How to Use and Choose the Right Pomade for Your Hair Style

Written By Shaylynn Marks

If you’ve ever scooped pomade and plopped it onto your head and immediately regretted it, you’re right where you need to be! The key for learning how to use pomade focuses on selecting the right type of pomade you’re working and how much your hair can realistically handle. We’re getting into what pomade does and when to use it. We’ll help you make sense of which pomade fits your style so your hair quits looking like it does whatever it wants.

What is Pomade, Exactly?

Pomade is a hair styling product with a ton of different superpowers. Pomade can add hold, control, and texture. And ideally, without turning your hair into a crunchy mess. Depending on the type, pomade can give you a matte look, natural shine, flexible movement, or a stronger hold that keeps your style in place. It’s commonly used for styles like pompadours, slick backs, side parts, textured crops, and other “messy” looks. In other words, pomade makes your hair look and stay styled on purpose instead of like it gave up halfway through the day.

When Should I Use Pomade?

Use pomade when you want more control with your hairstyle. That can be any combination of control, definition, texture, or hold while making sure your hair isn’t just stiff. Pomade is also an easy go-to when you want to tame flyaways, and just generally used to keep your hairstyle in place for longer periods of time.

 

How to Choose the Right Pomade

The right pomade all boils down to the amount of hold, shine, and movement you want. Here’s our top 3 types of pomade, and which hairstyles and hair types they work best with.

Cream Pomade

Consider cream pomade as the laid-back guy of the pomade world. It gives you solid control, textured definition, and a matte finish without making your hair look shiny or crunchy. Cream pomade also helps tame flyaways, and works on damp or dry hair. Many are water-based, which makes it rinse out easily, so you’re not stuck scrubbing your head like stripping paint.

When to Use: Cream pomade is best when you want flexible hold and a matte finish.

Ideal Hair Types: Fine, straight, and wavy hair.

Great For Styling: Natural styles, textured looks, side parts, and other looser hairstyles.

Firm Pomade

Firm pomade is perfect for those who want their hair to stay put and still look good doing it. Classic firm pomade gives a natural shine and a hold strong enough to keep your style in place while still giving you the freedom to reshape it throughout the day. You get that classic, slicked, structured look people love from oldschool pomades, just without the greasy messy or hour-long wash out.

When to Use: Firm pomade is the go-to when you want stronger hold, a cleaner shape, and a little shine.

Ideal Hair Types: Medium to thick, straight, and wavy hair.

Great For Styling: Slick backs, side parts, pompadours, and other styles that need structure and staying power.

Clay Pomade

Clay pomade is the heavy hitter that keeps your hairstyle in shape without coming off shellacked. It gives you extra firm hold, added texture, and a natural matte finish. This pomade can handle messy and structured styles—and like the cream pomade, it rinses out easily.

When to Use: Clay pomade is best when you want maximum hold, more defined texture, and a matte finish.

Ideal Hair Types: Thick, wavy, curly, and textured hair.

Great For Styling: Just about any hairstyle that needs stronger control, and any textured, messy, or structured looks.

How to Use and Style Your Hair with Pomade

How to Use Cream Pomade

Use it On: Damp hair for more control, or dry hair for a more natural finish.

How to Use Cream Pomade: Scoop a small amount into your palm and rub your hands together. Work it evenly through your hair, then style with your fingers for a relaxed look or a comb for something cleaner.

Pro-tip: If you want just a bit more texture, hit your hair with some sea salt spray first. If flyaways are acting up, clean them up lightly with a palm hair brush.

How to Use Firm Pomade

Use it On: Slightly damp or dry hair depending on how polished you want the finish.

How to Use Firm Pomade: Start with a small amount, warm it up in your hands, and work it through evenly from root to tip. Use your fingers to shape it, then finish with a comb if you want a cleaner, more locked-in style.

Pro-tip: Pair it with a Y11 or Y12 Cellulose Acetate Hair Comb to smooth, refine, and keep everything looking sharp.

How to Use Clay Pomade

Use it On: Dry hair for a more natural look, or damp hair when you’re aiming for a hairstyle that calls for stronger hold and more control.

How to Use Clay Pomade: Rub a small amount between your fingers, then work it through your hair evenly. Use your hands for texture, or a comb for a cleaner finish.

How Much Pomade Should You Use?

Start with a small amount of pomade, about the size of a dime. As you work it through with the style of your choice, you can gradually add more as necessary. Just remember, thin and fine hair usually needs much less product. Too much pomade can make your hair look heavy or flat—and can get greasy fast. If your style is not cooperating, add a little more product instead of dumping a whole scoop on your head.

Use the Right Pomade, Get Better Hair Days

Having a dope hairstyle shouldn’t involve a whole side quest. Use the right pomade for you hair type, and work with your hair instead of trying to bully it into submission. Once you know how to use pomade, shaping out an attractive hairstyle will feel effortless.