7 Best Pomades for Thick Hair – Tame Curly & Heavy Locks in 2023

If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’re the proud owner of a full, thick head of hair. However, while your balding friend with the wispy combover may think otherwise, it’s not always as idyllic as it sounds.

Don’t get me wrong, you’ve certainly struck gold in the gene pool, but taming your crazy mane can certainly be stressful at times. I can tell you that it’s possible.

Try the best pomades to thicken hair instead of wearing the same hat day after day. These products can be used as an alternative to powders, pastes and clays to achieve your desired style.

Continue reading to bask in the glory and brilliance of a booming barnet.

What you need to know

It is both a blessing to have thick hair and a curse. It’s unlikely that you will go bald, but it takes a lot of effort to get it to cooperate. In this article, I’m going to embark on a hair-taming expedition to find the very best pomade for thick hair.

For you, I’ve reviewed countless sites and pored over hundreds of reviews to make this list. Thanks to products like Suavecito’s and Layrite’s, you’ll now be able to rescue your locks from chaos and create the hairstyles you’ve always wanted (but could never quite execute).

Why it’s great: Lightly scented with a creamy consistency, Suavecito’s popular pomade offers a healthy, medium hold with just the right amount of flexibility for thick hair. It can be touched up throughout the day (if required) with water and easily washes out once you’re ready to hit the sack.

Use it: Start by rubbing in a small amount on your palm. Add more as needed. Apply the product using your fingertips from the roots upwards.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. You can get a lot of product out of a small amount, especially if your hair length is short. You don’t want to use too much product, or else you will have to wash it off and start all over again.

Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Medium | Size: 4oz | Finish: Matte

Why it’s great: It smells just as good as it works. This product gives you complete control over difficult hair. It can be used on any hair type, including curly, coarse, and medium hair. You’re rocking a mustache, right? Use it for that, too.

Use it: Apply a small amount to your palms and distribute evenly through damp or dry hair (it’ll hold higher if it’s dry). Use sparingly. Add more if necessary.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The price of this item puts it into the category of expensive. But if you ask me, it’s well worth the splurge.

Active Ingredients: Water and Beeswax | Hold: The Firm | Size: 4.25oz | Finish: Medium shine

Why it’s great: Reuzel’s pomade will keep your hair in place with its firm hold while giving it texture and definition. It is easy to wash off, has a low shine finish and a wonderful vanilla-mint scent.

Use it: Apply a small amount to your palms and emulsify. Start at the crown and work your way forward. You can style hair with your hands, or comb it into desired shape.

It’s not all bad: The sweet-smelling scent isn’t for everyone. But if it is—unfortunately, you can’t eat it.

Active Ingredients: Quinoa, Aloe vera | Hold: The Firm | Size: 4oz | Finish: Low Shine

Why it’s great: I’ve been using Slick Gorilla products for a few years now and they never disappoint. The brand’s clay pomade is paraben-free, made with natural, ethically-sourced ingredients. It has a natural, low-shine finish that helps separate and define thick hair.

Use it: Warm up the product in your hands before applying it evenly to your hair. To achieve a natural-looking look, your hair should be dry. To achieve a more slick style, leave it wet.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It can be difficult to wash this one out because it is so thick. The tub is quite small in comparison to other pomades for thick hair.

Active Ingredients: Water and Glycerin | Hold: The Firm | Size: 2.5oz | Finish: Low Shine

Why it’s great: This pomade is ideal for medium to short styles. It gives hair the texture that we all want. Light on the pocket (it’s under $10) and on the hold, it will leave behind a subtle shine while moisturizing and hydrating your mane.

Use it: Work a small amount into your hair, whether it’s damp or not. Style as desired and add more pomade if it’s needed.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. If you’re looking for a matte finish and a strong hold, you’re looking at the wrong pomade.

Active Ingredients: Water and Glycerin | Hold: Light | Size: 2oz | Finish: Shine

Why it’s great: Viking Revolution will give you a stronger hold than Eddie Hall. This extra-firm pomade is perfect for pompadours and slick hairstyles. This high-shine pomade is easily washable and has a fresh, clean scent.

Use it: To soften and warm up your hair, start with clean, dried hair. Scoop some pomade on your fingertips and rub between your hands. Apply the pomade evenly to your hair. Style it in your desired style. Use a comb, or use your hands.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. With its high-shine and super strong hold, you can clearly see why I’ve featured it in this guide to the best pomade for thick hair. However, if you’re after a natural look, you’ll want to consider another option.

Active Ingredients: Water and Glycerin | Hold: Strong | Size: 4oz | Finish: High shine

Why it’s great: This matte pomade will help you to control your trim without having to look like an extra in Grease. Water-soluble and lightly scented, it’s the Gandalf of hair products, working its magic without the “you-shall-not-pass” shine.

Use it: Add a small amount of pomade into dry palms and apply it to clean, dry hair—working from the back of your bonce to the front. You can use your hands to style or a comb. If necessary, add more pomade.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The crème brûlée scent isn’t for everyone and the product itself is quite sticky on the hands.

Active Ingredients: Water and Glycerin | Hold: Medium | Size: 3.5oz | Finish: Matte

Pomades for Thick Hair: Important considerations when purchasing

Hold on to your seat

If you have thick hair, you’re most probably going to require a pomade with a strong or firm hold. It’s important to find products that keep your hair firmly in place without frizzing or causing flyaways.

Types

There are many types of pomade to suit different hair types and styling preferences. Pomades based on water are easy to remove and offer a strong hold. Oil-based products tend to be more durable and have a glossy appearance. For a natural, no-shine finish, you’ll require a matte pomade. Choose a clay-based pomade to get a matte finish and a strong hold.

Ingredients

Be sure to read the label of your styling product. Pomades for thick hair need to be hydrating and nourishing. Vitamins and natural oils can help maintain hair health.

Why You Should Be Trusted

I’m not just a guy writing about the best pomade for thick hair. I’m the guy with thicker hair. And I’ve tried untold amounts of products in an attempt to stop my trim looking like a microphone. Thankfully, I’ve been successful. But it wasn’t always that way. I’ve definitely come across my fair share of duds. Which is why I’m here to help you avoid the same crappy purchases I once made.

Using my own experiences—good and bad—and some help from online reviewers, I’ve managed to round up only the very best pomades on the market.

Final Verdict

Finding the perfect pomade for thick hair can be like finding a hidden treasure. Until now.

Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, suave look or a messy, textured masterpiece, the best pomade for thick hair will help you get the job done. While all of the products in this list are worth your consideration, I still think that the Suavecito product is the best. It’s affordable, lightly scented, and offers a healthy, medium hold. Better yet, it’s easy to wash out and can be touched up throughout the day.