As someone with pin-straight locks, I’ve always envied those blessed with piles of coils and ringlets. While I adore curly hair, it is a challenge to style and tame. The best pomades help control curly hair.
Pomade is the product that men prefer to use for curly hair. The pomade is a greasy waxy substance that holds hair in place and allows for restyles after application.
It’s better than gel if workability is what you’re going for. It’s easy to build on and style as you need throughout the day. Basically, it’s more realistic.
The best pomade for men’s curly hair can be oil or water based, but that’s not the only difference between products. Some are highly glossy for a more styled look; others have a matte finish, which is perfect for men who want slick but natural looking hair. Some have more grip and tack than others.
Let’s take a look at what the 8 best pomades for curly hair have to offer.
What you need to know
To start this assignment, I pulled up all the top blogs for pomade aficionados, pored over hundreds of photos, reviews, and product descriptions and even examined my husband’s bathroom cabinet until I whittled it down to the 8 finalists you see on this list.
Tops overall among the best pomades for curly hair is Cool Grease Fiber Grease Pomade because it’s lightweight, malleable, and never dries hard. It also has great control, which is essential for curly hair.
For a sought after oil-based pomade that is worth your consideration, check out Lockhart’s Authentic Heavy Hold Hair Pomade.
Why it’s great: Grease Fiber, a go-to for G-Eazy’s products, uses microfibers in order to control curls and thicken hair. These fibers align with the hair to provide extra control and malleability while remaining lightweight—just what curly hair needs.
This gel has a nice, light consistency and is not as creamy as the other common ones. There’s no greasy, heavy feeling. Unlike Suavecito, to which it’s most comparable, it never dries hard and is easy to wash out, thanks to a water-based formula.
What is it for? It is one of the best products for curly hair. The fibers make it sticky and provide excellent control. This is ideal for curly hair that needs to be tamed. If you prefer a lightweight pomade that has tack and movement, then this one’s for you.
The flaws are not the end of the world The smell seems to have divided reviewers. The smell is a true love-or hate situation.
Benefits: Thinning hair | Size: 7 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Medium | Scent: Tropical Fruit
Why it’s great: For nearly 100 years, Murray’s has been slicking men’s curly, unruly hair into sleek and attractive styles. The vintage orange tin of this pomade gives it a very strong hold.
It’s petroleum-based with a thick, waxy consistency, meaning it’s got a firmer grip on your hair than water-based varieties. For such a great low price, you’ll love that one tin seems to last forever.
What is it for? This is an excellent option for thick, curly hair because of its superior grip. This is the perfect option if you want your hairstyles to last throughout the day.
The flaws are not the end of the world With this pomade for curly hair locked in, your hair isn’t going anywhere. This pomade can be hard to wash off without a good scrubbing.
Benefits: Strong hold | Size: 3 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Medium | Scent: Not listed Free From: | Free From: Parabens, SLS
Why it’s great: This conditioner not only treats and soothes the scalp, but also tames hair with curly textures. Tea tree oil, lavender and sea kelp are among the botanical extracts that calm, soothe and hydrate your hair.
As for its pomade properties, it’s lightweight yet sturdy and adds natural-looking texture and definition to hair without flattening it down, which is great for curls and coils. The texture of the pomade is smooth, and not greasy or sticky. This gives hair a matte, easy-to-wear finish.
What is it for? A great elevated product if you’d like your pomade to come with some healthful skin and hair benefits. The matte finish and lightweight hold are perfect for relaxed, easy hairstyles.
There are flaws, but they do not mean that the product is defective. It does have a strong scent that some people may find too much.
Benefits: Hydrating, cleansing and soothing | Size: 2.75 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Matte | Scent: Not listed Free From: | Free From: Parabens, Colorants, synthetic fragrance
Why it’s great: One of the most popular pomade brands, Superhold from Layrite, provides tons of control for demanding hair that ‘fights back.’ The high hold and medium shine are great for curly hair that needs a little luster. This water-based pomade has an impressive grip, making it easy to remove.
What is it for? This pomade is a favorite for many. It’s perfect for turning unruly curly hair into different styles. It’s one of the best pomades for curly hair.
The flaws are not the end of the world Use sparingly to avoid the product drying out too quickly. Add more as necessary.
Benefits: | Size: 1.5 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Medium | Scent: Cream soda Free From: | Free From: Paraben, SLS, Dyes
Why it’s great: The staying power of the pomade cannot be tamed by wind or rain. It will set your hairstyle firmly without any unwanted stiffness.
Some reviewers say it hardens fast, which can be a good thing if you’re looking to keep your locks rooted in place. Features include the ability to control and define your hair with a texture that you can run your finger through.
What is it for? This water-based pomade has a high-quality hold that is perfect for creating a messy pompadour, or other styles with a lot of style. You can wash it out completely at the end.
The flaws are not the end of the world If your hair feels too stiff when using this pomade, you can use water or water-flicked combs to work it out.
Benefits: Hydrating | Size: 3.5 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: High shine | Scent: Smooth coconut Free From: | Free From: Parabens, SLS, Dye
Why it’s great: This product is technically a paste. It’s a favorite among those who love pomade. Pastes are good for finer hair because they’re more lightweight with a stickier, grippier texture. This paste helps fine, thin hairstyles to stay in place and is made up of 99% ingredients that are derived from plants.
