10 Best Pomades For Men With Any Hair Type (Thick, Curly, Thin, Normal)

Whether you are looking to sport a newer hairstyle like the pompadour or quiff or even one that is ageless like the greasers wore decades ago, a top-notch pomade is a versatile product that can achieve a variety of looks.

If there is any staple that you should have in your medicine cabinet, it should be one of the best pomades on the market.

Which Pomade Should You Get?  A Water or Oil Based Product?

When it comes to considering a pomade, men must choose between either water or oil-based product.  Picking one over the other is based solely on the look you are trying to achieve and how it will get worked into your lifestyle.

If you are looking for a pomade that will help keep your hair in check during a daily trip to the gym or simply playing a pick-up basketball game, then an oil-based pomade will likely be a better pick.

Oil-based pomades will keep your hair in place even if you sweat profusely.

You should know that oil-based products will take additional effort to clean thoroughly out of your hair, being that they don’t mix well with water.

On the other end of the spectrum, you will have water-based pomades.

Pomades that use water as a base won’t provide nearly the same level of shine but will also be relatively easy to wash out of your hair.

A water-based pomade may be better for men in office environments throughout the day or those who lead a relaxed lifestyle and simply want a low shine look. 

Summary of the Best Pomades for Men

Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 best pomades for men, highlighting their main features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a strong hold, high shine, or a pomade suitable for different hair types, these products have you covered.

ProductBest ForHoldShineBase
Baxter of California Clay PomadeVersatilityStrongMatteNatural Ingredients
American Crew PomadeClassic BrandMediumHighWater-Based
Black and White PomadeAffordabilityMediumHighOil-Based
Bumble and Bumble Semisumo PomadeCoarse HairSoftHighOil & Wax Blend
Dax Wave & Groom Hair DressShort Wavy HairStrongHighOil-Based
Imperial Classic PomadeStrong HoldStrongMediumWater-Based
Layrite Super Shine Deluxe PomadeHigh ShineMediumHighWater-Based
Smooth Viking – Pomade for MenAll Hair TypesMediumHighWater-Based
Suavecito Pomade Firme HoldStrong Hold & Moderate ShineStrongModerateWater-Based
Uppercut Monster Hold PomadeActive MenMegaHighWater-Based

This list of the best pomades for men offers a range of options for different needs, budgets, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a strong hold, a specific scent, or a product that’s easy to wash out, these pomades have got you covered.

The 10 Best Pomades For Men Reviewed

1. Baxter of California Clay Pomade

Baxter of California Clay Pomade | Firm Hold -...

Baxter of California brings us a quality strong-hold, paraben-free, clay pomade that offers really great styling options in a rich, textured formula. For those who want more shine, use the Clay Pomade right out of the shower on wet hair.

Natural ingredients like clay and beeswax allow for versatility of styling, yet still a strong manageable hold. Prefer a matte look? No problem, Baxter of California Clay Pomade is strong, flexible but not so dense it cannot be used to style and hold dry hair as well. The popular 2oz jar is priced fair and will work for just about any hairstyle.

What customers are saying: Most customers appreciate the strong hold and matte finish provided by this pomade, even lasting all day for some. However, some customers reported difficulties in applying the product due to its thickness and stickiness, and a few mentioned that it was hard to wash out.

2. American Crew Pomade

Men's Hair Pomade by American Crew, Medium Hold...

I think we all know the American Crew name by now as they’ve established themselves as a classic men’s brand that you can find in barbershops and department stores alike with their hair gels, hair clay and countless other products. Their popular pomade is well-liked for giving a nice medium hold and a quiet, but refreshing natural scent.

American crew is not only great for the convenience of their supply, but they’re well-known for putting out quality products and their pomade is no different. American crew says they recommend the pomade for “romantic wear,” so do what you will with that advice, but you’ll love the shine you get either way.

What customers are saying: Customers generally appreciate the pomade for its light hold, high shine, and pleasant scent. Some find it a bit pricey but feel that the quality justifies the cost. A few users prefer a firmer hold and suggest alternatives for those seeking a stronger grip.

3. Black and White Pomade

Black & White Genuine Pluko Hair Dressing Pomade...

Talk about bang for your buck, Black & White is your economical way to head-turning style. The big 7oz jar isn’t just popular for its price, it’s also loved for the results. You’ll only need to work a small amount into your hair to tame those straggling hairs that won’t stay put.

Black & White gives you hearty volume yet manageability as it allows hair strands to separate yet still shape. The heavy-duty pomade is also waterproof, so go ahead, be active and feel free to share some with your best lady friend as it is recommended for both men and women.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the pomade for its soft hold, pleasant fragrance, and affordability. Although some find the hold not as strong as other products and the residue left on hands a downside, most enjoy the added flexibility for restyling throughout the day.

4. Bumble and Bumble Semisumo Pomade

Bumble and Bumble Semisumo Pomade, 1.5 Ounce

Bumble and Bumble’s Semisumo Pomade is the luxury men with medium to coarse hair are looking for. Semisumo is a blend of oil and waxes that are ideal for controlling frizz or assisting with management of more dense and coarse hair.

