Best Pomade for Thick Hair: 15 Game-Changing Products for Powerful Hold (2025)

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For thick hair, you’ll need a pomade with strong hold properties. Water-based options like Suavecito Original or Reuzel Fiber Pomade offer excellent control without weighing down your substantial locks.

Oil-based alternatives like Layrite Superhold provide longer-lasting structure and taming power for particularly stubborn hair. Apply to slightly damp hair, working a small amount from roots to ends for even distribution.

The best pomade for thick hair should give you that perfect balance of control and natural movement without the helmet-head effect. Choosing the right formulation means the difference between fighting your hair all day and having it work with you instead of against you, which is crucial for thick hair and achieving the desired perfect balance.

Choosing Best Pomade

You’ll need to match your pomade to your thick hair’s specific needs, considering factors like hold strength, finish type, and ingredient quality for best results.

The right product will provide powerful control without weighing down your locks, allowing you to achieve styles that last throughout the day without constant touch-ups, utilizing powerful control for a lasting effect.

Consider Hair Type

Your hair type should be at the top of your mind when selecting a pomade for thick hair.

Thick hair generally needs strong hold pomades to maintain styles throughout the day.

If you have curly thick hair, look for products with frizz control. Straight thick hair works well with matte finishes.

Hair density and porosity also impact how pomade performs—higher density requires more powerful formulations.

Desired Hold and Shine

When selecting pomade for thick hair, understanding the relationship between hold strength and shine level is essential.

Natural Ingredients

Beyond hold and shine, quality natural ingredients make a world of difference in your pomade selection.

Beeswax provides flexible hold while sealing in moisture.

Coconut oil conditions without drying, promoting healthy hair growth.

Kaolin clay adds texture while detoxifying your scalp.

Shea butter and jojoba oil offer rich vitamins and minerals that nourish thick hair while styling.

When choosing thick hair pomade, these natural ingredients deliver performance without compromising hair health, thanks to the use of natural ingredients.

Pomade Benefits

You’ll get exceptional control over your thick locks with the right pomade, offering strong hold without stiffness while taming frizz even in humid conditions.

The best pomades for thick hair provide flexible styling that lasts all day, eliminating touch-ups and nourishing your strands with natural ingredients for healthier hair.

Adds Hold and Structure

When you’ve selected the right pomade for your needs, you’ll discover its primary superpower – adding hold and structure to your thick hair.

A strong hold pomade works like an invisible scaffold, keeping your style in place all day.

The pomade consistency determines hairstyle longevity, while proper application amount prevents product buildup.

Most pomades for men offer styling versatility, letting you create anything from slick backs to textured crops.

Enhances Texture and Definition

While providing hold, pomade also works wonders for enhancing texture and definition in thick hair.

The right product allows for pomade layering techniques that separate strands and create dimension.

You’ll notice how texturizing pomade emphasizes waves and defining curls becomes easier when you work the product through your locks.

By controlling thick hair’s natural bulk, pomade helps showcase your hair texture rather than letting it appear as one heavy mass, using techniques like defining curls.

Reduces Frizz and Flyaways

While texture gives your hair character, frizz and flyaways can ruin your style.

The right pomade for thick hair acts as a shield against humidity, keeping those unruly strands in check.

The application amount matters—use enough to coat strands without weighing hair down.

Applying Pomade

You’ll need to warm the pomade between your palms first, then apply it evenly to damp or dry hair for maximum control.

Start with a small amount and add more as needed, working from the roots to the tips to tame thick hair effectively.

Pre-Styling Prep

Now that you know the benefits of pomade, let’s get your hair ready for styling.

Start with clean, towel-dried hair – not too wet, not too dry.

Hair dampness matters; slightly damp hair accepts pomade better.

Apply heat protection if you’ll use a blow dryer.

Have your comb selection ready and determine the right product amount for your thick hair type before application begins.

Application Techniques

Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to master applying pomade correctly. The right technique makes all the difference for thick hair.

• Start with slightly damp hair for ideal product distribution
• Use a dime-sized amount, adding more if needed for thicker sections
• Warm the pomade between palms until it softens completely
• Distribute evenly from roots to ends, focusing on problem areas
• Apply gentle heat with a blow dryer for maximum hold and control

Styling and Finishing Touches

Now that you’ve applied your pomade, it’s time to perfect your look.

With the right finishing touches, you’ll transform your thick hair from good to great.

