If you’re feeling stuck and need some inspiration on what products to style your hair with, you have definitely come to the right place. Using the right product for your hair is the most important step to achieving a luscious and stylish look. Men’s pomades are the perfect go-to when you need a shiny, waxy, or hydrating formula to keep your hair in shape. Whichever look you’re going for on the day, we will have you sorted. You can dive deep into our selection of the best pomades for men and find the perfect product to achieve sexy, flawless hair.
Best Pomades For Men
1. Viking Revolution Firm Hold Pomade
Got thick hair? Need a sturdy hold for an all-day sleek appearance? Then the Viking Revolution pomade is your savior. The water-soluble firm-hold pomade provides a stronghold needed for a debonair and clean-cut look. The pomade’s natural materials promote hair growth and are easy-peasy to rinse out. Once applied, the product will shape any unruly hair of any length and hold it in style. It works well on slick backs, comb-overs, and pompadours.
2. Baxter of California Clay Pomade
The ultimate men’s hairstyling product can be found right here in the Baxter of California’s Clay Pomade. The blended formula of clay and beeswax makes this product a game-changer for men everywhere. Treat your hair to a strong-holding and texturizing product so you can have an everlasting stylish hair-do. This matte-finish product has a sweet scent of sage and citrus, leaving your hair smelling fresh and held in place. It promises to tame all types of unruly hair, so you will be in good hands.
3. Layrite Original Pomade
Layrite Orignal Pomade achieves the perfect medium hold with this light and spreadable formula. You can expect to see a healthy shine rather than a greasy hairstyle after a few applications of this water-based product. This pomade is suitable for almost every hair type and ensures a tight hold of your chosen style throughout the entire day.
4. AXE Styling Classic Pomade
Want a classic hairstyle sans the flakes? Whether it’s an up-to-date, retro hairdo or maybe something more suited to your swank, the AXE Classic pomade gives a superb shine and medium hold that’s ideal for men with mid-length hair length. This pomade is quick and easy to wash off and is specifically formulated to tame unruly hair. It’s a shoo-in at leaving you with a polished and non-greasy look.
5. Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade
For men who want to avoid greasy hair after styling it, then the Blind Barber 90 Proof Men’s Pomade will be your new favorite product. This formula is created without any oils or grease, which means it will give you a long-lasting, no-shine, and no-frills finish. Scented with light tonka bean, this sweet vanilla smell will leave you with a trail of admirers following your every step.
6. Uppercut Deluxe Pomade
The Uppercut Deluxe Pomade is a product packed full of great, hair-defining ingredients. Suitable for all hair lengths, it is perfect for defining side parts and slick backs so you can create your own ultimate, glowy hairstyle. If you ever need to restart your style session, Uppercut will be easy to wash out as it is water-based, so you’ve got a win-win!
7. American Crew Pomade For Hold and Shine
The American Crew Pomade has one main purpose, and that is to provide men with the best hold and shine. If you’re seeking structure and definition, then this pomade is the right choice. With medium hold and high shine, it can enhance your look with just one application. Made with all-natural ingredients and a water-based formula, it is clear you will be looking smart and slick in no time.
8. Patricks M3 Matte Finish Strong Hold Pomade
Patricks M3 Men’s Pomade prides itself on offering a strong-hold, with performance and longevity benefits. It will also last through your sweat session as it is water-resistant. Using this product will nourish and protect your hair with ingredients like Saw Palmetto, red clover, sage, and Peptides. A combination of a stronghold and perfect scent – what more could you want?
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9. Smooth Viking Pomade
Smooth Viking Pomade offers a selection of styling options so you can achieve your dream hair look after just one use. If you’re after a slicked back hairstyle, you can dampen your hair before applying the product and be left with the ultimate shine. If you seek a more matte and textured look, apply a small amount of product to dry hair. Either option will leave your strands feeling stronger, sculptured, and slick after one application. Due to the water-based formula, this low-maintenance men’s pomade is perfect for any hair type.
10. Suavecito Pomade Original Hold
The Suavecito Original Hold Pomade is the one for you if you’re after a strong and structured hairstyle. If you find that your hair feels like a straw after using pomades, then this product will be a dream come true. You can expect a non-crunchy finish and a great hold for your next hairstyle. A water-soluble product like this means that you can easily wash it out when you’ve finished flaunting your awesome haircut.
11. Rocky Mountain Barber Company Pomade
Skip the appointment with your hairdresser and let the magic happen at home with the Rocky Mountain Barber Company Pomade. Create any modern and edgy look with ease as you apply this product through your hair, leaving it set in place for long-lasting wear. As it is water-based, your hairstyle will be glistening with a natural shine and avoid the look of dirty, oily hair. If you enjoy a natural-scented pomade, then you’re in luck, as this product aims to have a minimal scent for your cologne or aftershave to do the talking. This will be the perfect addition to your hair-styling regime.
