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Pomades have long been a staple in men’s grooming routines, offering unrivaled versatility and hold for creating a wide range of hairstyles. However, in recent years, these versatile hair products have transcended traditional gender boundaries, proving that anyone can enjoy their benefits. Because why not? The best pomades lock in your hairstyle and deliver all the shine.
Pomades come in various forms, from water-based to oil-based, catering to a wide spectrum of hair types and style preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a classic slick-back look, a messy textured hairstyle, or anything in between, there’s a pomade out there for you and at all price points.
What sets pomades apart from other hair styling products is their ability to hold strands in place throughout the day without the stiffness associated with gels or the dryness of some waxes. This makes them ideal for achieving a polished, groomed appearance or a casual, effortlessly tousled look, depending on your mood or occasion.
“When it comes to choosing the right pomade for your hairstyle, knowing your hair type and the kind of hold you’re looking for, will help direct you to choose the right product with the best result,” Leland Olson, Style/Color.Master for Kevin.Murphy told StyleCaster. “The three main factors I look for in a pomade are: hold factor, shine or matte results, and longevity of the product throughout the day.”
Now that you know what to look for, ready to start styling? Shop some hairstylist-fave pomades, below.
“If you are looking for something with high shine and a sleek hold, Kevin.Murphy Super.Goo can provide you with a high shine and firm hold, which makes it ideal for long-lasting style throughout the day,” says Olson. For a more messy, bedhead style, go for Free.Hold instead, and try Night.Rider for a film, sculpted style.
Le Labo’s Styling Concrete has a flexible hold thanks to its plant-based formula made with linseed and jojoba. It also smells perfect for date night.
Looking for a strong hold with major shine? Blind Barber’s 101 Proof Classic Pomade is for you. It’s made with hops, which washes out easily with water at the end of the day.
Hanz de Fuko’s Claymation has more than 5,000 Amazon ratings giving it 4.4 stars. Fans love how pliable it is for numerous amounts of styles with a shine-free matte finish.
Another beer-infused pomade is Redken Brews Cream Pomade , which is actually a volumizing product for fuller strands fast. Since it’s a water-based, non-greasy formula, it’s great for adding texture.
You can’t talk about men’s hair products without including the iconic American Crew. This water-based pomade controls majorly textured hair with ease and and leaves a high shine finish.
Get two of these stellar Old Spice Hair Styling Pomades if you’re the type who likes a medium-hold with zero shine. Oh, and the nourishing formula just happens to smell like a tropical vacation.
Sometimes you just want the strongest hold. That’s where Suavecito Pomade Firme comes in. The formula has a creamy consistency and a medium shine finish so there won’t be any flakes as the night goes on.
For a more lightweight hold, try Malin + Goetz Hair Pomade infused with natural beeswax and essential fatty acids to nourish and hydrate hair all while creating texture.
To control your strands on the go, pop R+Co’s Dart Pomade Stick in your bag. It gives hair texture and groomed definition and tames those annoying flyaways.
