45751,"date":"2026-05-21T11:46:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T08:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scissorhands.space\/the-evolution-of-mens-styling-from-oil-brilliantines-to-matte-pastes-part-3\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T12:38:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T09:38:11","slug":"the-evolution-of-mens-styling-from-oil-brilliantines-to-matte-pastes-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scissorhands.space\/en\/the-evolution-of-mens-styling-from-oil-brilliantines-to-matte-pastes-part-3\/","title":{"rendered":"“The Evolution of Men’s Styling: From Oil Brilliantines to Matte Pastes” PART 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

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5. The 90s \u2014 Gels and the “Wet Look”<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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5.1 A Change in Formula<\/strong><\/p>\n

By the end of the 20th century, brilliantine begins to lose its ground. It is replaced by a new type of product \u2014 hair gel.
\nThis is entirely different chemistry and a different working principle.
\nComposition (at the base):\u2028
\n\u2014 water\u2028
\n\u2014 polymers (PVP, later acrylates)\u2028
\n\u2014 alcohols \u2028
\n\u2014 thickeners
\n\u2014 fragrance
\n\ud83d\udc49 unlike greasy pomades: gel does not coat the hair in fat; instead, it creates a film that locks the shape in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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5.2 What it provided<\/strong>
\n\u2014 strong hold\u2028
\n\u2014 quick result\u2028
\n\u2014 the “wet hair” effect \u2028
\n\u2014 sharp shape
\n\ud83d\udc49 styling became:
\nrigid, highly visible, locked-in.<\/p>\n

5.3 How it was used <\/strong>
\n\u2014 applied to damp hair
\n\u2014 distributed with hands or a comb \u2028
\n\u2014 shaped
\n\u2014 left to dry After drying:\u2028
\n\ud83d\udc49 the hair literally “froze” in the given shape.<\/p>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n

5.4 Which hairstyles became popular <\/strong>
\n\u2014 slick back with a wet effect
\n\u2014 spiked hair
\n\u2014 hard parts \u2028
\n\u2014 completely locked shapes
\n\ud83d\udc49 the key: the shape remains unchanged throughout the entire day.<\/p>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n

5.5 Why it became mass-market <\/strong>
\n\u2014 the product is incredibly easy to use\u2028
\n\u2014 provides quick hold
\n\u2014 highly accessible \u2028
\n\u2014 delivers a visually strong effect
\nPlus the influence of: pop culture, music videos, television.
\n\ud83d\udc49 a new standard emerges: styling must be visible.<\/p>\n

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5.6 The downsides of gel<\/strong>
\n\u2014 makes hair stiff
\n\u2014 creates an unappealing “crust” \u2028
\n\u2014 looks unnatural \u2028
\n\u2014 impossible to rework the style
\n\u2014 can dry out the hair
\n\ud83d\udc49 there is hold
\n\ud83d\udc49 there is zero flexibility<\/p>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n

5.7 Moving Forward <\/strong>
\nOver time, this becomes exhausting.
\nA man wants:\u2028
\n\u2014 naturalness
\n\u2014 movement\u2028
\n\u2014 the ability to fix his hair with his hand
\n\ud83d\udc49 this leads to the next stage: matte products, pastes, clays, and flexible hold.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: the 90s were the peak of maximum hold. Gel gives control, speed, and visual impact.
\nBut it is precisely its rigidity that triggers the inevitable transition to modern styling.<\/p>\n

6. Modernity \u2014 Matte, Texture, and Flexibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6.1 A Change in Principle<\/strong>
\nAfter the era of rigid hold comes a completely different approach.
\nStyling is meant to look natural, shedding the need to be highly visible.
\nThe focus shifts:\u2028
\n\u2014 from shine \u2192 to matte \u2028
\n\u2014 from rigidity \u2192 to flexibility
\n\u2014 from shape \u2192 to texture <\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 now, it is essential to build a complete look, rather than just “lay the hair down.”<\/p>\n

6.2 New Products<\/strong>
\nSeveral key categories emerge:<\/p>\n

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\nPastes (Hair Paste)
\n\u2014 medium \/ strong hold
\n\u2014 matte or semi-matte effect
\n\u2014 flexibility throughout the day
\nWhat they provide:\u2028
\n\u2014 control\u2028
\n\u2014 texture
\n\u2014 the ability to rework the style
\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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