The Best Pomade for Men: How to Find Yours

There's no best pomade for men that works for everyone. But there is a best pomade for you. It depends on your hair, the style you wear and what matters to you in ingredients. These six questions will help you find it.

1. What style do you wear?

Classic looks like the slick back, side part or pompadour need hold and shine. This is where oil-based pomade shines. For matte, tousled looks you'd rather use clay or paste. The differences are explained in pomade, wax, clay, paste or gel.

2. Oil-based or water-based?

Oil-based pomade stays pliable all day and can be restyled with a comb. It washes out with shampoo. Water-based pomade tends to harden and washes out with water. The comparison is at oil-based vs. water-based pomade.

3. How much hold do you need?

Thick, heavy or long hair needs more hold than fine, short hair. More at hold and shine in pomade.

4. What's on the ingredient list?

Read the back. If it says "parfum", the scent is an undisclosed blend. If you want to avoid silicones, parabens, PEGs or colorants, our article pomade without silicones, parabens and PEGs shows you how to spot them.

5. How should it smell?

The scent stays with you all day. Some like vanilla and sweetness, others fresh, herbal notes. Check whether you can read what the scent is made of. More at pomade without parfum.

6. How much do you want to spend?

Drugstore pomade is cheap, manufactory pomade costs more. What you get for the extra is shown in drugstore or manufactory pomade. A good approach is a small trial size before you commit.

The right pomade

NO STYLIST Pomade Pure Lemongrass is oil-based and combines petrolatum, beeswax and lanolin. It gives you a strong, pliable hold, a silky shine and a water-repellent texture. The scent comes only from lemongrass oil, patchouli oil and lavender extract. Handmade in small batches in Germany, free shipping to Germany and Austria. To try it, there is a 10 g size with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

It suits you if you wear classic styles with shine, style every day and want a short, traceable ingredient list. If you're after a matte look, it's not the right choice.

Frequently asked questions

Which pomade holds the strongest?

Oil-based pomades with a high wax content usually hold the strongest while staying pliable.

How do I recognize high-quality pomade?

By a short, traceable ingredient list, a named scent and transparent production. All criteria in our pomade buying checklist.

How long does a tin of pomade last?

It depends on hair length and amount. With a pea-sized amount a day, one tin lasts a long time.