Many find that heat protectant is essential for maintaining healthy hair when using heat to style. heat protectant is essential

Technique	Benefit for Thick Hair
Comb Selection	Wide-tooth combs prevent breakage
Heat Styling	Lock in hold with quick blow-dry
Product Layering	Combine pomade with texturizing spray
Hairstyle Longevity	Finish with light hairspray
Shine Enhancement	Pat ends with small amount of strong hold pomade

Top 15 Pomades

You’ll find these 15 powerful pomades specifically designed to tame and style even the thickest hair types.

Each product offers a unique combination of hold strength, finish type, and special ingredients to help you achieve your desired hairstyle with lasting control.

1. Suavecito Pomade Original Hair Styling Gel

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For taming thick, unruly hair, Suavecito Pomade Original Hair Styling Gel delivers reliable results without the fuss.

This water-based formula provides medium hold with just enough flexibility for style adjustments throughout the day.

You’ll appreciate its creamy consistency that distributes evenly and washes out completely, leaving no residue.

The alcohol-free formulation prevents dryness while maintaining a subtle shine.

Perfect for pompadours, side parts, and slickbacks, this pomade requires just a quarter-sized amount for most styles.

Its classic masculine scent and straightforward application make it a go-to option for daily styling.

Best For: Individuals with short to medium-length hair seeking a medium hold, subtle shine, and effortless styling for sleek or classic hairstyles.

2. Suavecito Matte Pomade Medium Hold

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A true game-changer for thick hair, Suavecito Matte Pomade delivers medium hold with a natural, shine-free finish.

This water-soluble formula applies effortlessly—just warm a quarter-sized amount between your palms and distribute evenly through dry hair.

You’ll love how it tames frizz while maintaining flexibility throughout the day, and it won’t leave residue or build-up, washing out easily with water.

Perfect for structured styles without stiffness, one 4 oz jar ($14.99) lasts several months of daily use, and it outperforms higher-priced alternatives while providing that subtle, pleasant scent.

Best For: Individuals with all hair types, especially thick hair, seeking a natural matte finish and medium hold for structured and casual styles.

3. Layrite Superhold Pomade Orange

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Three key features set Layrite Superhold Pomade Orange apart for thick hair management.

This water-based formula grips stubborn strands with exceptional control without leaving flakes.

You’ll appreciate how easily it distributes through coarse or curly textures, maintaining all-day flexibility even in high humidity.

Its mild cream soda scent, derived from coconut and castor oils, offers a pleasant but not overpowering fragrance.

While slightly pricier than competitors at $24.50, the washable formula guarantees no residue remains at day’s end.

Perfect for everything from structured pompadours to textured, messy styles, with a mild cream soda scent and great all-day flexibility.

Best For: Individuals with thick, coarse, or curly hair seeking a strong, flexible hold and a mild, refreshing scent.

4. Reuzel Fiber Pomade Strong Hold

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Strength meets flexibility in Reuzel Fiber Pomade.

This water-based formula provides a firm 8/10 hold while maintaining a natural low shine (3/10) finish.

It’s perfect for creating textured, disheveled looks that add fullness to medium and thick hair types.

You’ll appreciate how it washes out easily while still delivering all-day performance.

Available in three convenient sizes (1.3oz, 4oz, and 12oz), this pomade gives you the structural support needed for unruly thick hair without the stiffness or greasiness of traditional products.

It’s ideal for those bedhead styles that look effortlessly cool, providing a firm hold that keeps your style in place.

Best For: Medium to thick hair types looking for textured, natural, and effortlessly cool styles with a firm hold and low shine.

5. Viking Revolution Extreme Hold Pomade

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Designed for warriors battling unruly thick hair, Viking Revolution Extreme Hold Pomade delivers impressive results without the harsh chemicals.

This water-based formula with castor oil provides up to 12 hours of firm hold while remaining surprisingly easy to wash out.

It’s perfect for creating pompadours, slick backs, and side parts with a natural shine that isn’t overly glossy.

You’ll appreciate how it holds firmly without the stiffness—your hair stays pliable and easy to restyle with just a touch of water, making it ideal for thick hair that needs serious taming.

Best For: Men with thick, unruly hair needing a long-lasting, firm hold with a natural shine.

6. Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade

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Many find Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade to be a game-changer for thick hair.

This water-based, silicone-free formula offers medium hold with a natural matte finish.

It works well for both classic and modern styles without leaving residue.

You’ll appreciate its crème brulee and hazelnut scent while enjoying all-day hold.

The heavy cream texture sets slowly but grabs quickly in hair, making styling easier.

Apply to dry hair for best results, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed.

It reduces frizz and washes out easily with shampoo, providing a convenient and easy styling experience.

Best For: Individuals with short to medium-length hair seeking a natural matte finish and medium hold for classic or modern styles.

