Achieving that perfect hairstyle often hinges on selecting the right styling product, and for many men, that product is pomade.
Whether you desire a strong hold to keep unruly hair in place or prefer something more flexible for restyling throughout the day, the world of men’s pomades offers a vast array of options.
These products range from providing high-shine finishes suitable for classic looks to delivering matte finishes for a more natural appearance.
Understanding the differences between them is key to finding the one that best suits your personal style and grooming routine.
This guide delves into what makes certain pomades stand out and helps you uncover what each can bring to your styling efforts, drawing insights directly from an expert overview of top contenders.
Choosing the right pomade involves more than just grabbing the first product you see. Several key factors should be carefully considered to ensure the best results for your hair and desired look.
These factors include the necessary hold strength, the preferred shine level, compatibility with your specific hair type, ease of washability, the scent, application ease, and of course, the price and overall value.
1. Suavecito Pomade for Men – Medium Hold Shine Water Based Hair Gel
This is presented as a reliable styling product known for its medium hold and shine. It is a water-based pomade designed for easy styling and comfortable all-day wear.
A significant advantage is its effortless washout, leaving no residue behind. Users appreciate its non-greasy finish and flake-free application, which helps maintain hairstyle integrity throughout the day.
This versatile pomade works well for various hair types, lengths, and can even be used for facial hair. With a high rating of 4.8/5, it offers a pleasant scent and strong performance, making it a worthwhile addition to a grooming routine.
- Best For: Individuals seeking a versatile styling product that offers medium hold and shine for various hair types and lengths.
- Pros: Non-greasy finish and flake-free application, Easy washout without residue, Pleasant scent and strong performance, highly rated.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than some other pomades, May not provide enough hold for those requiring a stronger styling product, Some users might prefer a different scent or texture.
2. Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold for Men
For men desiring a strong, reliable hold without the typical stiffness of traditional styling products, Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold is highlighted as an ideal choice.
This is another water-based pomade, offering a medium shine finish. It’s noted as perfect for styles like slick backs and pompadours. Key benefits include providing all-day hold for thick, wavy, or unruly hair while still allowing for style flexibility.
It applies smoothly and washes out easily, preventing product buildup. Users enjoy its clean, masculine scent and the use of high-quality ingredients, which contribute to a polished look without flaking or irritation. It’s considered a favorite for daily styling.
- Best For: Men seeking a strong hold pomade that offers flexibility and a polished look for various hairstyles.
- Pros: Strong hold that lasts all day without stiffness or crunchiness, Water-based formula makes it easy to wash out and prevents buildup, Pleasant, clean scent and high-quality ingredients.
- Cons: Shine may diminish after about 20 minutes, Some users suggest a travel-sized container would be beneficial, May not be ideal for those preferring a heavy grease finish.
3. Old Spice Classic Pomade for Men, Medium Hold with Low Shine
This pomade is presented as an excellent option for those valuing a medium hold paired with a low shine, ideal for maintaining a natural yet polished appearance.
It’s described as offering barbershop-quality performance, allowing for easy styling without stiffness. It can be applied to damp or dry hair for flexible results. Users can enjoy its invigorating coconut and tropical wood scent.
The recommendation is to use just a small amount for best effect. It washes out easily without leaving a greasy residue. Many users reportedly appreciate its long-lasting hold and matte finish, seeing it as a reliable choice for everyday styling.
- Best For: Those seeking a flexible, medium hold pomade with a matte finish for a natural and polished hairstyle.
- Pros: Offers a long-lasting hold without stiffness, allowing for easy styling, Delivers a non-greasy matte finish, ideal for users who prefer low shine, Features a refreshing coconut and tropical wood scent.
- Cons: Some users may find it difficult to locate in stores, A few individuals report challenges with tougher hair types that the product may not hold effectively, Limited scent options may not appeal to all users.
4. Suavecito Pomade Matte Hair Pomade for Men
For individuals seeking a natural look without any shine, Suavecito Pomade Matte Hair Pomade is highlighted as an excellent grooming product.
This pomade provides a medium hold, suitable for achieving a neat, effortless style. Its defining feature is the matte finish, ensuring the absence of unwanted shine.
Application is described as simple: warm a small amount in your hands and distribute it through your hair for easy styling.
Clean-up is also noted as a breeze, rinsing out effortlessly with water. Users find it effective across various hair types, considering it a cost-effective addition to their routine. It is suggested for achieving a fresh, polished appearance.
- Best For: Those looking for a reliable pomade that provides a medium hold and a natural matte finish without shine.
- Pros: Easy to apply and restyle, Rinses out easily with water, leaving no residue, Suitable for various hair types, including thick and wavy hair.
- Cons: May require reapplication for particularly unruly hair, Limited shine may not appeal to those preferring a glossy finish, Some users may find the hold insufficient for extreme styles.
5. American Crew Mens Hair Pomade, Travel Size (Medium Hold & High Shine)
The travel size American Crew Men’s Hair Pomade is presented as a versatile styling product, noted as working wonders specifically on curly hair.
This pomade offers a medium hold combined with a high shine finish. It’s considered perfect for creating classic, slicked-back looks or adding control to any hair type.
It is easy to apply and washes out effortlessly, ensuring no greasiness or stiffness. Best suited for short to medium hair, this water-based formula is stated to maintain hold even in challenging environmental conditions like sweat and sun. Additionally, its strong fragrance is mentioned as an appealing feature.
