If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’re the proud owner of a full, thick head of hair. However, while your balding friend with the wispy combover may think otherwise, it’s not always as idyllic as it sounds.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ve certainly struck gold in the gene pool, but taming your crazy mane can certainly be stressful at times. Trust me, I know.
But instead of giving up and wearing a hat for the ninth day running, I suggest trying the best pomades for thick hair. An excellent alternative to pastes, powders, and clays, these frizz-fighting products are a godsend when it comes to achieving your desired look.
Keep reading and bask in the glory of a banging barnet for eternity.
Key Takeaways
Thick hair is both a blessing and a curse. The odds of you going bald are slim, but boy does it take some effort to make it to play ball. In this article, I’m going to embark on a hair-taming expedition to find the very best pomade for thick hair.
For you, I’ve reviewed countless sites and pored over hundreds of reviews to make this list. Thanks to products like Suavecito’s and Layrite’s, you’ll now be able to rescue your locks from chaos and create the hairstyles you’ve always wanted (but could never quite execute).
Suavecito Matte Pomade at Amazon
Layrite Superhold Pomade at Amazon
Reuzel Fiber Pomade at Amazon
Slick Gorilla Clay Pomade at Amazon
Got2B Defiant Shine Pomade at Amazon
Viking Revolution Extreme Hold Pomade at Amazon
Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade at Amazon
Best Overall: Suavecito Matte Pomade
Why it’s great: Lightly scented with a creamy consistency, Suavecito’s popular pomade offers a healthy, medium hold with just the right amount of flexibility for thick hair. It can be touched up throughout the day (if required) with water and easily washes out once you’re ready to hit the sack.
How to use it: For the best results, start by rubbing a small amount in your palm, adding more if needed. Using your fingertips, then apply the product evenly from the roots up.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: A little goes a long way, especially if you have shorter hair. Be careful not to start with too much product or you may need to wash it out and start again.
Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Medium | Size: 4oz | Finish: Matte
Best Luxury: Layrite Superhold Pomade
Why it’s great: Water-based with a slight cream soda scent (hell yeah), it smells as good as it holds. Giving you ultimate control over challenging hair, you can use it on all hair types, from medium to curly and coarse. Rocking a mustache? You can use it on that too.
How to use it: Apply a small amount to your palms and distribute evenly through damp or dry hair (it’ll hold higher if it’s dry). Use sparingly and add more if you need it.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Its price puts it in the expensive category. But if you ask me, it’s well worth the splurge.
Active Ingredients: Water, Beeswax | Hold: Firm | Size: 4.25oz | Finish: Medium shine
Best on Amazon: Reuzel Fiber Pomade
Why it’s great: Reuzel’s pomade will keep your hair in place with its firm hold while giving it texture and definition. Surprisingly easy to wash out, it has a low-shine finish and gives off a subtle but glorious vanilla-mint fragrance.
How to use it: Remove a small amount of pomade and emulsify in your palms. Apply to dry or slightly damp hair and start at the crown while working towards the front. Style with your hands or comb hair into the desired shape.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sweet-smelling scent isn’t for everyone. But if it is—unfortunately, you can’t eat it.
Active Ingredients: Quinoa, Aloe vera | Hold: Firm | Size: 4oz | Finish: Low shine
Best Everyday: Slick Gorilla Clay Pomade
Why it’s great: I’ve been using Slick Gorilla products for a few years now and they never disappoint. The brand’s clay pomade is paraben-free, made with natural, ethically-sourced ingredients. Offering a low-shine and natural finish, it helps to separate and define hair, making it particularly useful for guys with thick locks.
How to use it: Scoop out some product and warm it up in your palms before applying evenly through your hair. For a natural look, make sure your hair is dry. For a slicker style, keep it wet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This one can feel a little harder to wash out as the product is quite thick. The tub is also fairly small compared to some of the other best pomade for thick hair.
Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Firm | Size: 2.5oz | Finish: Low shine
Best Budget: Got2B Defiant Shine Pomade
Why it’s great: Ideal for short to medium styles, this pomade tames unruly hair and gives it the kind of texture we all strive to achieve. Light on the pocket (it’s under $10) and on the hold, it will leave behind a subtle shine while moisturizing and hydrating your mane.