7. Blind Barber Mens Strong Hold Pomade

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For thick, unruly hair, Blind Barber’s Strong Hold Pomade delivers exceptional control without sacrificing texture.

The water-based formula rinses out easily while providing all-day hold with a natural matte finish. Infused with hops and tonka bean, it styles your hair and also conditions it, creating healthy-looking volume.

You’ll appreciate the semi-sweet scent that isn’t overpowering. Apply a dime-sized amount to towel-dried hair for best results.

Users with coarse or wiry hair particularly praise this pomade for its ability to tame difficult strands while maintaining a touchable feel.

Best For: People with thick, unruly, or coarse hair looking for strong hold and a touchable, natural finish.

8. Daimon Barber Classic Pomade Hair Wax

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Luxury enthusiasts will appreciate Daimon Barber Classic Pomade Hair Wax for its perfect balance of style and care.

This oil-based formula delivers medium hold with high shine while nourishing your scalp.

The combination of avocado and coconut oils strengthens hair, while beeswax provides malleable hold that keeps thick hair in check.

You’ll enjoy the sophisticated black pepper and nutmeg fragrance as you style.

It’s completely paraben-free and cruelty-free, with all ingredients sustainably sourced in the UK.

This pomade works especially well for creating defined, polished looks that last.

Best For: Individuals seeking a medium hold, high-shine pomade with nourishing and eco-friendly ingredients.

9. Uppercut Deluxe Pomade Hair Styling

Uppercut Deluxe’s original pomade has earned a cult following for good reason.

This water-based formula delivers strong hold without stiffness, making it perfect for classic styles like pompadours and side parts.

You’ll appreciate how it washes out easily while leaving no residue.

With its smooth coconut scent and balanced shine, it’s suitable for most hair types of medium length.

Users report it holds all day, even through workouts, with minimal product needed.

While some find it slightly drying, most thick-haired customers praise its ability to control without the stickiness of other brands, providing minimal residue.

Best For: Those seeking a strong hold, high-shine pomade for classic styles like pompadours and side parts, with easy washout and minimal residue.

10. Layrite Original Pomade Hair Styling

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Reliability makes Layrite Original Pomade a standout choice for thick hair management.

This water-based formula grips your hair effectively while providing a medium shine that looks healthy rather than greasy.

You’ll appreciate how it distributes easily and rinses out completely, leaving no residue behind.

The firm hold works well for fine to thick hair types, and its light cream soda scent is pleasant without being overpowering.

While the price might seem high for a 4.25-ounce jar, many users find it lasts for months, making it a worthwhile investment for daily styling.

Best For: Individuals with fine to thick hair seeking a medium shine and reliable firm hold for classic, timeless styles.

11. O’Douds Texturizing Hair Cream Medium Hold

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O’Douds Texturizing Hair Cream offers a plant-based styling solution with medium hold and neutral shine.

Its natural formula contains castor oil, peppermint oil, and aloe vera to deeply condition while styling. You’ll appreciate how it creates manageable, relaxed looks without hardening.

The lavender-peppermint scent comes exclusively from essential oils. This vegan, cruelty-free product works best on towel-dried hair and can be used alone or paired with clay pomade.

While some find the price point high, its conditioning benefits and humidity resistance make it worth considering for those wanting natural, textured styles.

Best For: Those seeking a plant-based, medium-hold styling cream with conditioning benefits and a natural, textured finish.

12. American Crew Pomade Medium Hold

A styling veteran for thick hair, American Crew Pomade offers medium hold with high shine that’s particularly effective for textured or curly hair.

This water-based formula applies easily to damp or dry hair without leaving residue, making it perfect for daily use.

You’ll appreciate how it creates slick, controlled looks while still allowing natural movement, and the lanolin ingredient provides pliable hold while conditioning your hair.

It rinses clean with shampoo and won’t weigh down even the thickest locks, and for best results, warm a small amount between your palms before working through hair to achieve a slick and controlled look.

Best For: Men with thick, textured, or curly hair seeking a medium hold and high-shine finish for slick, polished hairstyles.

13. Firsthand Supply All Purpose Pomade

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With its focus on natural ingredients, Firsthand Supply All Purpose Pomade delivers strong hold with a low shine finish.

This versatile formula works wonders for thick hair while remaining easy to wash out. You’ll appreciate the clean ingredient list featuring aloe vera juice, beeswax, and shea butter.

The lavender scent provides a fresh touch, though some find it strong. It’s especially effective for creating texture without greasiness and controlling flyaways.

Despite the higher price point, many users find this sustainable, USA-made product worth the investment for its long-lasting performance and strong hold.

Best For: Individuals with all hair types looking for a sustainable, strong-hold styling product with natural ingredients.

