Under Control: Choosing The Best Pomade For Thick Hair

best pomade for thick hair

Do you find your thick hair difficult to style?

Do you spend an unnecessarily long amount of time in front of the mirror, only to have your style fall limp part way through the day? 

If you've got thick hair, you probably won't get much sympathy from those men losing their locks.

But that doesn't mean that styling your hair is easy. It is doable, though.

Think the classic styles of Elvis and James Dean, and, these days, celebs like Zac Efron and David Beckham, who all do amazing jobs at styling their hair.

Although, granted, they probably have a hairdresser to do it for them... 

If you're a mere mortal and can't quite stretch to a private hairdresser, then when it comes to styling your hair, you want a product that will last.

If you have thick hair, finding such a product can be difficult. Your hair needs extra hold without looking greasy or developing that hardened feel.

A pomade is great for creating styles that will stay in place all day and all night.

But how do you know which is the best pomade for thick hair?

Simple - you read the rest of this article.

I’ve discovered some amazing pomades designed for thick, curly hair that will hold your style in place all day!

I’ll also be offering up some general advice about choosing the right pomade for your hair type, and the style you’re going for.


Different Types On The Market


There are a number of different types of pomades available, so you’re sure to find something that suits your hair type.

 While there are many factors that differentiate pomades from each other, I’ll focus on the two main ones.

Oil-based or water-based?


The base of a pomade makes a big difference to what it can do for your hair. Make sure you choose one that gives you what you need for your personal style.

Oil-based pomades are the classic type that many people will associate with rockabilly style. These can be fantastic, but bear in mind that they can be hard to get out of your hair at the end of the day.

You may need to use some oil while you wash your hair as this type of pomade really holds onto your hair. If you have thick hair, this can be a bonus as it means less styling is needed on the second day.

Be careful around your hairline, as these can cause skin conditions such as acne if the oils build up too much.

Water-based pomades are designed to be washed out easily, while still giving a great hold. These can be great for thick hair as they allow you to restyle your hair throughout the day if needed.

These tend to be more natural so are more gentle on your skin and less likely to trigger a breakout. There are lots of matte options as well, if you prefer the rugged look over something slicker.

Once you’ve sorted out the base of your pomade, there are many other factors that can make one product better than another.

Luckily, we’ve found the best pomades for thick hair out there to narrow it down for you…


Comparing Pomades To Other Hair Products


There are plenty of different ways of styling your hair, ranging from gels to waxes.

Gels can be a good option, and can be applied to wet hair. This can be useful if you’re always in a rush, but they tend to flake as they dry.

Gel products offer amazing hold and are often some of the strongest stuff out there, so can be good for anyone with thick hair.

If you’re after a natural look, however, gel isn’t your friend. There’s a reason it’s associated with boy bands! It offers a lot of shine and is designed for men who want to look styled, not scruffy.

Wax is another step on the ladder of hair products – pomades being at the top, of course.

Wax works best on dry hair and lets you style it pretty much however you like. It offers decent hold and doesn’t make your hair look greasy, so you can restyle as needed.

Hair waxes will normally give you a matte finish, so work well if you’re after a more natural look.

If you have thick hair, beware. Many waxes add volume to your hair and will make your mane look even thicker. This can be great, but if you want something less wild, opt for a pomade.

For me, as you can probably tell by now, pomades are the way to go. They offer great hold and make it easy to style your hair.

This is the best option for you if you have thick hair, I would say. You can use them on wet hair to maintain a sleeker look, or dry hair for a natural, unpolished style.

Pomades also don’t dry out in the way that gels can, so you don’t need to worry about flakes or residue.

Equally, they won’t make your hair look greasy (unless you want it to!) or clump in your hair like waxes can. All in all, pomades win the crown for the best styling product for thick hair.


What Makes A Good Pomade For Men?


A good pomade will allow you to style your hair with ease. It's a greasy, waxy substance that creates a shiny and sleek look.

It has the advantage over products such as hairspray, gel and mousse in that you have much more control over your style.

Using a pomade also means that you have a little flexibility over your style. You can alter it fairly easily as the day goes by, making the transformation from day to night a breeze.

Choosing the right pomade for you is mostly down to personal preference, but here are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase:


Water-Based Vs Oil-Based


A water-based pomade will wash out more easily and is gentler on the skin (no acne break-outs).

Water-based pomades dry quicker, which is great for a strong hold but makes it harder to alter your style as the day goes on. You'll need to add a touch of water to help you.

If you're after a super shiny look, opt for an oil-based pomade, a water-based one will create more of a matte finish.


Smell


This one is a very personal choice, but it's important to remember that you (and those around you) will be smelling it.

Go with something that you like, but make sure it isn't too overpowering or you'll suddenly find people are avoiding you!


Type Of Hold


Thick hair will require a strong hold, so be sure your chosen pomade has enough strength to hold your hair in place all day!


What To Look For In a Pomade for Thick, Long, Or Curly Hair?


Having thick hair can be a blessing and a curse. Other people are always commenting on how much hair you have and how jealous they are of it, but you’re stuck trying to find a way to style it without it getting even bigger.

Luckily, there are plenty of pomades out there designed to make the most of your mop.

I’ve found some incredible products for you to browse through but also wanted to offer some general advice.

When it comes to choosing a pomade for thick, curly hair, there are a few things to bear in mind…

Look for something with a strong hold – curly hair has a tendency to spring up halfway through the day, which can ruin your carefully-styled look.

