Your hair is a prime aspect of your looks. In today’s date, when waves, slicked back, and pompadour styles are trending, men are increasingly drawn to pomades. Another reason is, pomades offer a good balance between the styling and taking care of your hair.
Other men’s hair styling products, like gels, dry and harden your hair. Pomades, on the other hand, give you a good hold, and will not turn your strands into spiked rocks!
Pomades are becoming essential in men’s dressers and grooming kits. We assume you are reading this article because you are searching for a quality product as well.
Finding a decent quality pomade jar isn’t hard. To find the best pomade for waves, keep in mind the following two factors:
1. Type of Pomade
There are three broad types of pomades:
- Water-Based: Gives good hold and shine. Best for kinky and curly hair
- Oil-Based: Better for wavy and straight hair. Renders hair with more volume and a decent shine. These also have moisturizing properties.
- Clay-based: Best for thinning and straight. It helps with volume but does not give shine.
2. Ease of washing Off
The best pomades for waves are pretty easy to wash off. Water-based products offer a better advantage in this section. However, a decent oil or clay-based product should not be hard to rinse off either.
If you want to continue reading about more factors of consideration on pomades, refer to our ”Buying Guide.”
Want to jump straight to business? Check out the review section where we have discussed the seven best pomades for hair.
Top 7 Best Pomades for Waves
| Pomades for Waves | Strength of Hold | Ingredients | Base of the Product | Quantity | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Pomade | Strong | Shea butter, cocoa, petroleum | Oil | 3.5 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| SoftSheen-Carson Sportin' Waves Pomade | Strong | Petroleum, paraffin | Oil | 3.5 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Roller Coaster Waves- Water Based Pomade | Medium | Aloe vera, argan oil, avocado oil | Water | 6 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| COLDLABEL Premium Wave and Scalp Butter Pomade | Medium to strong | jojoba oil, tea tree oil, soy butter, organic beeswax, | Oil | 4 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Dax Wave & Groom Hair Dress | Strong | Petroleum, mineral oil | Oil | 3.5 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Soft Sheen Sportin Waves Gel Pomade | Strong | Petroleum, wavitrol iii | Water | 3.5 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Suavecito Pomade Firme | Medium | Water, glycerin, propylene glycol | Water | 5 oz | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Pomade
The name ”waveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Pomade” suggests two things— first, with this pomade, you can create amazing waves to suit your hair styling needs. Second, it contains cocoa and shea butter.
This formula is deeply nourishing and offers a medium shine that looks natural. The main ingredients are shea butter, cocoa, and petroleum.
These components help in strengthening your hair cuticles while enabling you to create styles like pompadour, quiff, slicked back, or comb-over.
This product by the WaveBuilder is the best pomade for waves on this list as it can create the best waves and comes at a super reasonable price.
As it is an oil-based pomade, the formula is kind of thick. To apply, spray your hair with water or rinse it. Take a dime-size amount of this pomade and warm it on your palm.
Now work it into your hair to create a unique style that suits your personality.
It holds well and helps in giving you the soft and shiny waves that you often see models wearing.
Irrespective of your hair type, it is suitable for all. It provides extra hold, which is effective on slightly longer hair as well.
Base: oil
Quantity: 3 Oz.
Pros:
- Gives lasting waves
- Very affordable pomade
- Nourishes and smoothens the hair
- Moderate shine
Cons:
- Has a few (harmless) artificial ingredients
2. SoftSheen-Carson Sportin’ Waves Pomade
Softsheen-Carson has 110 years of legacy of making products for men of African descent. The Sporting Waves Maximum Hold pomade offers the best hold for you to style your hair the way you want it.
It is an oil-based product that you can apply on wet or dry hair. If you are looking for the best pomade that can tame your kinky and frizzy hair, then this has to be it.
This pomade is best for short to medium length hair. Men who do not wish to go overboard with shine will love this product.
This hair product offers a good hold on your hair without making it hard and makes sure that those waves stay in place all day long.
It is easy to make so many hairstyles with this pomade because of its thick texture. No matter what your hair type is— straight, wavy, curly, kinky or frizzy, this pomade works well on all hair type.
Base: oil
Quantity: 3.5 Oz.
Pros:
- Specially formulated for afro hair
- Suitable for all other kinds of hair
- Very affordable
- Best pomade for creating soft waves
- It has a firm hold
Cons:
- Contains chemical compounds
3. Roller Coaster Waves- Water Based Pomade
Unlike our previous two products, the Roller Coaster Waves is a water-based pomade. It is a light, everyday use product that gives moderate hold and renders an excellent shine to your hair.
