Some products get a long review. This one gets notes. Medium Hold Pliable Paste from Davines has lived in our station drawers at Sølvi Salon for a while now, and we reach for it often enough that we wanted to write down exactly how we use it, who it suits, and who should probably skip it. These are the honest stylist notes, the same way we would tell a client in the chair at our downtown Boise studio.
What it is
It is a medium hold styling paste with a pliable finish. Pliable is the key word here. It moves with the hair instead of locking it into one rigid shape. You can run your fingers through it an hour after styling and reshape without the cast cracking. It runs $34 on our retail shelf, and it is part of the Davines family that we carry because our stylists actually use it behind the chair. The packaging is refillable, which we like for cutting down on waste over time.
How we use it behind the chair
We work it into either damp or dry hair depending on the look we are after. On damp hair it sets a softer, more lived-in texture as the hair dries down. On dry hair it gives more grab and separation, which is what we use for short crops and textured cuts that need definition without shine. A little goes a long way. We start with a small amount on dry palms, warm it between the hands, and press it through rather than raking. For finer hair we keep it light, because too much paste of any kind will pull fine strands flat.
Why it works in Boise air
Idaho is dry. Our clients deal with low humidity most of the year, and that dry air is rough on hair that has been loaded with stiff gel. A hard hold product tends to flake and look dusty by midafternoon here. A pliable paste sidesteps that. It keeps a workable hold that you can restyle through the day without flaking, which matters a lot in our climate. People who walk downtown for lunch and come back to the office want their hair to still look intentional, not crusty. This is the kind of product that holds up to that.
Who it is for
This is a strong pick for short to medium cuts that want texture, separation, and a natural matte to low shine finish. Think modern crops, fringe, textured pixies, and guys who want their hair to look styled but touchable. If you like to restyle midday, or you want a product your kids or partner can use without a tutorial, this is an easy yes. It is forgiving, which makes it a good first paste for someone who has only ever used gel.
Who it is not for
Here is the honest part. Medium hold means medium hold. If you have very thick or coarse hair and you want it to stay locked in a sculpted shape from morning until midnight, this paste will relax on you by the evening. It is also not the move for slicked-back, wet-look styles that need a firm gel. And matte-finish lovers should know it leans low shine, not flat dead matte, so if you want zero shine you may want a different finish. We would rather tell you that up front than have you come back disappointed.
Our verdict
For the everyday client who wants texture, flexibility, and a finish that survives a dry Boise day, this is one of our most-reached-for pastes. At $34 it earns its spot, especially with refillable packaging that keeps the long-term cost reasonable. It is not the product for rigid, all-day sculpted hold, and that is fine, because that was never its job.
If you want to try it, you can grab Medium Hold Pliable Paste here, or come see us so we can match it to your cut. Browse our full menu on the services page, and when you are ready, book an appointment at Sølvi Salon. We are at 104 S Capitol Blvd in downtown Boise, and we are always happy to show you how to use it before you take it home.