Sculpt Your Hair to Perfection With These 14 Pomades (2024)

YOU CAN find a jar of pomade in nearly every guy's bathroom. Pomade is and will always be, one of the most versatile hair products in every guy’s hair arsenal. There's a pomade out there for every hair type and texture: short, long, thin, thick, straight hair, curly hair and everything in between. A lot of guys are intimidated by pomades or have pre-conceived notions of what type of guy uses pomades, but trust us—pomade is for the everyman.

If the first thing you think of when you hear the word pomade is shiny, slicked-back side parts or pumped-up Rockabilly pompadours, you’re not wrong. Original pomade was oil-based goo that shellacked your hair into place with a shiny finish that rivaled car paint. And yes, those types of pomades are still out there, if that’s what you’re going for. But nowadays, pomade has come to mean more than just a specific product—it’s more of an entire category. There are pomades for every hair type and texture as well as light hold, matte finish, cream, liquid and any other variation you could possibly imagine. This endless evolution has only cemented the importance of pomade for every man.

The main benefit of using pomade is hold, says celebrity men’s groomer Melissa DeZarate. “I’ll use pomade when I want to be sure hair is going to stay in the style I created,” she says. “But they’re also great when you want to create a grittier look or even add texture and pieciness to long hair.” Pomades are generally pretty easy to work with because they stay soft and pliable (even when they’re holding your hair in place) and you can even restyle your hair later with a little water to get it back into place.

Water-based pomades tend to be lighter than oil-based versions, but which you choose depends more on personal preference and what style you are going for (oil-based pomades are usually thicker and shinier). Pro-tip: If you use an oil-based pomade, DeZarate recommends washing it out with conditioner first rather than shampoo because the oils in conditioner will attract the oils in the pomade.

As far as what pomade is right for you? Well, it depends on what type of hair you have and what style you’re going for. Luckily, this list of the best pomades for men will point you in the right direction.

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A light-hold pomade with a natural finish, this not-too-heavy, but not-too-light styler tames hair with ease and also nourishes it thanks to ingredients like fortifying peptides. Bonus: it protects against UV light, which you might not have realized can damage your hair (but trust us, it can).

Clay pomades are best for shorter to medium hairstyles to add texture and volume to the hair. The clay also absorbs oil over time, so your style stays looking matte and perfectly in place all day long.

Humidity is no match for this this satiny pomade. Made with castor and rice bran oil, it actually repels moisture from your hair, reducing frizz and taming flyaways. The clean fragrance is a major plus, and the scent isn't overwhelming or strong in the slightest.

If pomade is good for one thing, it’s wrangling your hair into whatever shape you want. Even the thickest and most unruly hair is easily tamed with this super-strong hold pomade. It delivers a moderate shine, perfect for most styles, and the water-based formula rinses out easily when you need to refresh.

Super thick, goopy pomades are only going to weigh down fine hair and make it look thinner. This original style pomade is a classic because it’s middle of the road—medium shine, medium hold. It can shape your hair like the stronger ones, but won’t weigh down fine hair.

For a more natural style that you can move your fingers through that still stays in place, light hold pomade is your friend. This super-light pomade has just the right amount of hold to keep your ‘do in check all day, but it'll look like you did it without the aid of product.

Most pomades are ideal for short or medium-length hair, only because they tend to be on the heavier side. This innovative pomade solves that—it has the hold of a classic pomade but comes out of the can as a foamy mousse, which makes running it through longer hair a breeze (and won’t weigh your strands down after it dries).

To achieve a look that seems product-free, go for a matte pomade. It won’t make your hair shiny and will allow the natural color and texture to show through. This creamy pomade is a great way to tame frizz, add texture or volume, or keep your hair in shape all day without making it seem like you tried too hard (or at all).

This pomade is about as classic as it gets—medium hold, high shine. It’s the perfect tool for achieving super slick side parts and other classic looks. Start with a little and add more till you get the right amount of control and shine—don’t worry, it’s water-based, so it will wash out easily.

You don’t want a super-hold pomade when you have short hair—you just don’t need it! This moisturizing balm nourishes and smooths your hair, while still delivering a little bit of definition and hold without mucking it all up.

A natural finish doesn’t just mean shine-free—it also means there’s less hold than your classic pomade so your hair retains some movement but won’t go completely crazy within seconds of leaving the house. This cream-based pomade moisturizes and smooths frizz while keeping your hair in check.

On its own, this light hold pomade would be way up on our list of favorites because it makes hair significantly more manageable without weighing it down. But the coolest part is that it’s specifically designed to make wiry grey hairs more manageable and even makes them look shinier.

We love a multitasker and this one is top of the list because it’s just so simple. It’s a light hold, smoothing pomade that’s great for natural, casual looks on top and can also be used as a beard balm if you take it to your chin. Disclaimer: don’t try to double up with just any product—this one was specifically formulated to not clog your pores.

A good pomade should be easy to use and keep your hair in place for as long as you need it. A great pomade should also smell good so you actually want to use it. This pomade smells woody, spicy and tobacco-y like a fancy cologne but won’t overpower the room when you walk in.

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the best pomades for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of pomades to the test and evaluated their ingredients, scent, feel, and hold. We also considered whether the pomade was a water or clay-based formula. We also considered top-reviewed pomades that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.