Nowadays, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about looking your best. And for many men, that means having thick, well-groomed hair. But with so many hair products on the market, it can be tough to know which pomade suits you. I’ve compiled this review of the best men’s pomade for thick hair.
From stronghold to light hold, natural ingredients to synthetic, there’s a pomade perfect for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a go-to product to help you achieve the ideal slick-back or want to keep your hair in place all day long, I’ve got you covered.
Best Pomades for Thick Hair Top Picks
Best Pomades for Thick Hair Reviews
Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade for Thick Hair
Classic Strong Hold | High Shine
Looking for the best pomade for thick hair that will not disappoint? Then Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade is the one for you!
Invented by C.D. Murray in his Chicago barber shop in 1925, Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade is one of the most popular hair styling products on the market. It remains a bestseller to this day.
Murray’s pomade is especially effective for those with thick hair or who want to emphasize their waves and natural curls. The pomade provides a firm hold that controls frizz while allowing curls to bounce and shine. And although labeled as unscented, it also has a sweet, pleasant scent that lingers throughout the day.
Pros:
- Affordable
- It works for thick, curly hair.
- Great scent
Cons:
- Sticky feeling
- Difficult to wash off
Ingredients
Petrolatum, Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin.
Bottom line: There are a lot of hair pomades on the market, and it can be tough to choose the right one. If you’re unsure which product to pick, Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade is a reliable option.
It’s affordable, widely available, and does a decent job of holding hair in place. However, there are better products with better ingredients, so if you’re looking for the best, you’ll want to check out the other products I listed below.
Cremo Premium Barber Grade Pomade for Thick Hair
Affordable Strong Hold | High Shine
Affordable and high-quality pomades are difficult to find. So if you’re looking for one, Cremo Premium Pomade is your answer. Produced by CREMO, an Award-Winning Men’s Grooming Product Company, this pomade delivers a slick and polished look in just a few seconds.
I have tried this barber-grade pomade, one of the best hair-styling products I have ever used. It contains only the finest ingredients, making it ideal for long and thick hair. But don’t let that fool you – it works just as well on curls.
One of my favorite thing about Cremo Premium Pomade is that it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down. Instead, it has a light, airy texture that keeps my hair looking and feeling healthy.
One issue with this pomade for thick hair is it doesn’t provide a firm hold. But I love the flexibility and that it can be easily washed off compared to other pomades available today.
Pros
- Not too sticky
- Easy to wash out
- Works on beard
Cons
- Contains DMDM hydantoin
Ingredients:
Water, ceteareth-25, PVP, glycerin, peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, propylene glycol, DMDM hydantoin, fragrance.
Bottomline:
Cremo Pomade is a great pomade that can keep your hair in place all day long without making it too stiff. It is also affordable and has a faint old-school barbershop scent. But note that it contains DMDM hydantoin, an ingredient deemed unsafe by some users as it was an alleged culprit for hair loss.
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Pomade for Thick Hair
Affordable Strong Hold | High Shine
Rocky Mountain Pomade is excellent for those seeking a firm hold without stiffness. The water-based formula is easy to remove and doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy or heavy. Most users like the scent; it’s almost like a light cologne which is refreshing and not too overpowering.
As someone who has been in the barber industry for a long time, I love that this pomade is made with gentle ingredients on the scalp. It contains beeswax, a natural ingredient that keeps your hair in place, naturally moisturizes hair, and creates a shiny look.
This pomade can be a great hair moisturizer for men. It’s perfect for creating various styles, from a classic side part to a modern pompadour. And thanks to its high shine finish, it can keep your hair looking healthy and polished—no matter what style you wear.
Pros:
- Water-based, easy to remove
- Nice scent
- It contains beeswax for additional hold
Cons:
- Loses hold when subjected to heat
- North American Made
Ingredients:
Water, Ceteareth 25, Beeswax, Glycerin, PEG 40, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate, PVP K30, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
Bottomline:
Rocky Mountain Pomade is one of the best choices for those looking for a firm hold and high shine. The beeswax content gives it an excellent grip, while the easy wash-off formula makes removing it a breeze. One issue is that it may not withstand hot weather and other pomades.
