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The best pomades can be used to sculpt all types of looks, and not just slicked-back hairstyles. That’s because “pomade” has come to mean so many things. If you think of it as a shiny rockabilly thing, you’re out of date—these days, there are a whole spectrum of fiber and cream pomades that deliver a softer finish.
As things have evolved, “pomade” now more or less means “hair product.” So, whether you’re looking for a traditional version (for a slicker, shinier look) or a modern twist (for something matte or texturized), you’ve got plenty of options. To spare you any trial and error, we’ve rounded up 18 of the very best pomades on the market right now.
The Best Pomades Shopping Guide
- Best Pomade for High Hold, High Shine: Blind Barber classic pomade, $20
- Best Pomade for Medium Hold, High Shine: American Crew pomade, $19
- Best Pomade for Medium Hold, Medium Shine: Layrite pomade, $20
- Best Pomade for Light Hold, Low Shine: Imperial Barber paste pomade, $24
- Best Pomade for Light Hold, No Shine: Patricks M1 light hold pomade, $45
Best Pomades for High Hold, High Shine
High gloss, like a boss. Blind Barber’s classic 101-proof pomade slicks back tight and maximizes the shine. This is quintessential pomade with extra hold, and upgraded to our modern standards—no castor or petroleum oils, and it all rinses out clean with water. It’s also formulated with hops (as in, the stuff used to make beer), which helps protect the scalp against dandruff. (After all, those flakes might compromise said boss cred.)
For a more texturized style with natural-to-low shine, Firsthand’s pomade can be applied damp or dry. If applied to towel-dried hair, it delivers a bit more slick and smoothness. And in clean, dry hair, it will give you more grit and texture, with even less shine.
This GQ Grooming Award winner lets you know exactly what you’re getting–which is always a good thing when it comes to getting your hair in order. The natural shine firm hold is going to keep those locks firmly in place with a little shine that looks, well, natural. Even better, the creamy formula is free from all the nasties that tend to leave hair parched and prone to breakage—alcohol, sulfates, parabens—so you can be rest assured that the top of your head not only looks good but feels good to the touch, all day long.
Best Pomades for Medium Hold,High Shine
American Crew’s pomade is one of the most traditional you can buy. It’s medium hold, high shine, so that a little curl can swivel down in front of your forehead like you’re James Dean. Or, it can slick back wavy and curly styles, taking added control over otherwise unruly locks. It rinses out clean and, by the end of the day, is easily reactivated with a wet comb and a pinch more product.
We love a multitasking product when it comes to getting nice and pretty because, let’s be real, no one actually has time for a laundry list of steps these days. Aesop’s violet leaf balm is packed with a bevy of nourishing butters, carrot oil, and lavender stem to revitalize your thirsty strands while keeping them neatly in place. And because this silky balm is medium hold, there’s still flexibility if you want to shift things around during the day without worrying about stirring up any unwanted frizz.
Best Pomades for Medium Hold, Medium Shine
A barbershop fixture, Layrite offers another traditional option in the pomade game, though it dials things down one tiny notch. You get medium hold and medium shine, so it’s enough to look polished but not enough to reflect the sun off your crown. It gives you long-lasting hold that doesn’t call attention to itself…a fixture amongst professionals of all types. (There’s a reason barbers love the brand.)
In Byrd’s case, “medium shine” is more of a natural finish. And it gives you enough hold to sweep everything to the side or tuck it behind the ear, while still remaining touchable. It’s the perfect styler if you want that effortless surfer vibe, or if you’re actually a surfer and need something fairly effortless to apply, since you’ve got to wax your board all morning, or something.
Best Pomades for Light Hold, Low Shine
As pomade proves to be more and more versatile these days, it’s starting to steal lots of thunder from hair paste, the other most versatile product. That’s why it’s nice to see a pomade-paste hybrid from Imperial Barber, which delivers light-to-medium hold without any shine. Sure, it’s more like a paste when all is said and done, since it gives you touchable texture that you can restyle throughout the day, but that’s a good thing.
Whipping together 100% organic ingredients like strengthening aloe vera, spirulina, and moisturizing olive squalene, Church California’s coastal creme pomade is like the superfood smoothie your hair has been begging for. The creamy formula is great for adding texture and shape when things feel a little flat but you don’t want a locked-in look. In other words, you can throw this in and run your hands through your hair without any tugging or snags. It’ll help you nail that perfectly “undone” look you’re still trying to master.
Best Pomade for Light Hold, No Shine
If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight formula with no shine and very little hold, Patricks M1 pomade is for you. It smooths and softens hair, and doubles as a leave-in conditioner and scalp strengthener thanks to a blend of natural fortifiers. It tames flyaways, wears well under hats (unless you wear said hats for hours on end), and rinses out clean.