Some of the main ingredients in this water-based pomade are aloe vera, argan oil, avocado oil, and Vit E.
The Roller Coaster Waves is one of the best pomades for waves. With the perfect tools, you can add the 360 wave motion dynamics to your hair with adequate depth.
As it is a light product, you can use it daily to add those gorgeous waves to your hair.
This formula contains hydrating agents like aloe vera, avocado oil, and argan oil. Combined, they nourish your hair strands and moisturizes the scalp.
Aloe vera is an excellent antiseptic agent. So, if you have irritation or some bacterial growth on your scalp, this hair styling product will actively do away with those issues.
The brand claims that various celebrities use the Roller Coaster wave for styling hair. And so far, this product has proven to be effective in giving the desired hairstyle to the mass.
We found the fragrance of this pomade intoxicating. Those of you who love to have hair products with good scent here is a gem waiting for you.
Base: Water
Quantity: 6 oz
Pros:
- Non-sticky formula washes off easily.
- Adds shine to the hair
- Can give 360 waves dynamics
- Moisturizes the hair and scalp
- Good for everyday use
- Contains 6 oz product
- Intoxicating fragrance
Cons:
- The hold is not very strong
4. COLDLABEL Premium Wave and Scalp Butter Pomade
If you want one of the best pomades for waves that contain enriching natural ingredients, then the ‘’Premium Wave and Scalp Butter’’ has to be your choice.
Apart from natural butter, it contains a blend of oils that replenishes your hair and scalp. This pomade gives you the right amount of hold. With proper styling tools, your waves will stay on point all day long.
The main nourishing agents in this pomade are jojoba oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, soy butter, organic beeswax, and hempseed oil.
You can rest assured that his product will not load your hair with chemicals. It does not contain any paraben, petroleum, or mineral oil.
It has a buttery or wax consistency. When you warm it a bit on your palm, it becomes oilier.
You can use this pomade to create on-point waves and flaunt it all day long. However, this is no cheap product.
Its price can pinch your pocket. But we believe this is one of the best pomades for waves and is completely worth shedding the extra money.
Base: Oil
Quantity: 4 oz.
Pros:
- Made with natural compounds
- Replenishes hair and scalp
- Gives lasting waves
- Does not contain petroleum, paraffin, lanolin, etc.
Cons:
- Costly
5. Dax Wave & Groom Hair Dress
If you love the popular pompadour or other wave hairstyles, then the Dax Wave & Groom hair dress waits for you. It is an oil-based product that can create the pomps and deep waves you desire.
The DaxWave & Groom Hair Dress is one of the best pomades for waves in the cost-effective range.
This brand uses chemical products in the formula. However, worry not, they will not cause any negative effects. Besides, some chemicals are actually beneficial for your hair and scalp.
However, if you have a skin that produces excess oil, you might want to avoid this product. As it is a super thick formula, it can cause lads with oily skin to break out.
It is a superior product in the affordable range category. This pomade offers you a good deal of hold and a natural healthy shine that does not look too over the top.
This pomade works best if men with short hair use it. This one might not be super effective in creating waves for longer hair.
To apply the product, spritz your hair with water or rinse it. Take a pea size amount and warm it up on your palm before applying it on your hair
Base: Oil
Quantity: 3.5 oz.
Pros:
- Affordable pomade
- Adds a healthy shine
- Super good hold
- Very affordable pomade
Cons:
- Not suitable for longer hair
6. Soft Sheen Sportin Waves Gel Pomade
We have another product from the Soft Sheen that has made the cut. This one is particularly for boys who like their pomades to be non-greasy.
The formula of this product is fortified with wavitrol iii. This component adds softness to your hair and makes it ready for styling.
It is a water-based gel-type pomade that works wonders in creating waves that look on-point and has the perfect depth. You will have no hassle washing it away with shampoo.
This water-based pomade has a strong holding power that will work well if you are looking for a hair styling product that will have a lasting effect. This is why it is one of the best pomades for waves.
If you are a waver, you are going to love this product. It is a reasonably priced product. However, it certainly slightly costs more than its oil counterpart.
It moisturizes your hair, adds shine, gives lasting hold, and washes off easily. You probably cannot want more from a pomade that comes at such an affordable price.
Base: Water
Quantity: 3.5 Oz.
Pros:
- Non-greasy formula
- Cost-effective pomade
- Soothing fragrance
- Adds some shine to hair
- Moisturizes scalp and strands
Cons:
- Might not comb through easily after applying
7. Suavecito Pomade Firme
If you are looking for a way to add volume to your hair, the Suavecito pomade is a good choice. It is a non-greasy, water-based, gel-like formula that tames your hair for longer hours.
