10 Best Pomades for Thick Hair

While some men use hair gel or spray to hold down their hairstyle, pomade is a popular option for taming one’s hair, without having to worry about the hair getting crispy and hard. It can leave either a sturdy matte finish, or a sleek and shiny finish, depending on one’s preference. If your hair is thick, you’re probably looking for the best pomade for thick hair. We’ve selected 10 such products, based on quality, usability, user popularity, and overall rating. These pomades are all mostly water-based, making them easy to wash out and retouch.

For a strong hold and fabulous style all day, Suavecito original hold pomade dries to a medium hardness, without leaving a crunchy and dry finish with unattractive residue. It’s ideal for both short and long hair, and if you need to retouch your hair, you can simply add water to reactivate the pomade. Because the pomade is water-soluble, it grips onto your hair like wax, but it washes out easily, like gel would. It’s lightly scented, so it’ll leave your hair smelling clean and fresh, with no white clumps left behind. You only need a dime-sized amount, or else your hair will become very stiff.

While Layrite holds like a wax, it washes out like hair gel, and can be used on both fine and extremely thick hair. Its rich consistency allows you to create the fanciest pompadour styles, the slickest comb backs, the spikiest tips, or even crazier hairstyles like a mohawk. The pomade has a clean vanilla scent, and only takes a small amount to last you the whole day. Because Layrite is water-based, it won’t leave any sticky residue that can compromise the look of your hair. It’s not strong enough to hold hair when you’re upside down or anything, but it can tame even the most stubborn cowlicks with its sturdy holding ability.

Uppercut Deluxe pomade is water-soluble, which prevents white residue from being left over in the hair strands, ultimately ruining your style. It’s made in Australia, and has a light coconut scent mixed with vanilla to make your hair smell clean and attractive for the whole day. Its gel-like consistency provides control and definition, without you having to feel the stiff weight that traditional pomades often give you. This pomade dries with a fairly matte finish, and is great for use on fine to thick hair. The hold can grow weaker if you accidentally get water or sweat in your hair.

Designed to have a strong and sturdy hold, Admiral Classic pomade keeps every hair in its place, and even prevents helmet and hat hair. Made in California, this pomade doesn’t overpower other scents such as cologne, since it contains the perfect amount of natural aromas. Its 100% plant-based formula helps maintain any classic hairstyle, and you can easily add a bit of water to retouch it any time you wish. The pomade is infused with a touch of natural beeswax for a strong hold. It’s a bit denser than other similar water-based pomades, but it won’t leave any dried flakes, or make your hair feel crispy and stiff.

Practical for any hair type and style, Smooth Viking pomade is a water-based styling product that can give your hair the style boost that it needs for a clean and sleek look. All it takes is a dime-sized amount to tame your hair and keep it maintained throughout the day, and when you’re done, the pomade easily rinses out with little to no mess. If you want a strong and matte look, this is the best pomade for thick hair you can use. You can use a small amount on dry hair, and for a slick look, apply it on damp hair.

With a water-based formula and industrial strength hold, Imperial Barber pomade is designed for all hair types. It rinses clean and easily, and allows you to adjust the hold strength depending on how much water you put in your hair. A light hold can be achieved if the pomade is applied on damp hair, and for a stronger hold, apply a heavier amount on dry hair. Imperial Barber doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind, and it has a light watermelon-like scent to it. It tends to flake if you dry-comb your hair too much, which breaks the pomade apart.

Free of parabens and formaldehyde, this improved-formula pomade provides a strong and pliable hold, with a matte finish, to keep your unruly hair at bay all throughout the day. Because of its professional, water-resistant formula, sweat and rainy weather conditions are no match for its holding strength. This pomade is enriched with vitamins E, C, and many other antioxidants, which also make it a leave-in conditioner that keeps your hair from drying out. Star Pro Line pomade has an energizing citrus scent and is easy to rinse out at the end of the day, although the scent can get a bit strong if too much is used.

If you’re looking for a natural and matte finish for your preferred hairstyle, this is the best pomade for thick hair you could purchase. It provides a strong hold as it separates, defines, and molds your hair, without leaving behind small clumps of residue. Its formula is infused with natural ingredients like kaolin clay and beeswax, which in turn create a sturdy and pliable hold, without too much sheen. Baxter of California Clay pomade can be used on any hair type, and while the smell is apparently strong, the hold it provides accommodates a wide range of hairstyles.

Steadfast Pomade is formulated to tame your hairstyle with a medium to firm hold, as it leaves an attractive shine that stands out in the crowd. You can restyle it as you need throughout the day with a little water and a comb, while it still maintains its strength. It also keeps your hair smelling good with a subtle, rugged scent. Made in the U.S.A, this pomade has a soft texture, almost similar to hair gel, and it doesn’t dry out your hair to the point where it turns crispy. Although the smell can be a bit strong, it’s great for holding down curls, waves, and stubborn baby hairs.

Made with all-natural scents, without any synthetic additives, this American Crew pomade is our top pick for the title of best pomade for thick hair. It provides a pliable medium hold that’s practical for any hair type and style. It’s great for those looking for shine in their hair, while keeping down those pesky curls or refining straight hair. Some natural ingredients in the pomade include ginseng root, lanolin, and castor beans, which contribute to its control and sheen. You only need a small amount to work the pomade into your hair, and it washes out easily.