The 10 best pomades for men to keep your hair in place all 2024

Unless you’re a comic book character, there’s no chance the hairs on your head are naturally perfectly placed. Even the ‘undone’ ‘dos of movie stars surely contain a swipe or two of the good stuff—they definitely didn’t wake up like that.

Everyone needs the best male pomade, regardless of whether you want to look sleek, suave, or just put together.

As with any good product, men’s pomades can do a lot for their hair. In addition to securing your preferred style, they should hydrate hair and keep it looking healthy. You can also make your own pomade. You should choose a pomade that complements your hair type, and gives you the shine or natural finish that you want.

There are many pomades on the market. A quick look at the internet can make your head spin (and possibly cause some hairs to fall out of place). You’ll notice strong holds and light ones, matte finishes, and sleek textures for piling up an impressive pompadour.

It can be difficult to choose between the many brands of men’s pomades, with their varied promises and superficial variations.

Fortunately, I’ve sorted through every brand and their offerings to bring you the best of the very best according to hair type, hold, finish, and even smell. You will find the perfect pomade for you. I can’t promise that you’ll look like a movie star, but I guarantee that your hair will.

Now let’s have a look at the top 10 best pomades for men below.

What you need to know 

As I began this project, I consulted every major retailer and blog to find out which pomades sold the best. But more importantly, what made them so popular. I checked reviews, examined photographs, and even scoped out my husband’s bathroom cabinet until I was able to narrow down the list to the 10 finalists you see on this list.

Overall, the cream of the crop of the best pomades for men is Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade because it’s moderately priced, suits all hair types, and provides a strong hold with a natural-looking body. For a reworkable high-shine lacquer, look no further than Lockhart’s Goon Grease.

Why it’s great: Picking the best hair pomade for men is tough because everyone’s hair types are so different, but Blind Barber is an easy fit. The yummy tonka bean scent smells delicious, it’s moderately priced, and it not only boasts a strong hold with a matte finish but also boosts hair health.

This list is the only one that uses ingredients such as beer hops and sweet almond proteins, which work to thicken and condition hair and regulate flaky and greasy hair. The overall texture is paste-like, not sticky; and thanks to the texture and strong holding power, you don’t need a lot of product for a natural-looking body.

Who is this for? I think everyone can appreciate a pomade for men with a strong hold that isn’t greasy and washes out easily with water. Perfect for men who want their hair textured, matte and easy to manage.

There are flaws, but they’re not a deal-breaker. The smell has been criticized by some reviewers, who say it’s too strong. However, most people love the scent. If you’re super sensitive to scents, this may not be for you.

Product Benefit: | Size: 2.5 oz | Hold onto your wits| Finish: Matte | Hair TypeAll

Why it’s great: This hair pomade is for men. My husband has thick and curly hair. He prefers an ‘invisible’ look, so he appreciates the natural finish and slight boost in volume that it gives his hair.

The hold is medium, so it’s perfect for every day, a flexible style that won’t harden your hair into a helmet. Both of us agree that the product smells fresh and is easy to use.

Who is this for? I recommend this pomade for men to the low-maintenance guy who doesn’t want it to look like he’s wearing product.

The flaws are not the end of the world Pasty more than waxy, so if you’re looking for intense hold and some high shine, look elsewhere.

Product Benefit: Volumizing, flexible | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold onto your wits: Medium | Finish: Matte | Hair TypeAll

Why it’s great: This product is perfect for fine hair that needs a little more body. It gives your hair a natural, piecey look.

Even though hair holds well, it is still supple and movable. Touchable, even, and with a natural finish that doesn’t feel sticky.

What is it for?  This pomade is perfect for the guy who wants to be casual. I probably wouldn’t recommend this for the severe, slicked-back type.

The flaws are not the end of the world For the amount you’re getting, some reviewers find this pomade to be good but expensive.

Product Benefit: Shape, texture| Size: 2 oz | Hold onto your witsLight | Finish| Hair TypeFine

Why it’s great: If it sounds fancy, that’s because it is. Kerastase’s pomade for thin hair is of the same exceptional quality. It provides a light hold, which is great for thin and ‘weakened’ hair, as they describe it.

