What Is Pomade? Benefits, Uses & How to Apply It
Updated: Aug 25
Pomade has been a staple of men's grooming for decades. Traditionally used to create smooth, controlled hairstyles with varying levels of shine, pomades remain one of the most popular styling products available today. However, modern pomades now come in a wide range of formulations, offering everything from lightweight, natural finishes to high-shine, strong-hold styling. In this guide, we'll explain what pomade is, how it works, its benefits, how to apply it and whether it's the right styling product for your hair. Early pomades were traditionally made using animal fats and, later, petroleum-based ingredients to create long-lasting hold and shine. Today, pomade refers to a much broader category of styling products, including water-based and naturally derived formulations.
If you're still comparing different styling products, start with our guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
What Is Pomade?
Pomade is a styling product designed to provide control, definition and flexible hold. Rather than creating separation and texture, it coats and binds the hair fibres together, helping create smoother, more structured hairstyles that can often be restyled throughout the day. Modern pomades are commonly formulated using waxes, oils and conditioning ingredients to help style the hair while maintaining flexibility throughout the day.
Traditional pomades often produced a high-shine finish, whereas many modern formulations offer a more natural appearance.
Types of Pomade
Modern pomades are available in several different formulations, each designed to create a slightly different styling experience.
Water-Based Pomade
Water-based pomades are the most common choice for everyday styling. They provide flexible hold, are generally easier to wash out than traditional formulations and are available in finishes ranging from natural to high shine.
Oil-Based Pomade
Oil-based pomades typically offer excellent control, flexibility and shine while remaining workable throughout the day. They often require a more thorough wash to remove but are favoured by those creating classic, polished hairstyles.
Natural Pomade
Naturally derived pomade formulations may use botanical oils, plant waxes and butters to provide hold, flexibility and conditioning without relying on petroleum-based ingredients.
Formulator's Insight
"Having developed natural styling products, one thing has become clear: a pomade's performance isn't determined by a single ingredient. Small adjustments to the balance of plant waxes, botanical oils and natural butters can dramatically change how the product feels in the hands, how easily it spreads through the hair, the level of shine it produces and how readily it washes out. This is why two pomades with similar ingredient lists can perform very differently. The formulation itself is just as important as the ingredients it contains. During development, finding the right balance wasn't about creating the strongest hold - it was about creating a product that remained easy to apply, comfortable to wear and flexible enough to restyle throughout the day."
What Does Pomade Do?
Pomade is commonly used to:
Improve control
Add definition
Reduce flyaways
Create smoother hairstyles
Provide flexible, reworkable hold
Unlike hairspray or styling gel, pomade usually allows the hair to be restyled throughout the day.
Who Is Pomade Best For?
Pomade is particularly well suited to people looking for smooth, controlled hairstyles with flexible hold and natural to high shine.
Straight Hair
Pomade helps add definition and control without creating excessive texture, making it ideal for sleek, polished styles.
Wavy Hair
Natural movement is maintained while reducing flyaways and improving overall definition.
Thick Hair
The additional weight and control can help manage thicker hair, keeping styles neat throughout the day.
Short to Medium Hairstyles
Pomade performs particularly well on short to medium hair lengths where precision and control are important.
Best Hairstyles for Pomade
Pomade works best on hairstyles that benefit from control, definition and a smooth finish.
Slick Back
Creates a neat, timeless look with flexible hold and natural movement.
Side Part
Helps maintain a clean, structured shape throughout the day.
Comb Over
Provides definition and control while keeping the style looking natural.
Pompadour
Ideal for adding control to the sides while allowing height and shape through the front.
How Is Pomade Different From Hair Clay?
Although both are styling products, they create very different results.
Hair clay focuses on:
Texture
Volume
Separation
Matte finish
Pomade focuses on:
Control
Definition
Flexible hold
Natural to shiny finish
Neither product is better. The right choice depends on the hairstyle you're trying to achieve.
Read next: Hair Clay vs Pomade
How To Apply Pomade
Start with less than you think you need - it's easier to add more product than remove excess once it's been worked through the hair.
Step 1
Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair.
Step 2
Scoop a small amount of pomade into your hands.
Step 3
Rub the product between your palms until evenly distributed.
Step 4
Apply evenly throughout the hair, starting from the back and working forwards.
Step 5
Shape the hair into your desired style using your fingers or a comb.