It contains kaolin clay which promotes hair elasticity, and calendula extract to prevent dandruff—another plus. This is one of the best pomades for curly hair and an easy, workable choice if you’re looking for a matte finish with a strong hold that won’t weigh your hair down.
What is it for? If you find it difficult to build volume in curly hair, especially if your hair is thin or fine, this product will help.
The flaws are not the end of the world The clay could be drying for some, so make sure you’re using a nourishing shampoo or a hydrating leave-in conditioner.
Benefits: Hair elasticity, dandruff prevention | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Matte | Scent: Citrus Free From: | Free From: Synthetic ingredients
Why it’s great: I don’t often recommend oil-based pomades because a lot of guys struggle to wash it out. However, it’s usually the preferred pomade for the pros. Lockhart’s is a go-to brand for many, boasting incredible hold without tacking hair into a helmet.
It has a matte, clean finish which tames down curls that are too thick and problematic. The product also claims to resist heat, sweat, and the weather. How’s that for some serious grit?
What is it for? A great option for long-lasting hold. Low shine means it’s a good option for natural-looking dudes.
The flaws are not the end of the world It’s true, oil-based pomades are harder to wash out. Grab a clarifying shampoo that is solid.
Benefits: Hydrating | Size: 3.4 oz | Hold: Strong | Finish: Low Shine Free From: | Scent: Cocovanilla scent | Free From: Mineral Oils, Parabens
Why it’s great: Dingy-looking can aside (which, I’ll admit, is a vibe), this pomade packs some seriously good, long-lasting hold. It’s one of the best pomades for curly hair, adds the right amount of stiffness to coarse hair to keep your style intact while still remaining malleable throughout the day.
The concentrated formula prevents the product from flaking off and causing hair to dry out as you wear. The product works well on both damp and dry hair.
What is it for? For neat, tidy styles with a vintage look. This is perfect for pompadours and slick-backs that need to remain in place throughout the day.
The flaws are not the end of the world Although it is definitely a high-shine product, the luster does slowly fade throughout the day.
Benefits: Hold for 24 hours | Size: 1.3, 4, 12 oz | Hold: Strong Free From: | Finish: Matte | Scent: Vanilla Wood | Free From: Parabens, sulfates
Considerations to Make When Purchasing the Best Pomades For Curly Hair
Hold on to your seat
To control the texture and unruliness of curly hair, curly-haired guys will usually prefer pomades with a stronger hold. This is especially true if you’re trying to sculpt your hair into a specific style that requires neatness or a sense of ‘doneness.’
A medium hold will work best if you like a relaxed style, which is more touchable. If you’re uncertain about which hold is best, try a strong hold and use only a little bit of pomade. If your pomade is water-based you can use a comb dipped in water to give it more flexibility.
Finish
Finish is more about personal preference than hold. The best pomade for men’s curly hair can be matte, meaning the finish looks akin to regular hair with no added shine, or it can be shiny. It has a shiny finish.
Semi-shiny hair products make hair appear a bit more luminous and hydrated than without any product. You’ll probably want a matte finish in more professional settings, but you might want a shiny finish if you’re sculpting a gorgeous pompadour.
Base
It is also a matter of personal preference which base formula you choose for the best pomades to use on curly hair. Pomades can be either water-based or oil-based. Oil-based pomades tend to be stronger and longer lasting.
They’re made of waxes, butters, and oil. However, they’re harder to wash out. But if you’re styling your hair everyday, then you might like that some product stays in your hair for easier buildable styling.
Water-based pomades are often preferred because they’re less maintenance-intensive. These pomades are easy to remove and can be more malleable during the day. You may prefer hair that is less styled and more lived-in.
How We Decided
Plenty of pomades claim to tamp down cult hair without a greasy feeling or lacquering hair into a turtle shell, but quite a few aren’t up to par. I tested every pomade on curly hair using a few key parameters.
I made sure each product contained good ingredients of high quality and was from a trusted brand that the customers loved. Most importantly, I ensured that every product worked as intended.
Company Reputation: I check the reputation of the companies before I buy. I pay close attention to the customer’s satisfaction and service.
Customer reviews What do people think of the top pomades to use on curly hair? Each customer review is important to me because I want to know what people think about texture, consistency durability, and even scent. I base my final list on what they have to say.
Value: The last but not least is how well a product is priced in relation to the value you receive. Does the pomade deliver on its promises while providing enough product for a price that is reasonable? The value of the pomade is the most important factor when constructing the list of curly hair pomades.
Why should you trust us?
Rachel Cascella, a staff writer at the Associated Press, is passionate about haircare. She does this both professionally and personally. She has written numerous times about the importance of proper hair care as well as the best products available in the market, especially when it comes pomades.
She has also written about the best pomades, both water-based ones and those in general, for various hair types. She checks the reviews of the most popular retailers and blogs before she begins any project.
Rachel’s 15 years of experience in fashion and grooming are applied to each review so that the readers get reliable and trustworthy advice. Rachel’s commitment to detail and quality makes her an authority on grooming or fashion for anyone who wants to improve their wardrobe.
Final Verdict
The best pomades for curly hair should have a strong hold that doesn’t weigh down your curly texture. Cool Grease Fiber Grease Pomade has the best control, is lightweight and easy to remove.
The FAQ
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The best pomade is for men with curly hair. It controls and tames curly hair without making it crunchy or hard.
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Pomades and waxes both work well for curly hair. However, many pomades also contain waxes. Most pomades are made with water, which is easier to wash off than waxes.
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