Go for something heavy-duty that will keep everything in place.

For thick hair, I’d opt for something that allows you restyle your hair through the day. As mentioned earlier, water-based ones can make touch-ups a bit easier. You won’t end up with handfuls of product in your hair.

Ingredients-wise, I like sticking to natural pomades, but there are some great options that contain chemicals if you’re not too fussed.

For thick or long hair, natural products can be a much better option. Thick hair can already be tricky to manage, so chemicals can only add to this.

Sticking to natural products will improve the quality and health of your hair, which is important for everyone, but especially those with big manes.

Annoyingly, this is just an extra aspect of hair care to take into consideration when you have long, curly or thick hair!

After following these basic guidelines, the rest is up to you. Some men like curly, shiny hair while others prefer a matte, surfer look.

The shine of the pomade is really your choice, so play around and find out what style you’re after before you buy a pomade.


5 Best Pomade For Thick Hair



Uppercut Deluxe Pomade


Uppercut Deluxe Matters

Uppercut Barber Supplies have created a pomade that's guaranteed to hold even the thickest of hair in place.

The water-based formula is easy to wash out and creates a strong hold without a wet or greasy look.

The 3.5-ounce tin is the perfect size to take with you during the day to help provide touch ups as you need it.

Going from the office to the bar may require a different look and Uppercut Deluxe Pomade will allow you to do just that!

Smelling faintly of coconut with a touch of vanilla, it's appealing to both men and women.

It's the best pomade for thick hair due to its gel consistency that allows you to create definition and a long-lasting hold without unwanted weight.

It also works great when applied to facial hair to create a unique and trendy look!

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Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold


Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold

This is one of the best pomades out there for any men with thick and unruly hair.

Sauvecito have produced this amazing pomade designed to hold your style firmly in place throughout the day.

This is water-soluble, so is easy to wash out and will be gentle on your skin and scalp.

This also means that you can change your style it through the day if needed, although the extra firm hold will keep things in place for you.

This product is great for thick hair as it holds everything in place without giving you a greasy look.

There are no nasty chemicals in it, either, putting it near the top of my list!

If you’re after a lot of shine, this isn’t for you – it’s good for a natural look, really. If you fancy a high-shine look, apply it to wet hair and play around with it that way.

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Superior Hair Dressing Pomade by Murray's


Superior Hair Dressing Pomade by Murray's

Murray’s have produced this lovely little oil-based pomade for anyone who needs help taming their thick hair.

This product offers amazing hold, so apply a small amount for a day of great style.

If you’re happy to use an oil-based product, make it this one. 

While it can be tricky to wash out, it will keep your hair in place for the whole day.

This is great for thick or long hair that normally springs about and escapes that carefully-styled look you work so hard to achieve!

This is the perfect pomade for anyone on a budget, and is well worth giving a go. It offers a high shine, so is ideal for anyone who wants to look sleek and groomed, without the grease.

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Layrite Pomade Super Hold


Layrite Pomade Super Hold

What pomade review list would be complete with Layrite?

If you haven’t heard of them, they’re one of the best brands out there in terms of pomades and men’s styling products.

This pomade is designed to hold thick, curly hair in place all day.

This is another water-based product, making it easy to restyle your hair if needed - without having to add extra product.

It’ll keep your hair in whatever style you choose, but allows you to play around throughout the day. The hold is very strong, as it is designed for unruly and thick hair.

This is a non-greasy product, so can be used as much as you like without causing skin conditions such as acne. This makes it a good alternative to oil-based pomades for anyone with sensitive skin.

There’s a light, vanilla scent to this pomade, which I absolutely loved. If you’re not into scented products or need something more natural, look to another product on our review list.

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Creed Pomade - Semi-Matte Finish Shine & Strongest Firm Hold


Creed Pomade Semi Matte Finish Shine & Strongest Firm Hold

Creed is another big name when it comes to pomades, and it’s easy to see why.

This product is designed for thick manes. Curly-haired men, rejoice.

This pomade offers excellent hold and a semi-matte finish.

It’s great for men trying to get a natural look without the natural volume and frizz they may already have!

It blends into hair really nicely, and there is no sticky residue, grease or flaking with this one.

It’s a water-based pomade so will wash out easily – put the olive oil down. I love this product for its simplicity, which makes it worth the price-tag.

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Hair Styles Best Suited to Pomades


You can find pomades that are specifically designed to help you achieve pretty much any hairstyle.

If you’re going for the classic slicked-back look (think Elvis), then an oil-based pomade is the way to go.

If you don’t want a greasy look though, go for water-based pomades. Water-based pomades can be used for both neat and messy hairstyles.

They work really well for a quiff that doesn’t look hard and crunchy, but stays in place. The classic short back and sides with a long top needs maintenance, and a pomade is your best friend for that.

They can also give your hair that messy, just-rolled-out-of-bed look.

As you can see, pomades are pretty versatile. Experiment, have fun with it, and find the best product for you!


In Conclusion


Thick hair can be hard to manage if you don’t have the right product.

I’ve found the top five pomades currently on the market to help you look and feel good all day.

These five products are all designed to keep thick, curly and long hair in place for the whole day.

I’ve gone for a range of products so hopefully something’s grabbed your eye.

If not, the advice above should help you branch out and find something that suits you and your style.

Take the stress out of hair-styling and enjoy looking sharp…