The Best Men’s Pomades for Every Hairstyle

The word “pomade” can conjure up notions of 50’s greasers with combs tucked into their jean pockets and cigarettes rolled up in their sleeves. It might also bring back memories of that tin of stuff your grandfather had next to his straight razor that didn’t taste anything like it smelled. Either way, it is associated with bygone times. Well, get ready to get vintage because pomades are coming back in a way that has men with unmanageable manes taking notice. So prepare to toss your gels and creams in favor of some picks from our best men’s pomade guide.

What is pomade?

Pomade is a hair-styling tool made with either a water, wax, or grease base. It used to be odious, oily things that just slicked down your hair, making it stiff and unnatural. It also used to be water-insoluble making it tough to wash out, so any time you touched your head, your fingers were coated like you’d been shoveling fries into your mouth for hours. The ones these days are much kinder as they can wash away easily, don’t leave your hair an oily mess for days on end, and can give you whatever level of hold you desire. A pomade’s hold is how effective it is at holding your hairstyle (ranging from light to strong), and the shine is how glossy it will make it, with matte options available if you don’t want that.

Does pomade harm your hair?

Just like any other hair care product, using it too frequently is going to cause some damage to your hair eventually. Certain pomades made with dense materials like petroleum or certain oils might also cause damage, so if you want to be safe look for something with natural ingredients. Hair damage can also be mitigated by making sure you don’t get pomade on your scalp, and washing it out when necessary.

Hair Gel vs. Pomade

Pomade is used to give your hair some long-lasting texture and either a matte or shiny finish. Gel, on the other hand, is meant to keep your hair in place and will almost always have that shiny look. Pomade is also more versatile as it comes with different bases and is easier to wash out. At the end of the day, pomade is ideal for tweaking and texturing your hairstyle (as subtle as you’d like), while hair gel is meant for holding a style in place as long as possible.

Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade

The Best Budget Choice: The Firme Hold pomade from Suavecito works with many hair types, is easily washed out, and is reasonably priced. You can use it to rock a pompadour or a classic slicked-back look, but it’s quite versatile so the sky is the limit. Additionally, it has a medium shine and a comb is recommended for applying it.

American Crew Pomade

The Best Pomade for Curly Hair:  A water-based pomade, American Crew is a shiny offering that is ideal for the guy who needs to style and re-style throughout the day without fighting stiffness. You’ll find this works best on hair that’s a little thinner and about medium length. If you’re sporting lustrous hair then this probably won’t give you quite the hold you require. You’ll get a nice shine if that’s your thing, and lots of pliability at the sacrifice of some restraint. An excellent gloss if mixed with other products.

Layrite Original Pomade

The All-Arounder: Layrite’s Original Pomade is a long-lasting pomade with a hint of vanilla, and a whole lot of utility. It works with most hair lengths and textures providing you with a lot of options. You can go for a laid-back messy look or tidy things up, and it washes out easily so there’s no harm in experimenting.

Imperial Barber Classic Pomade

The Best Barber-Grade Pomade: Water-based pomades are easier on your hair, easier to wash away, better for your body, and gentler in general. If you like the easy use of water-soluble pomades but need something with a serious hold, then let Imperial show you the way. Their classic product can slap down or hold up your hair, yet is easy to manage throughout the day and clean out before you hit the pillow. You won’t get much shine, but for a versatile, changeable hold that lasts, this is the king of the water walkers.

Baxter of California Clay Pomade

The Best Pomade for Long Hair: If you want a product that isn’t oily and keeps your look healthy and natural without reflecting like a disco ball, then the Clay Pomade from Baxter California may be for you. Using a combination of clay, petrolatum, and beeswax you can get a nice, tight hold that isn’t crispy or hard but also offers a matte finish that is understated and sophisticated. You can get a wetter look if you use it at the right time, but it still won’t glimmer. Can be a little dense and heavy on finer hair.

Fine Cosmetics Co LTD Japan Fiber Grease Pomade

The Best Japanese Pomade: The Fiber Grease Pomade from Fine Cosmetics Co LTD has been making waves in the States recently, so we ought to include it in this guide. Even though it has a light hold, it still allows for some flexibility with your hairstyle. With hints of tropical fruit, this pomade is a great daily driver.

Uppercut Deluxe Pomade

The Classic: This pomade from Uppercut Deluxe is made with classic style in mind. Featuring a petroleum base, it will keep your follicles in line for days on end whether pumped up for maximum pomp or laid down for a simple slickback. You won’t get much shine, but for hair that won’t move during sports, hard work, or a small nuclear blast, this has you covered.

Patricks M3 Matte Finish

The Best Pomade for Short Hair: We didn’t forget our short-haired friends reading this, that’s why we’ve included the M3 Matte Finish pomade from Patricks. Not only does it smell great thanks to the added cologne, but it’s also healthier for your hair as it’s sulfate and phthalate free.

The Best Solid Colognes for Simple Polish

Now that your hair is looking good, you’ll probably want to smell good as well. Our best men’s solid colognes guide will help with that.