Besides the excellent fragrance, Semisumo is not like some products made for dense hair that feel like a weight on your head. Just work a bit in and sculpt away as you’ll be super relieved to go about your day not feeling like you are wearing a helmet. The 1.5oz bottle is priced modestly and boasts a great shine with a softer hold and is great for color-treated hair as well.

What customers are saying: Customers have mixed opinions about this pomade, with some praising it for its lightweight, non-greasy texture and effectiveness in controlling frizz. However, others have reported issues with a rancid smell and inconsistency in product quality, such as grainy texture in some jars.

5. Dax Wave & Groom Hair Dress

DAX Wave & Groom, 3.5 Ounce

When you first get Dax Wave & Groom Hair Dress you’ll smile at the nifty vintage-looking can it comes in, but what’s more important is what’s packed inside.

Wave & Groom offers solid hold strength and glowing shine. The oil base will be very friendly for controlling frizz on any hair type and it has a subtle, clean scent.

Wave & Groom is also preferred by those with short wavy hair because it give shape to your natural waves and cleans it up so you can work with that often difficulty wavy pattern.  The 3.5 oz. can is very inexpensive and well-liked, especially by those with thick of troublesome hair patterns.

What customers are saying: Customers have mixed opinions about this product, with some praising it as the best hair wax they’ve ever used and others experiencing difficulties with the texture and hold. Complaints include the product being too sticky or hard, while satisfied customers appreciate the smooth and slick finish it provides.

6. Imperial Classic Pomade

Imperial Barber Classic Pomade, 6 oz

Imperial’s “barber grade” products boast their Classic Pomade is America’s strongest holding water-based pomade. Being water-based offers two key benefits: smooth and even application, which allows for ease of sculpting, and quick, effortless washout.

The 6oz. jar comes at a very reasonable price, gives a super strong hold, and has a light, fruity scent (kind of like melon). The pomade is versatile as it has options for hold strength. For a light hold, apply a small amount to damp hair and style to your liking; apply a bit more to dry hair for a strong hold that still sculpts with ease.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate that this pomade provides a strong hold without making their hair feel crusty and that it washes out easily with water. However, some users found the scent to be too strong, and others mentioned needing a lot of product to achieve their desired look.

7. Layrite Super Shine Deluxe Pomade

Layrite Supershine Cream, 4.25 oz

If your biggest haircare need is that eye-catching glimmer that makes everyone jealous then look no further. Layrite Super Shine Deluxe hangs its hat on its noticeable shine, but has other big perks like versatility with all hairstyles, softening of curly, tough, or frizzy hair, and manageability from slicked to spiked.

This one is water-based so removal is a sinch, however the hold is sturdy like a good wax.  The price is reasonable for a 4oz. jar and nobody will know you saved a buck because your hair will have the polish of a fat cat millionaire.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the medium control, high shine, and ability to rework the pomade in their hair. However, some found the vanilla scent to be overpowering and disliked the greasy texture on their hands after application.

8. Smooth Viking – Pomade for Men

Pomade for Men - Hair Pomade with Medium Hold &...

Smooth Viking Pomade is another crowd pleaser because it is really great for managing all styles and textures of hair. The medium hold keeps hair in place but feels light, and the shine is glowing and vibrant.

Another water-based pomade so removal will be easy, which is really nice for those that use it on coarse hair. The scent gets mixed opinions: some rave that they love the clean, “barbershop” scent and others say it is clean but too strong. Either way, the 2oz. jar is very reasonable on the wallet and can be used wet or dry.

What customers are saying: Customers find this pomade comparable to American Crew in terms of its hold and consistency. However, opinions on the scent vary, with some finding it pleasant, while others report an unpleasant odor. The product is praised for managing flyaway hairs and being affordable compared to bigger name brands.

9. Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold

Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold 4 oz, 1 Pack...

Suavecito Firme Hold comes with really solid reviews because it packs a ton of benefits into a 4oz. jar without charging an arm and a leg. First, the hold is strong, but the application is easier as this is a creamy pomade.

Second, the scent is well-liked for its manly touch (kind of woody and floral).

Finally, it is a water-based pomade that makes for easy clean-up and carries a moderate shine. The moderate shine seems to be most popular because it is that happy medium between bone dry and just-left-the-swimming-pool wet. Benefits and style have this sleek looking jar of pomade as number one on Amazon right now.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the strong hold and lasting effects of this pomade, with some finding it to hold better than other hair styling products like hair gel and mousse. However, some customers reported inconsistencies in the product quality, such as receiving a dried-out can or experiencing a weak hold compared to previous purchases.

10. Uppercut Monster Hold Pomade

Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold Hair Pomade, 2.5...

Uppercut’s Monster is meant as a metaphor for the monster, solid hold this pomade will give you. The sweat-resistant, mega-hold pomade allows you to sculpt and hold in place the most difficult style and, here’s the best part, you won’t need a high-powered pressure washer to wash it out like some cheap mega-hold products; the pomade washes out with ease and you can restyle in the morning.

Uppercut Monster is getting rave reviews from active men that enjoy the sweat-resistant formula and the ability to keep a slick style even when working out. Love the logo too – even Frankenstein’s monster can rock Elvis’ coif with Uppercut Monster Hold Pomade.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the strong hold and soft feel provided by the pomade, even in tough weather conditions. However, they find the scent to be overpowering and the product’s consistency to be difficult to work with in some cases.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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