You can create the best wave looks using this pomade. You can choose the slicked back, pompadour, or any other hairstyle and achieve it using the correct styling tools along with this product. This product offers a pretty decent hold.
However, if you are a fan of the shine that pomade often adds, then it is best to stay away from this one. The Suavecito pomade does not offer much shine on being applied.
However, it is an easy to apply formula. You can easily brush through it. Also, it is water-soluble. To wear it off, all you need is rinse your hair.
Base: Water
Quantity: 4 Oz.
Pros:
- Water-soluble product
- Offers decent hold
- Reasonably priced
- Locks the wave you created
- Adds volume to hair
Cons:
- Does not add much shine to the hair
Things to Consider While Purchasing a Pomade:
If you are a waver, then getting the best jar of pomade is one of the essential things you need to do for your hair.
Let us see what all factors you need to consider to buy the best pomade for creating the perfect waves.
1. Type of Pomade
Broadly speaking, there were two types of pomades— oil-based and water-based. However,clay-based pomades are a recent addition.
- Water-Based Pomades: This type of product is great when you want a better hold that will last the day. It is best for creating waves in hair that require a lot of taming. The water-based pomades are less greasy as well. You can wash it off with ease. The water-based pomades also give a lot of shine to your hair. However, they tend to make your hair slightly dryer.
- Oil Based Pomades: AS the name suggests, these pomades have a much thicker consistency. They will nourish your hair better, offer decent hold, and shine. However, their drawback is that these are rather tough to wash away. It takes specially formulated products to get them off. Or you need to wait for a few shampoo cycles before the waxy pomade is completely gone from your hair.
- Clay-based Pomades: A clay pomade offers a better volume than either of the above categories. Clay pomades offer medium hold and no shine at all. But you can easily comb through your hair. It does not make your hair stiff at all.
2. Type of Your Hair
The kind of pomade you would need is largely dependent on the type of hair you have.
- Straight hair: Pomades work pretty well on straight hair. This hair type does not require much taming. So, for straight hair, oil or clay-based pomades work better than water base. The former two categories add volume that the latter cannot.
- Wavy hair: If you have naturally wavy hair, all types of pomades will suit you well. However, you might need to add a couple of spritz of set-in spray to maintain the hold.
- Curly hair: water and oil-based pomades are better in rendering waves to a scalp that has curly hair. These people have enough volume and need a product that offers moderate to strong hold.
- Kinky Hair: Water-based products are the best solution for wavers who have kinky hair. It offers superior hold and adds extra shine to your locks while making the best waves that you want.
3. Ease of Combing Through
If you are thinking of styling your hair with pomade, it will perhaps continue on a regular basis. So, products that are gentle and offer you better ease of combing through the hair are better.
While it is not a mandatory thing, but it offers more freedom in changing or adjusting your waves whenever you like. The best pomades in the market offer a good balance between a decent hold and an ease of combing through the hair.
4. Shine
Having shiny hair is a bonus that you get while using most pomades. However, you might want to settle for the healthy shine instead of the unnatural one.
Water-based pomades offer a better shine to your hair than wax or oil-based products. Also, if shine is one of your priorities while choosing hair styling products, clay pomades aren’t the best option for you.
5. Ease of Washing Off
Water-based pomades are the easiest to wash off. Some go away after you rinse your hair with water, others take shampooing. What we mean is, if you want hassle-free removal of this hair styling product, a water-based pomade is more suitable for you.
Ease of washing off isn’t a forte of oil-based pomades. Some come off after the first cycle of shampoo, while others are more stubborn. You might need to use specialized shampoo to take a greasy pomade off of your hair.
6. Moisturization
Pomades are hair styling products that often come with the goodness of nourishment. If you have a dry scalp, look for pomades that are rich in oils. If you already have an oily scalp, you might want to ditch a product that offers too much nourishing.
7. The scent of the Pomade
When you wear a hair product, its fragrance plays a great role in deciding your fondness for it. Also, it can set your mood for the entire day.
Hence, while choosing a pomade for yourself, select one that has a refreshing smell. If you are not a fan of fragrances, search for products that have a neutral scent.
Conclusion:
Have you managed to decide the best pomade for waves that you want to use? If not, let us help you.
We think that the WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Pomade is the best. It is our favorite because it has a good holding power, gives decent volume and shine.
Also, this oil-based pomade is very affordable. This product contains shea butter that nourishes hair along with styling it.