14. Highland Glacial Natural Hair Clay

With just nine all-natural ingredients, Highland Glacial Natural Hair Clay delivers a light, reworkable hold that works wonders for thick hair.

This award-winning clay provides a natural matte finish that enhances texture without looking greasy. The Canadian Glacial Clay contains micronutrients that actively nourish both your hair and scalp while styling.

You’ll appreciate its versatility across all hair types, including coarse and curly textures. The eco-friendly aluminum packaging makes it travel-friendly and fully recyclable.

Users particularly praise its non-greasy finish and how it improves scalp health over time.

Best For: Those seeking a natural, non-greasy hair clay with a matte finish that works on all hair types and promotes scalp health.

15. REUZEL Concrete Hold Matte Pomade

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REUZEL Concrete Hold Matte Pomade delivers exactly what thick hair needs—24-hour strong hold without the shine.

You’ll appreciate its non-sticky formula that prevents flaking while remaining reworkable throughout the day.

This vegan product works well on all hair types and leaves no residue. Apply to towel-dried or dry hair for best results.

The subtle vanilla cola scent adds a pleasant touch without overpowering. While some users with fine hair note it can feel heavy, those with thick, coarse hair praise its firm yet flexible hold.

Best For: Those with thick, coarse hair seeking a strong, reworkable hold and natural matte finish.

Water Based Pomades

You’ll find water-based pomades perfect for thick hair as they provide strong hold without leaving residue and wash out easily with water.

These lightweight formulas allow you to restyle throughout the day while maintaining control over your thick locks, making them an ideal choice for daily styling.

Easy to Wash Out

After exploring our top 15 picks, you’ll appreciate that water-based pomades offer a major advantage for thick-haired folks: they wash out effortlessly.

Unlike traditional oil-based products, water-soluble formulations rinse clean with just water and minimal shampoo.

This easy removal makes water-based pomade for men with thick hair ideal for regular styling without the cleanup hassle.

Many users find water based options particularly effective, highlighting the benefits of easy removal and the importance of maintaining proper scalp health.

Lightweight and Versatile

Water-based pomades don’t just wash out easily—they’re also incredibly lightweight and versatile for styling thick hair.

You’ll notice the difference immediately when applying these products; they distribute evenly without weighing down your strands. Their flexible styling options let you create everything from slicked-back looks to textured, casual styles.

With minimal buildup even after daily use, these hair products maintain your thick hair’s natural movement. For curly hair, pomades offer enhanced curl definition.

The effortless application means you’ll spend less time styling and more time showing off your perfectly controlled mane. Many pomades for men also add a subtle natural shine without looking greasy, making them ideal for daily use with minimal buildup and great versatility.

Oil Based Pomades

Oil-based pomades provide superior control and lasting hold for your thick hair, keeping styles in place all day without frequent touch-ups.

You’ll appreciate how these formulations add rich shine while delivering moisture to your strands, making them especially effective for taming unruly thickness.

Strong Hold and Long-Lasting

Oil-based pomades deliver unmatched hold strength factors for thick, unruly hair.

You’ll appreciate how they keep your style locked in place for days, not hours. The petroleum and wax combination creates extreme hold options that won’t quit even in humidity or heat.

Unlike water-based alternatives, strong hold pomade for men offers all-day performance without needing reapplication. Your thick hair stays exactly where you want it, maintaining lasting shine control through sweaty workouts or windy days.

The non-drying formula lets you quickly restyle throughout the day while maintaining that climate impact hold you need. Many users find the best results with a quality oil based product.

Moisturizing Properties

Beyond their holding power, oil-based pomades deliver essential moisture to thick hair that often struggles with dryness.

These products create a protective barrier that locks in hydration while adding definition and control.

• Your scalp will thank you as natural oils in these pomades maintain oil balance
• Thick strands become noticeably more manageable with ingredients that prevent breakage
• Humectant benefits draw moisture from the air, keeping hair hydrated all day
• No more fighting with straw-like texture as pomade ingredients improve elasticity

For ideal hair health, look for pomades containing lanolin, beeswax, or shea butter.

Hybrid Pomades

Hybrid pomades combine the best qualities of water-based and oil-based formulas, giving you both easy washing and long-lasting hold for thick hair.

You’ll get the flexibility to restyle throughout the day while still maintaining the strong control needed to tame your powerful locks, with the benefit of easy washing.

Combines Benefits of Both

With hybrid pomades, you’ll enjoy the best of both water-based and oil-based formulations in one product.

They deliver the strong hold needed for thick hair without sacrificing flexibility.

You get the easy washability of water-based products combined with the lasting power of oil-based pomades.

