How to Choose the Right Pomade For Your Hairstyle

Have you ever tried a hair gel or hairspray and wound up with crunchy, extra shiny, or flaky hair? Then you know that finding the right hair product - and applying it correctly - matters.

For a lot of guys, that product is a pomade. Unlike gels and hairsprays, which can feel over-the-top, irritating, or difficult to get right, pomades offer a lot of variety, flexibility, and control. 

That said, not all pomades were created equal. Here’s how to choose the right one for your particular goals and hairstyle. 

For a Matte Look 

If you’re going for a matte look that doesn’t betray that you have any product in your hair, consider a clay pomade. 

Clay pomades provide a matte finish and a strong hold, meaning that you can get a lot of style without any shine. They can also condition the hair, tame frizz, and encourage hair growth, which means they’ll help your hair look better and stronger over time. 

To get the most out of your clay pomade, apply it with dry hands and remember that a little product goes a long way. 

For Slick Hair 

For a slick, high-gloss finish that complements a pompadour or quiff hairstyle, you should go with a gel pomade. The right gel pomade - water-soluble and formulated with good-for-your-hair ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E - will provide a strong hold and polished shine without damaging your hair or drying it out. 

For even more shine, apply your gel pomade to damp hair. As a general rule of thumb, the wetter your hair is when you apply your product, the more shine it’ll give off. 

And if your hair starts to lose its sheen or style throughout the day, simply wet your fingertips and rework the hair for a nice mid-afternoon reset. 

For Wavy Hair 

If you have wavy hair that's short, medium-length, or long, consider a wax pomade. Formulated with beeswax, vitamin E, and castor oil, a great wax pomade will provide a medium, flexible hold while still allowing for some natural hair movement and re-styling. 

Alternatively, you can also consider a Texturizing Sea Salt Spray for Men. Think about how your wavy hair looks and feels after you get out of the ocean: textured and lifted with defined curls and not a lot of frizz. In other words, a post-swim perfect hair day. 

A texturizing sea salt spray achieves the same surfer hair without the sunburn or sand, giving your wavy hair a relaxed, beachy upgrade with just a few sprays. 

For a Lifted ‘Do 

Trying to achieve some volume and lift? We recommend our Styling Clay Pomade or Classic Firm Hold Pomade.The bentonite clay in the former will provide strong, pliable hold and a naturally clean, matte look, while the latter will give you the height you’re looking for with a little extra shine and strength. 

For a Classic, Medium-Length Style 

Prefer a classic, medium length hairstyle like a fade or a standard medium-length cut.?

If this is the case, you can use any pomade to add some texture, hold, and style to your look. 

For a middle-of-the-road, classic look, start with a flexible hold wax pomade. Just a small dab will provide a natural shine finish that you can style however you want throughout the day. 

Still figuring out your hairstyle? Read our guide on how to find the right hairstyle for your face and head shape.