Ginger root extract and creatine are ingredients that promote thickness, density and texture without weighing the hair down. It’s going to make your hair look thicker and feel stronger while also smelling subtly musky, thanks to a yummy bergamot scent.

Who is this for? Thinning hair is common in men, especially if you’re on the mature side. This pomade offers a solution.

The flaws are not the end of the world This pomade is a bit pricey, but it’s worth every penny.

Product Benefit: Thickness, density and texture| Size: 2.5 oz | Hold onto your wits| Finish: Matte | Hair TypeFine, thinned, weakened

Why it’s great: It wouldn’t be a list of the best pomades for men without Layrite. It’s easily one of the most popular brands, and I love the Superhold for curly, coarse, and thick hair. Their pomades all have a deliciously refreshing cream soda scent, but this particular one is great for coily or coarse hair.

It even works on cowlicks and areas that ‘fight back.’ The finish is low to medium shine, and even though it has a firm hold, it’s easy to restyle throughout the day as needed.

Who is this for? This is the best choice for you if you describe your hair as unruly and demanding.

The flaws are not the end of the world Some reviewers said it takes some effort to get this pomade through thick and coarse hair.

Product Benefit: Control and restylability| Size: 4.25 oz | Hold onto your witsFirm | Finish: Low-medium | Hair TypeThick. Coarse. Curly

Why it’s great: It’s great that the budget-friendly pomade is one of the top choices for men. It has a thick, creamy consistency you’ll want to work through thick, curly hair, though it is suitable for all hair types.

Even though they say it’s meant for a controlled look, I feel like the workable medium hold gives you that great balance of control and flexibility. Basically, your style will hold as if you’re wearing gel, but it won’t feel stiff.

Who is this for? This pomade is for you if your hair can be described as unruly. If you’ve had issues with other pomades, this affordable option is a great one to try out.

The flaws are not the end of the world I would avoid it or use less if you have thin or fine hair.

Product Benefit: Control| Size: 3 oz | Hold onto your wits: Medium | FinishHigh shine| Hair TypeAll, thick

Why it’s great: I’ve seen Goon Grease pop up over and over again on the ‘best of’ blogs, and I have to agree when it comes to high quality with a heavy hold. It’s comparable to Suavecito, but it won’t shellac your hair into a helmet.

You can restyle your hair throughout the day. It not only applies evenly and holds any style, from a jelly roll to a pompadour in place but also smells amazing.

What is it for? This candidate for the best male hair pomade is shiny and holds well, so I prefer it for formal occasions. It’s great for creating a style that lasts all day.

The flaws are not the end of the world Because it’s an oil-based pomade, it’s not as easy to wash out. To remove, the brand’s founder recommends applying Groom Cream before shampooing.

Product Benefit: High shine and superior hold | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold onto your wits| FinishHigh shine| Hair TypeAll

Why it’s great: With a fun name and plant-based ingredients, there’s a lot to love about this hair pomade for men. When you swipe it out of the jar, you’ll notice it has the consistency of grease, only creamier, and it holds like wax. When it’s time to wash out the jar, all you need is shampoo.

I would say it’s best for creating shape and hold with a natural finish, especially if your hair is super thick. It uses deep conditioning ingredients, such as mango butter and aloe leaf extract to hydrate hair and scalp. Oh, and don’t forget it smells delicious, thanks to blood orange and lavender.

Who is this for? This is the best way to achieve texture and volume. Crystal Lake will make thick, stubborn hair look like a sexy piece of art.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. The majority of reviewers agreed that this men’s pomade was easy to rework. However, some felt the hair fell out easily.

Product Benefit: | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold onto your wits: Medium | Finish| Hair Type:

Why it’s great: Pomades with oil base have their advantages, but water-based are so much easier. Upper-Cut is an easy to wash out pomade for men that won’t leave residue behind.

It provides a major shine and strong hold that won’t leave your hair crunchy or stiff. It’s ideal for medium-length hair and works best on timeless, classic looks like pompadours, side parts, and slick backs.