12. Redken Brews Cream Pomade
Whether it’s a faux hawk or a classic hairstyle that you’re looking for, the Redken Brews Cream Pomade can give you some assistance. Offering medium control and a smooth finish after just one application, you know your hair will look fantastic. Expect to receive compliments left, right, and center!
13. Old Spice Hair Styling Pomade
Like every other Old Spice product — guaranteed to work like magic, the medium hold pomade is exceptionally for the type of guy who likes a no-shine finish and a macho man scent: oozing coconut and tropical wood aroma. It’s also inspired by barbers and crafted for barbershop ilk results. The frontrunner pomade is a shoo-in for a suave hairstyle.
14. Badger Man Care Hair Pomade
Badger’s Organic hair pomade is a nourishing, all-natural premium hair product. The label’s ethos leverages them only to use natural ingredients. Whether it’s their soothing babassu oil that penetrates quickly with no greasy after-feel, the coconut oil that gives a superb shine, and the shea butter that nourishes your scalp and hair. The Badger pomade’s ingredients help hydrate and hold your hair in its uniquely brushed place.
15. Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade
Murray’s Superior Pomade has been at the heart of cultured men for almost a century. The label has been praised in all four corners for its versatility and flair to create any desired hairstyle. Fitted for hair of all types, Murray’s adds texture, shine, and lift while holding the hair in place all day. The oil-based pomade allows you to restyle and redo your hair without fretting.
16. Imperial Barber Grade Products Classic Pomade
Imperial Barber’s Classic is America’s top pick pomade. It promises a solid hold, versatility, and a watermelon-scented and low shine result once applied to any hair type. The strong holding water-based pomade also allows you to adjust the hold strength. It’s also indiscernible once it dries out, which keeps your hair looking natural and in place throughout the day. The hair product addedly bears a silky application and is easy to use and wash out.
17. Union Strong Hold Pomade
Whilst resembling a jukebox, the Union’s strong-hold pomade is a barber-made and approved pomade that’s a shoo-in for a crisp look. The strong-hold, easy-to-wash product tames hairs of all types and is made with all-natural ingredients such as wheat protein and witch hazel and exudes a rousing fragrance of white cedar and sandalwood. It comes in a pristine, classic cube tin which includes metallic gold accents and an illustration that oozes a ‘50s appeal. Its design is old-fashioned, but its promise to results isn’t.
18. Reuzel Blue Strong Hold High Sheen Pomade
What’s to say about a pomade that delivers a high shine, stronghold, and is water-soluble? Formidable. The Reuzel Blue is a superlative styling product meant for any hair type and texture. The product is concocted from a combination of ingredients that gives off a subtle warm vanilla wood fragrance. And unlike other pomades, it retains suppleness throughout the day and doesn’t harden or flake; it also is easy to wash off. The non-greasy pomade works well on slick backs and many other newfangled hairdos — perfect for the discernable gent.
19. Johnny’s Chop Shop Original Sheen Men’s Hair Pomade
With a barber-grade quality formula and a fashion-forward ethos, Johnny’s pomade effortlessly creates a trim appearance. Harkening back to classic hairstyles but with homage to modern-day trends, the pomade yields a slick shine and a day-long hold. A premium blend of vitamins, minerals and oils to provide long-lasting shine with a tantalizing citrusy and outdoor aroma. Fitting for all hairstyles, Johnny’s Chop Shop Original Sheen Pomade is water-based, helps you create and hold the hairstyle you desire, and can swiftly be restyled.
20. Ol’ Dirty Barber Hair Pomade
Ol’ Dirty Barber is the supreme pomade that brings fine barber care to a man’s grooming regiment. The non-greasy, water-soluble, lightweight formula is perfect for straight, wavy, and curly hair types and keeps hair styled in place all day. Once applied, you’ll receive a fine, strong hold, high shine, and polished look. Treat your hair to a strong-holding and texturizing product so you can have a dapper look.
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21. Challenger Men’s Clean Cream Pomade
Challenger Clean is perfect for men with sensitive skin and who aren’t ashamed of maintaining the health of their skin. The Clean pomade has a natural & matte finish sans a shine, an intoxicating fragrance, and works well on all hairstyles and lengths. The all-day medium-firm hold, easy-to-rinse Challenger Clean product ensures a flake-free and clump-free outcome once applied. The fine-quality matte will have you looking suave on every occasion.
22. Giovanni Wicked Texture Styling Pomade
Looking for a firm-holding pomade but worried about damaging your hair? Well, there’s no need to fret or scour the web any further. The Giovanni Wicked premium pomade can be used on damp and dry hair and gives it exceptional definition and day-long shine. Provided that the pomade’s lavender and peppermint oils exude a fragrant scent, the product doesn’t strip your hair from its natural oils. The unisex styling product is addedly cruelty-free and paraben-free, bolstering its finesse to care for hair.
