There is a long history for pomade as a hair care product. It’s an unusual sort of formula made primarily from something greasy or waxy enough to hold a hair style in place. Each pomade formula also has some kind of fragrance, though these vary widely by the brand. There are two major styles of pomade, and these include newer water-based formulas and traditional oil-based formulas.
The traditional brands have been popular since the early 1900s and there are hairstyles based on using pomades that are famous for each generation since then. Many men prefer the traditional styles and pomade formulas because they enjoy the history that goes along with wearing retro clothes and hair. Some even belong to clubs of men who examine the various merits of both the old, tried and true brands and the newer ones, too. One significant difference between the two is that any of the oil-based brands are always difficult to wash out of hair and can stick to fingers even after washing; while the water-based brands usually shampoo out very easily. The pomades reviewed here are a mix of the traditional and the new.
10. Murrays Nu Nile Hair Slick Dressing Pomade
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Made with petrolatum, microcrystalline wax and fragrance, this pomade has been used by many different customers with hair ranging from very thick and hard to mange to fine or curly. It is a slightly sticky black product that has a similar appearance to mascara, though many use it regardless of their hair color because it works very well to control and manage all sorts of problem hair. Over 440 customers purchased this product, and of those, 51% gave it a 5 star rating and 22% gave it a 4 star rating. Customers appreciated its strong, long lasting hold.
9. Lockhart’s Authentic Heavy Hold Hair Pomade
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Some of the attractive things about this pomade are that it is made in Michigan and it is handmade in small batches for quality control. It is heat, sweat and weather resistant. It scent is described as coco-vanilla, and it offers a slightly shiny finish, closer to matte than high sheen. Some of the best things customers liked about this craftsman product is that it will hold very heavy styles easily and it has a very nice fragrance. It has a very nice smooth texture and holds up even in warm climates.
8. Imperial Barber Products Classic Pomade 6oz – 2 Pack
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Over 230 customers reviewed this classic pomade. This is a 2 pack of 6 ounce tins. Of those who purchased this product, 66% left a 5 star review. There were many who had extra thick or curly hair which was difficult to style until they found this pomade. Pros noted were its light fragrance, its lightweight water soluble composition and its ease of application and washing out when done. A few customers felt the hold did not last long enough or they had to use more product than expected to get results.
7. Baxter of California Hard Cream Pomade
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This pomade is great for thicker hair types. Its formula has won awards for its flexible hold and natural ingredients. It is lightweight, provides a low shine and will hold strong for hours. Reviews for this product were mixed. Customers mentioned that it works like a pomade, but the texture is gelatinous and the cream comes out of the container in chunks which can attach themselves to hair in all the wrong places. Many owners felt that it takes some practice to learn how to use this pomade effectively. Some mentioned that the product, though high quality, was sold at premium prices which made it hard to justify the purchase considering the difficulties possible when using it.
6. Reuzel Red Can Hair Pomade
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This pomade is in a red 4 ounce can. It is a water based product that holds hair like strong glue and leaves hair with a shine. The manufacturer recommends applying it to dry hair for the heaviest hold. The formula comes from Holland, but the product is manufactured in the USA. Of the customers who reviewed this product, 69% gave it a 5 star rating for its superior holding ability. They also mentioned that it is easy to shampoo out. Owners mentioned that it is tough, versatile and smells good.
5. ROYAL CROWN Pomade for Men
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This product has been sold for generations. It comes in a 5 ounce tin and it is advertised as being formulated specifically for men. Many men who use it feel it is the best pomade for men. Part of its charm is that it is the same product used by Elvis and Johnny Cash. Men who enjoy wearing retro clothes and hair styles find that this simple product holds their hair in shape well due to its simple ingredients. It contains petrolatum, olive fruit oil and fragrance; nothing else. Of those who reviewed it, 64% gave it a 5 star rating for its natural ingredients, simple scent and holding ability.
4. D.J Hair Styling Cream Pomades For Thick Hair
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Originally used only in professional salons, this formula has been made available to the public in a big 7.4 ounce plastic tub. It is a mix of clay and cream, which allows it to flow easily with hair, yet hold it strong when dry. It has no shine; hair will have a matte finish. Of the customers who posted reviews, 76% gave this cream pomade a 5 star rating. Many liked its non-greasy feel and its natural look and scent.
3. Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold
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This water-based pomade is a 100% Made in the USA product. It is designed to hold like wax, but is very easy to shampoo clean. The company developed a new take on its traditional pomade, making this newer version even stronger and firmer than the earlier version to hold up styles that are typically problematic. Over 597 customers reviewed this #1 Best Seller in Pomades & Hair Styling Waxes, and of those, 70% gave it 5 star ratings. The 4 ounce tin is completely free of animal products. Most men like the scent and its firm hold.
2. Uppercut Deluxe Pomade from Uppercut Barber Supplies
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Over 380 customers reviewed this product, with 63% giving it 5 star ratings. Some of the things they liked about this pomade were its all day hold capability, its light vanilla and caramel scent and that it is very easy to wash completely out with a shampoo. Things owners did not like were that dries hard, so touch ups during the day require wetting the hair to get it to move. It is a water based product, which differs from many of the oil-based pomades available. It comes in a 3.5 ounce tin, and it is made in Australia.
1. Layrite Super Hold Deluxe Pomade
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With over 570 customer reviews, this pomade received 5 star reviews from 60% of owners. Advertised for supporting a wide variety of retro styles, it is said to work with fine and extremely thick hair, which makes it a strong contender for best pomade for thick hair. It was developed for Hawleywood’s Barbershop; the world famous spot for pomps, slicked backs, DAs, spikes, flat tops, parts, businessmen’s cuts and any traditional style. It is a gel product that holds strong, but washes out easily with water, and can be combed through during the day when needed. Owners mentioned its strong hold and subtle vanilla scent. While most liked the product, a few were very strongly opposed to its scent and felt it did not hold well for their hair.
It always takes a trial period using any pomade to know whether or not a brand does what it needs to do. Many men have collections of several different kinds that they have tried and know the results for their particular hair styling needs. Some men use only oil- based brands, some use only water-based, and others use both depending on the variable factors such as the weather, the hair style they are wearing or which fragrance they prefer to wear that day. Many men choose the fragrance that their wives or girlfriends like the best. The tiny tins and jars hold a lot of history along with the products inside, and offer men a tangible link to the past.