Tip: Applying pomade to damp hair generally creates greater control, while applying it to dry hair often produces a softer, more natural finish.
Common Pomade Mistakes
Using Too Much
Pomade is highly concentrated.
Start with a small amount and build gradually if required.
Applying Only To The Surface
Working pomade evenly throughout the hair helps create more consistent styling.
Choosing The Wrong Finish
Some pomades provide significant shine, while others offer a more understated appearance.
Choosing the right finish is often just as important as choosing the right hold.
Read next: Matte vs Shine Hair Products
Pomade vs Hair Clay: Which Is Right For You?
Although both are popular styling products, they are designed to achieve different results.
POMADE
Finish: Natural to high shine
Styling effect: Smooth and controlled
Texture: Low
Volume: Moderate
Hold: Flexible
Best for: Side parts and slicked-back styles
HAIR CLAY
Finish: Matte
Styling effect: Textured and separated
Texture: High
Volume: High
Hold: Medium to firm
Best for: Natural and textured styles
Pomade brings the hair together for smoother control and definition. Hair clay creates separation, texture and volume with a matte finish.
For a more detailed breakdown, explore our complete Hair Clay vs Pomade comparison guide.
Is Pomade Good For Your Hair?
Whether pomade is good for your hair depends largely on the formulation you choose and how you use it.
Traditional vs Natural Pomades
Pomades can be formulated with many different ingredient systems, including petroleum-derived ingredients, botanical oils, butters and waxes. Rather than judging a pomade by a single ingredient, consider the complete formulation, how it performs on your hair and how easily it fits into your cleansing and styling routine.
Product Build-Up
Using excessive amounts of pomade without washing the hair regularly can lead to product build-up. Choosing a formulation suited to your hair type and maintaining a consistent cleansing routine helps keep the hair and scalp feeling fresh.
Everyday Use
Pomade can be used every day. Starting with a small amount and washing the hair when needed helps maintain healthy-looking hair without unnecessary product accumulation.
Read next:
Looking for a More Natural Alternative?
Many traditional pomades rely on petroleum-based ingredients to create shine and hold. Our Organic Hair Balm takes a different approach. Built from plant waxes, botanical oils and natural butters, it provides medium hold, flexible styling and natural definition in a waterless formulation. Ideal if you're looking for:
Medium hold
Natural shine
Flexible styling
Everyday grooming
Still deciding between pomade and hair clay?
While pomades excel at control and definition, hair clays are often preferred for volume, texture and a matte finish.
Explore our complete comparison guide: Hair Clay vs Pomade
Recommended Products
Final Thoughts
Pomade remains one of the most versatile styling products available. Its ability to create control, definition and flexible hold makes it suitable for a wide variety of hairstyles, particularly for those seeking a neat, well-groomed appearance. Whether you choose a traditional pomade or a naturally derived alternative depends on your styling goals, preferred finish and personal approach to grooming. If you're still unsure which styling product is right for you, explore our guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is pomade bad for your hair?
Whether a pomade suits your hair depends on its formulation, how much you use and your cleansing routine. Product build-up can occur when styling products accumulate, so regular cleansing and using an appropriate amount are important.
Can you use pomade every day?
Yes. Many people use pomade daily. If you style your hair regularly, it's important to periodically cleanse the hair and scalp to remove excess product, oil and environmental impurities.
What's the difference between pomade and hair clay?
The main difference is the finish and texture. Pomades typically provide a smoother appearance with natural to medium shine, while hair clays are designed to create a matte finish with added texture and volume. If you prefer a natural, textured look, hair clay is often the better choice.
Is pomade better than hair wax?
Neither product is universally better. Pomade is generally suited to smoother, more polished hairstyles, while waxes often offer flexible hold with a more natural finish. The right choice depends on your hair type, styling goals and preferred finish.
Does pomade wash out easily?
Most modern pomades wash out relatively easily with shampoo. The ease of removal depends on the formulation, how much product is used and whether the pomade is water-based or oil-based.
Can pomade help control frizz?
Yes. Pomade can help smooth flyaways and reduce the appearance of frizz by helping keep hair fibres aligned and controlled throughout the day. This makes it particularly useful for neat, structured hairstyles.
Should I apply pomade to wet or dry hair?
Pomade can be applied to either. Applying to damp hair generally provides greater control and definition, while applying to dry hair often creates a softer, more natural finish.