23. Jovinno Premium Natural Hair Styling Pomade
The Jovinno pomade is made with high-quality natural ingredients that work with all hair types and give a natural dry look, allowing you to restyle your hair whensoever. It offers a medium-strong hold and a matte shine and gives a modest matte sheen, not to mention its stimulating citrusy aroma. It’s suited for men and women and is versatile enough to create classic, newfangled, and natural hairstyles.
24. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Grooming Pomade
One of the more uncommon hair pomade labels, Paul Mitchell, is by far the niftiest hair product to grace our list. With flair to style and define hair, the pomade provides an old-school polish with a fresh riff by shaping and controlling hair, leaving a brilliant shine. Its active ingredients soften and maintain the hairstyle and bear a citrusy aroma that’ll rouse your senses. The grooming product is perfect for men with wavy and curly hair.
25. BYRD Hair Matte Pomade
The Byrd formula is a matte finish pomade that offers a medium hold to define and shape any hair type while leaving users with a casual look. It’s water-based, all-day lasting, and natural-looking finish leaves your hair looking effortlessly groomed without looking dreary. It’s suitable for any hair type a bears a muskier scent, which is what makes it strikingly unique.
Types of Pomade
Water-Based Pomade
They’re the most popular hair styling products for men. A water-soluble pomade can come in many different holding strengths, shines, and aromas and are uber-easy to wash out. Many are even restyleable throughout the day when you add a bit of water to your hair. Most modern hairstyles work best when styling with a water-based pomade.
Oil Based Pomade
An oil-based pomade lasts all day and throughout tough conditions. As the original hair pomade product used for retro hairdos, oil-based pomades provide a sturdier hold than water-based pomades and give your hair a brilliant shine.
The Hybrid Pomade
The hybrid pomade rises above the rest in this game of hairdos. Bridging the gap between water-based and oil-based pomades to give you the ultimate hair styling product. The pomade is malleable, all-day lasting, and delivers a shine, perfect for blokes who want to rock a casual look. The hybrid is addedly easily washed out, re-comb-able, and guarantees a solid hold.
Clay Pomade
Got fine hair? Slick-backs, not your style? The clay pomade is best for those wanting messy hair that’s kitschy yet seemingly appealing. The pomade adds texture and a subtle layer of shine once applied. It’s thick and bears a medium hold to give hair volume. Since it’s typically used by men who sway from custom hairstyle convention, the pomade interestingly adds structure to one’s hair like no other pomade type.
Matte Paste Pomade
Matte Pomade is the perfect hair product for a casual look. Dubbed the jack-of-all-trades, it allows users to create their desired hairstyle that lasts the day effortlessly. It boasts a medium hold with a natural finish and low shine and washes out with ease. Just add a dab of the matte to your hair every day and watch its magic work, fineness, and volume to match your style.
Matte vs. Shine
Does it matter? They’re both pomades. Not to be finicky, but yeah, there’s quite a difference between the duo. A matte pomade bears a more textural feel and promises a medium-hold and subtle shine — perfect for folks with a hectic lifestyle — whereas shine pomades boast a stronghold and brilliant shine tailored to gents seeking a suave look when well kitted out. Most people, that’s in the fashion world have taken to matte pomades when styling their hair.
Hair Pomade FAQs
What is hair pomade?
Hair pomade is a styling product. It can be oil or water-based, depending on the formula, and your choice will come down to personal preference, styling, and hair type. It generally has a medium hold and high shine finish, though this can vary from product to product, so always check the label. Pomade is perfect for sleek styles like the slick back, pompadour, and quiff.
What does pomade do to your hair?
Pomade will help to hold your hair in a slicked back, sleek style all day long. It won’t necessarily damage your hair, but it can take some getting used to. Oil-based pomades can be trickier to wash out of your hair, resulting in build-up and excess greasiness if you’re not thorough enough. Generally, water-based pomades are easier to wash, but you need to watch for harmful chemicals. Avoid alcohol, sulfates, and silicones if you can, as they can dry and damage your follicles.
What is the best pomade for men's hair?
The best pomades include Baxter of California Clay Pomade, Layrite Original Pomade, and Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade.
Is pomade stronger than gel?
Gel does have a higher hold than a pomade. Pomades are most commonly medium hold, though you can get higher and lower strength formulas. However, unlike pomade, gel dries, making it less flexible but stronger once you’re style is set.
Can you apply a pomade to dry hair?
Pomades are best applied to slightly damp, towel-dried hair rather than completely dry hair. However, you can apply it dry if you have thin or fine hair, as you’ll have better control. You can also use it to finish off a style, add texture, or give a matte look to dry hair.
How long does pomade last in hair?
Pomade doesn’t dry like gel or hair spray does, so it stays flexible throughout the day, allowing you to restyle or touch up at any point. It generally holds for a full day unless you’re facing particularly adverse weather. Ideally, you’ll wash the product out each night, especially if you’re using an oil-based pomade. Leaving it in can cause a build-up on the scalp and hair, disrupting your natural oil production, and causing irritation, as well as ruining your pillowcase!
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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