Yes it’s brand battle time. Today we have two of the UK’s most popular matte hair products on the market to compare in a UK hair brands battle featuring the Toni & Guy Matte Paste VS Hairbond Mattifier.
So who are these brands?
Toni & Guy are one of the biggest worldwide hair salon chains. Originally founded by two Mascolo brothers in Clapham, London back in the 1960s, the Toni & Guy brand went international in 1985, years later. With such a huge amount of salons, now at nearly 500 worldwide, there was always a high demand for ladies and men’s hair styling products, so they created the TIGI brand in the 80s. After building up incredible salon distribution, Toni & Guy sold their TIGI brand for £296m to corporate wholesalers Unilever who also own hundreds of brands and distribute them all over the world, selling not only hair styling products but everyday luxuries and commodities including pizzas, chewing gum, ice cream, cleaning products and lots more. Left with a gap on the shelves of the salons, created by the sale of TIGI, Tony & Guy branded products launched both in their own salons as well as on the high street in supermarkets and drug stores.
Hairbond United Kingdom
Hairbond on the other hand is one of the UK’s most popular exclusive lines of hair styling products for both men and women. Founded by Scott Michaels, a professional barber and hairdresser in 2008, the Hairbond products picked up award-winning reviews and the brand went viral online carrying thousands of celebrity endorsements, video review plays and is today a must-have brand for premium barbershops and hair salons who are looking for a brand with quality products; where there’s been no expense spared.
So let’s first check out the popular Toni & Guy Matte Paste!
Toni & Guy Matte Paste VS Hairbond Mattifier – Matte Paste
Packaging:
Black, looks good but the quality is poor. This is another tinned product just like that of the TIGI Matte Seperation except it’s black not silver. When purchasing I was also warned that the packaging may not arrive as pictured! Would love to know what that’s about. 2/5
Application:
Sticky, creamy, wet, white, gluey, tug and pull. Recommended small amounts if you’re going to try this perhaps a little easier application in damp hair but you lose the matte look. 2/5
Finish:
Even when applied to dry hair I got a shine and this product is supposed to be true matte. Disappointed. 1/5
Consistency:
Glue like. 1/5
Hold:
We all know glue holds things together. Yes this does hold. 4/5
Overall:
2/5
What They Say
“That handsome look doesn’t happen by accident. Whether you prefer a messy out-of-bed look or a polished style, our Men product range helps you create your look from the hair down. Inspired by backstage know-how, our Men range offers shampoos and styling products for all hair looks. Whatever time you get out of bed, TONI&GUY Workable Matte Paste allows you to style and re-style your hair throughout the day so you can keep refreshing your look. Giving texture with long-lasting hold, it’s the ideal product to create a rough textured look with a matte finish. Ready to style? Start with Deep Clean Shampoo to create the base, then work product between palms and apply to damp or dry hair and style as desired. Born in London from a devout love of fashion, TONI&GUY products are inspired by catwalk looks and are used backstage to create standout hair looks for London’s most exciting fashion designers. TONI&GUY celebrates individuality, empowering you to express your style through hair and fashion and to create your look from the hair down.”
Now let’s see how the Hairbond Mattifier Professional Hair Cement compares!
Hairbond United Kingdom Mattifier Professional Hair Cement
Packaging:
Full marks. It’s gold font and branding makes this hair cement stand out as a luxury item. Great gift idea. 5/5
Application:
Breaks down super easy into the palms, however not as smooth as say the Hairbond products with lower holds like the Distorter. You can tell this is going to be a strong holding matte wax as it has a thicker texture. 4/5
Finish:
A nice all round matte finish, you can get some more shine if you take a second application but the best thing about this product is that it is strong but also has a reworkable formulation. 5/5
Consistency:
Thick waxy clay with marble effect running through. Easy to break down. 4/5
Hold:
It is labelled as 5 notches out of 5. 5/5
Overall:
4/5
And the winner is..
Yes the Hairbond Mattifier Professional Hair Cement champions this brand battle.
Great job Hairbond, whilst it never got full marks this product scores 100% in the fragrance category. If you like cherry, amaretto flavours, you will absolutely love this one!
Find out how the Hairbond Mattifier got on up against rival best selling matte product, Boost Powder from American Crew here