Who is this for? Are you lucky enough to have thick, healthy hair? This is a great pomade to use on thick hair. This is great for smoothing back a fade. Perfect for stylish men.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. Reviewers have noted that if you have long hair, it probably doesn’t have enough hold.

Product Benefit: | Size: 3.5 oz | Hold onto your wits| FinishShine| Hair TypeAll

Why it’s great: It is easy to use this pomade on men’s hair for basic styles. However, it shines when used for more daring hairstyles. The hold is spectacular, and it doesn’t leave any residue or build-up behind. Regardless of your hairstyle, the overall effect is matte, a nice, natural finish that doesn’t feel shiny or too bold.

This brand is from the Netherlands; and although it matters most what’s on the inside, I do love their iconic branding.

Who is this for? This is a great hairstyle for everyday use. If you like your hair to look natural and not shiny, this one’s for you.

There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. The scent of this pomade for men is subtle vanilla mint, but several reviewers couldn’t smell it. The reviewers picked up on a clay-like smell that may be unappealing to some.

Product Benefit: Thickening and defining | Size: 7 oz | Hold onto your wits: Medium | Finish: Matte | Hair TypeFine

Considerations to Make When Buying The Best Pomades For Men

Hair Type

It is important to choose the right pomade based on your hair type. Some pomades can be too thick for fine hair and leave it greasy. Some pomades are too light for coarse, thick hair that is unruly. You will waste too much product if you use them.

The best pomades are usually rated by the amount of hold and hair type they can work on. You should choose a pomade that is lightweight if your hair is thin or fine. You can choose from a variety of pomades if you have hair that is wavy or moderately thick. Hair that is coarse, curly and unruly needs to be nourished.

Hold onto your wits

In general, thicker hair requires more hold. That’s because a strong hold paste is going to have more grit to tamp down the hair. Light hold works better on thin and fine hair.

There are some exceptions, and one might actually prefer to have a light hold on their thicker hair if they aren’t sporting a highly controlled hairstyle. You may only want to give your hair some shape and tame a few flyaways. When choosing a hair hold, consider your needs and your hair type.

Shine

When perusing the best pomades for men, don’t overlook shine. Typically, a pomade will either be low, medium, or high shine – although some are also matte or natural. Natural, matte and low shine pomades do not add slickness.

If you’re the kind of guy who doesn’t want his hair looking wet or ‘done,’ this is the way to go. The medium or high gloss adds an elegant touch to hairstyles. It’s more suave, sleek, and maybe a little bit more professional.

How We Decided

Many hair products make this claim. We’ve all seen those 12-in-1 combos, right? Although I’m sure you are aware of better options, it is still a good idea to check out the reviews. To find the best I took into account the reputation of the company, the price and the customer reviews. After all, if the internet isn’t where people are being honest, where is it?

Reputation of the company: In my search for the best men’s pomades, I chose brands that were loved by customers. I looked at their customer service, history of the brand and how transparent they were with the people they serve.

Price: Let’s face it, nobody wants to shell out for a hair pomade for men. I considered both the price and the value. Does the product offer value for money? How long can the product be used? These questions are all important to consider when constructing the list of best men’s pomades.

Customer reviews What people say is of utmost importance when searching for the best  pomades for men. Does the customer love the feel and quality of their hair? Will they buy the product again or will they never purchase it? I take people’s feedback seriously before I decide to recommend a product to others.

Why Trust Us?

Rachel Cascella loves hair so much she’s been writing about it for years. Fashionbeans is her first job after The Right Hairstyles. This isn’t even her first foray into pomades, either.

She ensures that every product and method she recommends has been thoroughly researched and meets a high standard. Would she recommend it to a loved one or use it on herself? If the answer is no, you won’t see it here.

Rachel’s approach to product selection is meticulous, prioritizing efficacy, reader relevance, and inclusivity. Her expertise isn’t just in recommending products but in providing a holistic view of grooming that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and skincare routines.

You can trust her advice, particularly in finding the best men’s pomades.

Final Verdict 

A quality hair pomade should suit most hair types and have a decent hold. It should also smell nice and offer a good value. Blind Barber 90 Proof pomade is my top choice for the best men’s hair pomades. It thickens the hair and conditions it while giving a strong, natural hold.