Suavecito Pomade for Thick Hair
Strong Hold Pomade | Medium Shine
Extreme heat and humidity can be tough on your hair, so you need the perfect pomade to withstand the elements. That’s where Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade for Thick Hair comes in.
Although this pomade has a water-based formula that is easy to use and wash off, it still gives you the strong hold you need to keep your style in place. Plus, it’s one of the bestsellers on Amazon, so you know you’re getting a quality water-based product.
In addition, if you’re looking for a product that will give you the perfect ‘Hold’ without leaving your hair crunchy, Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold has you covered. It’s easy to use and works great on wavy or curly hair – perfect for shaping those thick locks into whichever style you desire.
The only downside is the strong cologne smell which can be overwhelming for others, but if you can get past that, this product is worth trying!
Pros:
- Water Base Formula
- Dries Fast
- Easy to Wash Off
- Survives Heat and Humidity
- Affordable
Cons:
- Strong Smell
- Contains parabens
Ingredients:
Water, ceteareth-25, glycerin, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, PEG 4 hydrogenated castor oil, fragrance, hydantoin caramel, simethicone, PVP, PEG-8 Beeswax, propylene glycol, methylparaben, polysorbate 20
Bottomline:
All in all, Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold is still one of the best pomades in the market. It has a strong and day-lasting hold with natural shine. However, beware as some have experienced itchiness because of parabens content. The smell is also an issue for some people. But if you can overlook these cons, this pomade is worth your money.
Layrite Superhold Pomade for Thick Hair
Strong Hold Pomade | Medium Shine
Looking for a pomade that holds like wax and washes out like gel? Look no further than Layrite Superhold Pomade.
This pomade for thick hair was created by Donnie Hawley, a barber who was tired of the traditional petroleum-based pomades on the market. He wanted to develop a pomade that would provide a firm hold without all the fuss. And that’s precisely what he did.
The Layrite Superhold Pomade is perfect for those who want a strong hold without all the greasiness of traditional pomades. It provides a medium shine, and the mild cream soda scent is pleasant without being overwhelming.
But if you prefer a medium to light hold or a super shiny to matte finish, Layrite offers many other products. However, for those with curly, thick, coarse hair, Layrite Superhold Pomade is the best option. It keeps hair in place all day without looking or feeling stiff and washes out easily with just water.
Pros
- Great smell
- Natural shine
- Water-based
- Easy to wash off
Cons:
- Contains formaldehyde
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Ceteareth-25, PEG-7, Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate-20, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-8 Methicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Bottomline:
Layrite’s Superhold Pomade is an excellent option for casual days, with a natural shine and fresh scent. However, the hold isn’t as strong as some other brands and can dissolve in heat. Also, please note that it contains formaldehyde, which causes itchiness and acne in some users. Layrite’s pomade is a decent strong hold medium shine and a good-smelling substitute for Suavecito.
OL’ DIRTY BARBER Hair Pomade For Thick Hair
Premium Strong Hold Pomade | Medium Shine
Aside from thick hair, a dry scalp is also a problem for most men. So if you’re looking for a high-quality hair pomade for thick hair that won’t leave your hair feeling dry and brittle? Look no further than OL’ DIRTY BARBER hair pomade.
This water-based pomade is perfect for men with wavy or curly hair, as it helps to tame frizz and flyaways without weighing down your locks. Plus, it’s made in the USA from top-quality ingredients, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a product that lives up to its promises.
And best of all, OL’ DIRTY BARBER hair pomade is alcohol-free. It won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. And it contains some of the best ingredients like Biotin, Avocado, and Rosewood oil that helps moisturize and prevents hair damage.
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- It contains natural nourishing ingredients
- Water-soluble
Cons:
- Quite Pricey
Ingredients:
Water, Ceteareth-25, Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, DEA-Oleth-10 Phosphate, Oleth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Avocado Oil, Rosewood Wood Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Biotin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Caram
Bottomline:
Overall, OL’ DIRTY BARBER Hair Pomade is one of the best hair pomades for thicker hair. The pomade had a great hold without being too stiff or sticky, leaving hair with a long-lasting shine. One downside, however, is the price. The pomade is on the high end, but if you’re looking for a good quality product, I think it’s worth the investment.