- Best For: Those with straight to highly textured hair types seeking a flexible styling product that offers a medium hold and high shine finish.
- Pros: Easy to apply and washes out easily without leaving greasiness or stiffness, Effective for maintaining hold in various environmental conditions such as sweat and sun exposure, Affordably priced with consistent quality.
- Cons: Not recommended for use on wet hair, Some users may find the strong fragrance overpowering, Availability may vary in stores.
6. Axe Pomade: Medium Hold and Natural Finish (2 Count)
Axe Pomade is described as providing Medium Hold and a Natural Finish, designed for effortless styling. This pomade is ideal for short to mid-length hair, delivering a shiny finish along with medium hold.
A key benefit mentioned is that it provides perfect control without any crunch or flakes. The suggested application method is simple: use a fingertip amount, mix, rake, and comb to achieve a clean-cut style.
It’s noted that a little product goes a long way, making it an economical choice for achieving a polished appearance. It is also highlighted as complementing AXE’s full range of styling and grooming products.
- Best For: Men looking for easy styling with a natural finish for short to mid-length hair.
- Pros: Delivers a shiny finish with medium hold without crunch or flakes, A little product goes a long way, making it economical, Complements a full range of AXE styling and grooming products.
- Cons: May not provide strong enough hold for longer or thicker hair, Requires proper application technique for optimal results, Some users may prefer a different scent or fragrance.
7. Old Spice Classic Pomade for Men Twin Pack (Medium Hold, Low Shine)
The Twin Pack of Old Spice Classic Pomade is presented as an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable styling product with medium hold and a matte finish.
This product is said to suit all hair types and work well on both damp and dry hair. It aims to provide a controlled hold that keeps style in place without a sticky feel.
The no-shine finish contributes to a polished look. Like the single pack version, it features an invigorating coconut and tropical wood scent. Users reportedly praise its ease of use and value.
- Best For: Those looking for a medium hold, low shine pomade that works well on all hair types and is easy to use for everyday styling.
- Pros: Provides a controlled, long-lasting medium hold without a sticky feel, Offers a no-shine, matte finish for a polished look, Features a refreshing coconut and tropical wood scent that isn’t overpowering.
- Cons: May not provide enough hold for individuals seeking a stronger styling product, Some users may find the performance varies based on hair type or styling needs, Limited size per container may require more frequent purchases.
8. American Crew Mens Hair Pomade (Medium Hold, High Shine)
This American Crew Men’s Hair Pomade (specifically the “OLD VERSION” 3oz pack mentioned) is suggested for achieving a classic slick look while avoiding the stiffness often associated with traditional gels.
It is a water-based pomade offering a medium hold with high shine. It is noted as perfect for managing highly textured hair. Application involves working a small amount through dry or towel-dried hair, with the dampness adjustable for varying hold levels.
Users reportedly rave about its natural finish, pleasant scent, and ease of application. It’s described as a modern, flexible alternative that enhances personal image.
- Best For: Those seeking a modern styling product that provides medium hold and high shine for classic slick hairstyles without the stiffness of gels.
- Pros: Natural finish that avoids stiffness or greasiness, Pleasant scent, Flexible styling options based on hair dampness.
- Cons: Users may need to experiment with dampness for desired hold, Some have noticed variations in product consistency and color, Transitioning from stronger hold products may take time to adjust.
9. Fix Your Lid Extreme Hold Hair Pomade for Men – 3.75 oz
If a strong hold without weighing hair down is the priority, Fix Your Lid Extreme Hold Hair Pomade is presented as an excellent choice.
This pomade features a high shine finish and a water-based formula, offering a robust hold for defined styles that can last over 10 hours. It is described as non-greasy and suitable for all hair types, making it versatile.
The formula includes castor oil and citric acid, which are said to promote hair health, and it has a pleasant citrus scent. Application is recommended on clean, dry hair for a flawless look, and it washes out easily at the end of the day. Users reportedly rave about its effectiveness and lasting power.
- Best For: Men of all hair types looking for a strong hold and high shine without a greasy feel.
- Pros: Provides a strong hold for structured and defined hairstyles, Non-greasy formula that doesn’t weigh hair down, Pleasant citrus scent.
- Cons: May require more product for very thick or coarse hair, Some users may prefer a more matte finish, Limited to a single scent option.
10. American Crew Mens Hair Pomade (Heavy Hold & High Shine)
This specific American Crew Men’s Hair Pomade is identified as the preferred choice for those seeking a heavy hold paired with a high shine finish. This 3 oz pomade is water-based and considered perfect for sculpting sleek styles.
It is ideal for straight to curly hair types and suitable for short to medium lengths. Users reportedly appreciate its ease of use and pleasant scent.
Many find it holds well throughout the day. For best results, applying it to wet hair is recommended, and pairing it with hairspray for extra hold is suggested. Despite some concerns reported by users regarding hold strength, it remains a popular choice.
- Best For: Those looking for a heavy hold and high shine finish for styling short to medium hair lengths, suitable for straight to curly hair types.
- Pros: Provides a strong hold that maintains style throughout the day, Easy to wash out due to its water-based formula, Pleasant scent and smooth consistency.
- Cons: Some users report issues with hold strength, describing it as weak, May not provide the desired hold for all hair types or lengths, Price increases have caused concern among loyal customers.
