The 10 Best Pomades
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in March of 2018. If you like to look sharp but don't have tons of time to dedicate to grooming, pomade may be an ideal solution for you. It is designed to lock hair into place without leaving it appearing shiny or feeling tacky, which may be one of the risks you've been taking by using the wrong types of product. With any of these formulas, you'll be able to create customized styles quickly and easily. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Layrite Natural
2. Old Spice Sculpting
3. Rudy's Styling
Editor's Notes
April 19, 2020:
You may wonder what differentiates pomade from other styling products such as gel or holding spray. For one, pomade doesn’t leave hair feeling crunchy or brittle like some setting products can. In fact, it doesn’t truly “set” a style; rather, it provides flexible, malleable hold and a stylish slick appearance. It’s suitable for use on all hair types and textures, so don’t be afraid to test it out on your mustache, beard, or sideburns. If pomade isn’t quite thick enough for your unruly locks, consider picking up a tub of hair wax instead.
The formulas we’ve chosen are ideal for achieving modern casual hairstyles in addition to classic slicked back styles and even pompadours. Most contain nourishing ingredients, like Shea butter and jojoba extract, for instance, that will keep your mane feeling as good as it looks. With any one of the options featured here, you can count on holding power that will endure for hours, if not the entire day.
Old Spice Sculpting and Rudy's Styling have been added to the list due to their reasonable price points and high-quality formulas. The new entries now occupy the second and third slots. By contrast, Golden Coast and Zeus Cream were removed due to confirmed complaints about hold and scalp irritation.
Special Honors
R+Co Aircraft Mousse This option may have a hefty price tag, but that’s just because it contains some of the most nourishing ingredients out there—and the results aren’t bad either. Plus, it’s certified cruelty-free so you don’t have to compromise your beliefs to look your best. dermstore.com
John Masters Capillaire This one's made with all USDA-certified organic ingredients, which should come as a relief to fashion-oriented men who also prefer to avoid using chemical-laden styling products. It has a 12-month shelf-life, too, making it a good choice for folks who only use pomade on special occasions. johnmasters.com
Aveda Brilliant This lightweight formula is rich in natural humectants—moisture preserving substances, for the non-chemists out there—like aloe leaf juice and linseed extract. It comes in a recyclable tub made from 100% post-consumer plastic and is manufactured in a wind-powered facility. aveda.com
4. Suavecito Firme
5. Hair Craft Co. Semi-Matte
6. Viking Revolution Firm
7. Boardwalk Strong
8. Jack Black Wax
9. Xylia Naturals Intrepid
10. Seattle Pomade Co. Organic
Taber is a writer from Santa Monica, CA, with a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California, San Diego. After completing her degree, she began writing and editing copy for a host of high-traffic e-commerce websites. Her areas of expertise include the beauty, style, pet, and home products categories, and she has plenty of experience covering literature and art, too. Her personal interests in crafting and decorating inform her writing and -- she hopes -- add a good bit of insight to her work. Outside of copywriting, she is a reporter and columnist at a Los Angeles community newspaper and is currently pursuing a master of fine arts in creative writing.