Brickell Styling Clay Pomade for Thick Hair
Strong Hold Pomade | Matte Finish
Brickell is one of the most reliable brands for men’s products. They have been featured in GQ and Ment’s Health. That’s why you can never go wrong, especially with their Clay Pomade for Thick Hair.
Brickell Men’s Products Styling Clay Pomade For Men is a strong hold, matte finish styling product perfect for creating textured, natural-looking styles. This clay formula utilizes bentonite clay as its base.
Bentonite clay provides a strong hold, and thanks to its detoxifying properties, it removes impurities from the scalp and prevents buildup. It also contains essential oils that help to improve circulation and moisturize strands and scalp. On the other hand, the hydrolyzed protein content nourishes your hair strand, helps repair damaged hair, and prevents future breakage.
This clay pomade also has a refreshing mint scent that invigorates the senses. But one of the best things I like about the Brickell Men’s Pomade is the sleek and stylish packaging. The elegant black labels make it a great gift for any man in your life.
Pros
- High-Quality ingredients
- Reliable brand
- Mild refreshing scent
Cons:
- Pricey
Ingredients:
Beeswax, Kaolin, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (Coconut-Derived), Ceteareth-25, Water, VP/VA Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bentonite, Hemisqualane, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Silica Silylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bisabolane, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Argan Kernel Oil, Lemon Peel Essential Oil, Rosemary Leaf Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Essential Oil, Spearmint Essential Oil.
Bottomline: Brickell Styling Clay Pomade is another pomade to consider if you have thick hair. The mint scent is light and refreshing, not overwhelming like some other styling products on the market. And if you need a pomade for thick hair with a matte finish, this is my top recommendation.
Best Pomade for Thick Hair Buyer’s Guide
Thick hair needs special care – which is why you want the very best pomade for your hair. With all the hair styling products available: hair gel, hair paste, hair clay, wax stick for hair, hair mousse for men, and pomade itself, it’s very easy to buy a product that won’t work well with your thick hair.
Through this guide, I’ll help you differentiate between the kinds of hair styling products, why pomade is the best for thick hair, and which type of pomade you should look out for.
What is a Pomade for Thick Hair?
Pomades for thick hair are oil or water-based styling product that not only helps hold the hair in place. It also gives it a distinct shine, which you can use to complement your look.
How To Use Pomade
Using hair pomade sounds deceptively simple. Put some in your hands and work in your hair. What could go wrong? Plenty. For those of you who are new to using pomade to rock a new hairdo, this is for you.
The first thing you want to do is wash your hair. Whether following a full-on shower or a quick rinse, pomade always works best on clean hair. But don’t blow-dry just yet; pomade works best on slightly damp hair. A quick towel drying will suffice.
Next, you’ll want to prepare the pomade by rubbing it on your hands or fingertips. The amount of pomade you’ll use depends on you, but I always strongly urge my friends and clients to start with a tiny amount. It’s much easier to add more pomade than to undo the hold of too much pomade.
Once the pomade is ready, apply it to your hair by starting at the roots. Feel free to rub it through your hair with your fingers and palms. The critical part is getting the pomade to the roots of your hair since that’s where the hold matters the most. Once satisfied, comb through your hair to distribute evenly what’s left of the pomade.
Finally, lock in your style via drying. Any regular hair dryer will suffice for this, but you’ll want to do this in front of a mirror with styling tools ready if you need to do any touch-ups.
How Does a Pomade for Thick Hair Work?
Pomade is waxy, slick stuff that’s activated by water. When applied to slightly wet hair, the chemicals in the pomade react to create firm yet malleable bonds, which in turn allow you to style your hair just the way you like it.
Types of Pomades
There are multiple types of hair pomade for thick hair. These pomades have a lot of variation, from their ingredient to the finish they impart and even their extra features. Knowing and separating each component allows you to pick out a pomade tailored to your needs.
Based on Ingredients
There are two base ingredients in pomade—oil or water.
Oil-based pomade is powerful stuff. These pomades are made just like the pomades of old, using oily products such as petroleum, beeswax, or lanolin. These pomades provide excellent hold and shine but are also very hard to wash out. If, on the other hand, you’ve got stubborn hair that doesn’t respond to water-based pomade, you’ll want to try an oil-based pomade.
