9 of the Best Pomades for Men, From Gels to Waxes

Close up of an open jar of lanolin-based pomade, a dollop scooped out of the center — Tawni Bannister / Byrdie

If you ask a barber or friend their opinion on the best pomade, the response might be, "What kind of pomade, exactly?" Because these days, "pomade" has come to mean a lot of things. Traditionally, we think of pomades as the slick, shiny styling products utilized by men like Don Draper in "Mad Men" or Danny Zuko in "Grease," worn for buttoned-up jobs, special occasions, 1950s sock hops, etc. Typically, they'll give you medium- or high-hold as well.

But the meaning has expanded, and it now "pomade" encompasses all sorts of hair stylers. You can find cream pomades, wax pomades, gel pomades, even clay pomades. And there isn't really any rhyme, reason, or regulation over this nomenclature—which can make it tougher to sift through all the offerings. But don't worry; we've got you covered. Read on for our selects for the best pomades, from slick picks to matte faves.

01 of 09

Best Overall: Hanz de Fuko Modify Pomade

Hanz de Fuko Modify Pomade $25.00

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This pomade checks all the boxes: It provides a medium hold with a high shine. The water-soluble formula rinses clean and protects hair from humidity, moisture loss, and hot-tool heat. It delivers the classic slick-back style in wet hair and gives a shiny texture to clean dry hair. For its A+ formula, Hanz de Fuko combines shea butter, castor seed oil, and honeysuckle flower extract, a trio that nourishes hair and scalp alike while promoting healthier growth.

02 of 09

Best for Unyielding Grip: Layrite Superhold Pomade

Layrite Superhold Pomade $25.00

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Layrite is one of those instantly recognizable barbershop brands known for its classic pomades. Its Superhold pomade gives you high hold and medium shine (whereas most pomades deliver medium hold and high shine). So, it's like a good step down from the chokehold of many hair gels and a step up from those pomades that start to fall into your face by midday. Think of this as more Don Draper, less Danny Zuko. And, high hold aside, the water-soluble formula rinses clean and leaves hair perfectly relaxed.

03 of 09

Best for a Classic, Slick Finish: American Crew Pomade

American Crew Pomade $21.00

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This is about as Americana as you can get with your pomade. American Crew’s classic pomade gives you that slick, Grease-lighting kind of finish. It’s a water-based formula powered by lanolin wax, castor oil, and safflower oil, as well as a blend of herbal extracts. It’s even great for hydrating and controlling short or medium curly/wavy styles, in addition to the Elvis impersonators out there.

04 of 09

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Kreyòl Essence Pomad Kreyòl

Kreyòl Essence Pomad Kreyòl $22.00

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A Haitian recipe through and through, this pomade gives you all the shine and hold while providing the scalp and follicles with a nourishing, soothing assist. It combines oils of coconut, castor, sweet almond, peppermint, jojoba, and olive, along with shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, aloe vera, and activated charcoal. That’s an impressive roster that cools and calms the scalp, all while making you look cool, calm, and collected. Use it in all kinds of hair, from coily to straight, thinning to long.

05 of 09

Best for Lightweight, Low-Shine Lift: Baxter of California Hard Cream Pomade

Baxter of California Hard Cream Pomade $24.00

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Throw everything you know about pomades out the window and embrace the lightweight, low-shine, high-hold powers of Baxter's Hard Cream Pomade. It's terrific for giving medium-to-thick hair a locked-in lift, along with touchable definition. You can also apply it to clean dry hair, whether you're smoothing frizz or giving choppy texture to shorter styles. It's one of the more utilitarian stylers on this list (and any other list), so it gets our endorsement as a must-own product for just about all of you.

06 of 09

Best for Curl Hydration and Control: Scotch Porter Hair Balm

Scotch Porter Hair Balm $18.00

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Curls need moisture, bottom line. But in addition to those hydrating oils or butters, they also need nutrients, like protein and B vitamins. Scotch Porter’s smoothing hair balm delivers all of that to your curls, no matter what length they are. (Shorter ones need taming, too, and the same nourishment if you intend to grow them out.) This balm packs kale protein and biotin for strength, growth, and moisture retention, along with Abyssinian oil to quench the curls’ thirst. All in all, this gives you control, definition, and healthy shine.

07 of 09

Best for Touchable Matte Texture and Pomp: Jack Henry Hair Clay

Jack Henry Hair Clay $28.00

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Texture, definition, volume, long-lasting hold… you name it, Jack Henry's clay pomade styler can do it. If your hair is one of your many calling cards, then this is your ticket to effortless style and reworkable hold. The brand even boasts that it holds for 48 hours (admittedly, we prefer a nightly rinse, but there's your evidence of its re-workability.) This one gives you a matte finish and is a must-have if you love a high-profile pompadour or Venice Beach-y waves.

08 of 09

Best for Dandruff-Prone Scalps: Head & Shoulders Molding Clay

Head & Shoulders Molding Clay with High Hold and Matte Finish

Head & Shoulders Molding Clay $8.00

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With the simple addition of pyrithione zinc, Head & Shoulders has engineered a matte, high-hold clay that also combats (and prevents) dandruff. This active ingredient keeps flakes from forming, which solves one of the chief complaints many guys have with their hair products. It's one of numerous pyrithione zinc-powered stylers from the brand, all of which offer shine-free, flake-free hold.

09 of 09

Best for a Shine-Less Slick: Uppercut Matte Pomade

Uppercut Delux Matte Pomade $20.00

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Another staple barbershop brand, Uppercut has all kinds of products that will deliver your desired results. But this matte pomade deserves a special callout for its ability to give you debonair hair minus any glossy polish. Its creamy quality allows you to apply it to damp or dry hair (always clean hair, though) for a variety of finishes, and the water-soluble formula rinses clean at day's end.