How to use it: Start off with a dab of product in your palm and work it into damp or dry hair. Style as desired and add more pomade if it’s needed.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you’re looking for a matte finish and a strong hold, you’re looking at the wrong pomade.
Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Light | Size: 2oz | Finish: Shine
Best Strong Hold: Viking Revolution Extreme Hold Pomade
Why it’s great: For a hold stronger than an Eddie Hall deadlift, Viking Revolution have you covered. Perfect for pompadours, slick backs, and side parts, this extra firm pomade will ensure no hair is out of place. It gives you a high-shine finish but washes out easily and smells clean and fresh.
How to use it: Starting with clean, dry hair, scoop some pomade onto your fingertips and rub it between your hands to soften and warm it up. Apply the pomade evenly throughout your hair, styling it into your desired shape. You can use a comb or your hands.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: With its high-shine and super strong hold, you can clearly see why I’ve featured it in this guide to the best pomade for thick hair. However, if you’re after a natural look, you’ll want to consider another option.
Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Strong | Size: 4oz | Finish: High shine
Best Matte: Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade
Why it’s great: This matte pomade is the secret sauce for those who want to grasp control of their trim without looking like an extra from Grease. Water-soluble and lightly scented, it’s the Gandalf of hair products, working its magic without the “you-shall-not-pass” shine.
How to use it: Add a small amount of pomade into dry palms and apply it to clean, dry hair—working from the back of your bonce to the front. Use your hands or a comb to style and add more product if necessary.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The crème brûlée scent isn’t for everyone and the product itself is quite sticky on the hands.
Active Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Hold: Medium | Size: 3.5oz | Finish: Matte
Buying Considerations for Pomades For Thick Hair
Hold
If you have thick hair, you’re most probably going to require a pomade with a strong or firm hold. You should look for products that can keep your hair in place throughout the day without succumbing to frizz or flyaways.
Type
Pomade comes in various types to cater to different styling preferences and hair types. Water-based pomades offer a firm hold and are easy to wash out, whereas oil-based products generally provide a stronger hold and a shiny appearance. For a natural, no-shine finish, you’ll require a matte pomade. Or, choose a clay pomade for a strong hold and matte finish.
Ingredients
Pay attention to the ingredients in your styling product. The best pomade for thick hair should contain nourishing and hydrating components to keep your thick hair healthy. Ingredients like natural oils and vitamins can be beneficial for maintaining hair health while achieving your desired style.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m not just a guy writing about the best pomade for thick hair. I am the guy with thick hair. And I’ve tried untold amounts of products in an attempt to stop my trim looking like a microphone. Thankfully, I’ve been successful. But it wasn’t always that way. I’ve definitely come across my fair share of duds. Which is why I’m here to help you avoid the same crappy purchases I once made.
Using my own experiences—good and bad—and some help from online reviewers, I’ve managed to round up only the very best pomades on the market.
Final Verdict
Thick hair is a force to be reckoned with, and finding the perfect pomade to tame those wild strands is like discovering a hidden treasure chest. Until now.
Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, suave look or a messy, textured masterpiece, the best pomade for thick hair will help you get the job done. And while all the products on this list are worthy of your consideration, my top pick remains the one from Suavecito. It’s affordable, lightly scented, and offers a healthy, medium hold. Better yet, it’s easy to wash out and can be touched up throughout the day.
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- Is pomade good for thick hair?
Pomade is a great choice for thick hair, as it can offer strong hold and control. Thick hair often requires products with higher hold to keep it in place, and pomade can effectively tame unruly locks and create a polished or textured style.
- What can I use to hold thick hair?
Use styling products like pomade, clay, or hair wax, which are well-suited for taming and styling thick, unruly hair.
- Is pomade a good product for thick curly hair?
Pomade can be a suitable product for thick curly hair, but it’s important to choose the right type and use it sparingly. Look for water-based or matte pomades as they provide a strong hold without adding excessive shine. And be cautious not to overapply, as using too much can weigh down your curls and leave them looking greasy.
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