Water-based pomade, on the other hand, is weaker than oil-based pomade. However, don’t be misled by the term “weaker”; water-based pomade is still strong enough to style your hair and hold it in place. Unlike oil-based pomade, a water-based pomade is much lighter and washes easily without damaging your hair. On the downside, water-based pomades use many more chemicals and are thus more expensive than oil-based pomades.
Based On Finish
Pomades are great at adding shine to your hair, but your mileage may vary. Some people enjoy the lustrous and eye-catching look of shiny hair, while others may opt for a more muted look.
Matte finish pomades are for people who want style without a shiny look. These pomades will style your hair just as well as others but give very little (if any) shine at the end.
Medium shine hair pomades offer a good balance between style and form. These pomades are an excellent choice for anyone looking to stand out with a great-looking hairstyle without looking too loud.
However, high-shine hair pomades are available for those who want to make a statement. These hair pomades for thick hair offer not only great styling power but also a waxy and classic look that’s sure to grab attention.
Based On Hold Strength
Pomades also have different hold strengths. The thicker your hair and the more complex the hairstyle you want, the stronger the hold you’ll need.
Light-hold pomades are still pretty strong, despite the name. These pomades will suffice for conventional hairstyles and light styling. Remember, the less strain on your hair, the better.
Medium-hold pomades are my go-to when it comes to styling thick hair. By combining a firm yet malleable hold with a pomade’s innate styling and grooming power, you’ll be able to not only style your hair the way you want but also keep it under control.
Strong hold pomades are built tough. If your thick hair doesn’t respond to medium-hold pomades, get a firm-hold pomade – this stuff will tame even the wildest and most unruly of manes.
Best Features
While pomades do their job of styling and holding well enough, sometimes you need or want a little extra.
Scent
If you’d like to go all the way with your style, or if you need to dress to impress, you may want to invest in a hair pomade with fragrance. There’s a wide range of fragrances for hair pomades – from fresh citrus to more masculine woodsy smells. Alternately, if you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies, you can also look for a pomade without fragrances.
Ingredients
Besides their oil or water base, a good pomade for thick hair comprises several ingredients. Here are some of the ones you should look out for.
Ingredients such as glycerin, beeswax, and propylene glycol have other beneficial properties besides styling your hair. These substances also work as humectants, which help moisturize your hair.
The one ingredient you should look out for is petroleum. Petroleum-based oil pomades have been proven bad for your hair, as they suffocate your scalp and make your skin dry out.
Additional ingredients such as aloe vera or other essential oils can nourish your hair while styling it nicely. While these ingredients are good to have, it’s important to remember that you still need to wash your pomade out occasionally.
Finally, note that while some pomades are labeled as all-natural or safe for long-term use, these should be taken with a grain of salt as you will still need to wash pomades out every so often.
FAQs about Pomade for Thick Hair
What’s the difference between pomade and hair gel?
Hair gel provides the strongest holdout of all hair styling products. If you’re looking to rock a complicated hairstyle or want your hair to hold no matter what, you’re probably better off using hair gel over hair pomade.
What’s the difference between pomade and clay?
Hair clays use clay to hold your hair up. It’s also better for short to medium hair. On the downside, hair clays have a relatively rigid hold and aren’t great for styling.
Is pomade good for your hair?
Not necessarily, but it’s not bad for your hair, either. As with all things, use hair pomade in moderation for the best results.
How long can you leave pomade in your hair?
That depends on the kind of pomade for thick hair you’re using. Oil-based pomades, especially those that use petroleum, can be harmful if you leave them in for more than a few days. Water-based pomades, on the other hand, can usually be left in for about a week.
How much pomade should I use?
This is a tricky question; the only correct answer is “as much as you need.” Each person’s hair is unique and will respond differently to pomade. It’s up to you to figure out how much of the stuff you need to get your hair the way you want.
Making That Majestic Mane
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for hair pomade, taming and styling your thick hair should be much easier. Remember, though – no one super pomade will always work. So careful experimentation with different pomades for thick hair is always recommended.
Frank is a barber from San Francisco. He has 10 years of experience providing the best straight-razor shaves, haircuts, and barber facial services for men. With all of his training, he is the go-to for any advice on beard and men’s hairstyles. When Frank’s not working, he spends his free time fishing or spending quality time with his wife and son.