Hybrid pomades create that perfect balance—providing enough strength to tame unruly thick hair while allowing for versatile styling throughout the day.

They’re the middle ground for men’s hair styling, offering medium hold with high shine and leaving minimal residue.

This balanced hold makes them ideal for both slicked-back and textured styles.

Many users find benefits in purchasing hybrid pomade online.

Flexible and Adaptable

Hybrid pomade’s greatest strength lies in its flexible and adaptable nature throughout your day.

You’ll appreciate how these formulas allow for easy restyling ability without washing and reapplying.

Simply dampen your hands and rework your thick hair as needed.

This adaptability proves essential when facing humidity resistance challenges or when shifting from daytime to evening looks.

The unique composition supports style evolution, letting your hair styling choices evolve with your day-long changes.

For men’s hair styling needs, this pomade for thick hair provides the perfect balance of structure and movement without the stiffness of traditional products.

Pomade Alternatives

You’ll find excellent styling options beyond traditional pomades with hair clay and paste products that offer strong hold for thick hair.

These alternatives provide different textures and finishes while maintaining the control you need for managing substantial hair volume.

Hair Clay

While hybrid pomades offer versatility, hair clay stands as another excellent option for thick hair management.

This styling clay for men provides a strong, flexible hold with a natural matte finish.

Hair clay delivers benefits that many with thick hair seek:

• Adds substantial volume and texture without unwanted shine
• Creates a workable feel that lasts throughout the day
• Absorbs excess oil for a clean, fresh scalp
• Resists humidity and sweat better than traditional products
• Nourishes hair while styling for healthier results

Apply hair clay to dry hair for maximum hold or damp hair for a more natural look.

Hair Paste

While pomades provide structure and shine, hair paste offers a more natural approach to styling thick hair.

Unlike traditional pomades, paste delivers medium hold with a pliable texture that allows your hair to move naturally throughout the day.

You’ll appreciate how paste works wonderfully for creating texture and definition without the heaviness.

For best results, warm a small amount between your fingers before working through dry or slightly damp hair, starting at the roots.

Some users may prefer hairspray alternatives due to alcohol content.

Top brands like Hanz de Fuko Gravity Paste and American Crew Defining Paste are specifically formulated to give thick hair the control it needs without stiffness.

Maintaining Healthy Hair

You’ll need to balance your pomade use with proper hair care routines to keep your thick locks healthy and manageable.

Regular washing with gentle shampoo and conditioning will remove product buildup while maintaining the natural oils that give your hair strength and shine, which is crucial for keeping your hair healthy.

Regular Washing and Conditioning

While alternatives like clay or paste offer different textures, your thick hair still needs proper cleansing when using any styling product.

Avoiding Overuse and Build-Up

Many thick-haired folks fall into the trap of using too much pomade.

Start with a small application amount—pea-sized for shorter styles, dime-sized for longer hair.

Increase washing frequency to prevent residue buildup, using a clarifying shampoo twice weekly.

Pay attention to product ingredients, as heavy oils contribute to buildup.

Giving your scalp health priority means occasionally skipping styling products to let your hair breathe.

Choosing Gentle Ingredients

While preventing build-up keeps your scalp healthy, the ingredients in your pomade matter just as much.

Look for products with natural ingredients that won’t cause irritation or damage your thick hair over time.

Styling Thick Hair

You’ll need a strong-hold pomade to tame and style your thick hair, focusing on even application from roots to ends for maximum control.

The right product will add structure while maintaining your hair’s natural movement, preventing that helmet-like stiffness common with gel-based products, which is achieved through even application.

Creating Texture and Volume

While healthy hair provides the foundation, thick hair needs special styling techniques to reach its full potential.

For root lift with thick hair, apply pomade at the roots and blow dry upside down with a diffuser.

Try product combinations like pomade with texturizing sprays for added volume. Layered styles naturally create movement, making your thick hair appear less heavy.

These hair styling tips transform flat hair into voluminous hairstyles with minimal effort.

Adding Hold and Structure

Now that you’ve created volume, it’s time to lock your style in place.

When working with thick hair, proper hold and structure are game-changers for all-day styling.

This approach ensures that your hairstyle remains intact throughout the day, making it ideal for individuals with thick hair who want a long-lasting style.

Enhancing Natural Movement

The right pomade can bring your thick hair to life without weighing it down.

Look for lightweight formulas that offer flexible hold while avoiding stiffness.

Apply pomade to damp hair, working from roots to ends for buildable texture.

Products that enhance natural shine let your hair’s movement shine through.

For thick hair management, less is often more—start small and add as needed.

Regular trims help maintain healthy hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)