How to Choose the Best Pomade for Men: Based on Hair Type, Hold, and Feel

Pomade isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve probably tried one that felt greasy, one that smelled like teenage cologne, or one that left your hair flat by lunchtime. We get it.

It’s built from honest conversations, actual frustrations, and a goal to help you find a pomade that works for your hair, your style, and your routine, with no hype and no marketing fluff.

There are pomade lists out there written by people who’ve probably never styled a damn thing.

At Highland, we’ve tested, tweaked, and heard it all - from guys dealing with greasy buildup to crunchy, over-scented regrets. This is why we personally created our own clay pomade based on our real, hands-on experience and what actually works.

We've also won hair product awards from the likes of Esquire, Men's Journal, GQ Recommends, and AskMen.

Highland Glacial Clay Pomade is a clean, confident upgrade for guys who want better grooming, without the BS.

We believe these are some of the most common issues guys struggle with when using certain types of pomades.

From styling our own hair, listening to customers, and what we see consistently shows up in grooming forums and online reviews:

• Too greasy or shiny: “Looks like I haven’t showered.”

• Overpowering scents: “Smells like cheap cologne and bad choices.”

• Won’t rinse out: “Even after two shampoos, my hair still feels coated.”

• Wrong for their hair type: “Everything just weighs my hair down.”

• Flakes, clumps, or stiffens halfway through the day

Most articles gloss over this stuff. We won’t.

Not all men’s hair styling products are created equal. Watch out for:

• Oil-based pomades – Can be hard to rinse and may clog pores

• High-shine pomades – Might flatten fine or thinning hair

• Artificial scents – Overbearing fragrances can linger too long

• Drugstore formulas – Often include alcohols or silicones that dry out hair

We suggest instead looking for a vegetable glycerin pomade that uses clean ingredients to give you healthier hair and styling control without compromise.

Before you can find what is the best pomade for men, understand what factors separate each type:

✅ For Fine or Thinning Hair

Avoid heavy waxes or oily finishes. You want light texture, natural volume, and a matte clay pomade that gives hold without collapse.

✅ For Thick or Coarse Hair

Look for a strong hold pomade that can tame volume and provide long-lasting structure, especially for styles like side parts or slick backs.

✅ For Curly or Wavy Hair

You want frizz control without crunch. A low to medium hold pomade with subtle shine smooths curls without flattening their shape.

✅ For Short, Textured Cuts

A matte finish styling product gives you that dry, separated look. Great for crops, crew cuts, and “mess it and go” mornings.

We built Highland Glacial Clay Pomade to be the go-to for guys who want:

• Natural volume and definition without stiffness

• A clean, low-shine finish with pliable control

• A subtle pine and sandalwood scent that dissipates quickly

• Ingredients you can actually recognize — and trust

This clay-based, water-rinsable formula uses only 9 botanical ingredients, including Canadian glacial clay, jojoba oil, arrowroot, and shea butter to support healthier hair and scalp.

It’s ideal for short to medium-length hair and all hair types and textures, offering 24-hour control and all-day re-workability, with no crusty stiffness or product flake.

The best pomade for men isn’t the most expensive — it’s the one that works with your hair, your look, and your lifestyle.

If you’re done with:

• Hair that looks wet and flat

• Products that don’t rinse out

• Scents that shout instead of speak

…it might be time to try a pomade made with real intention.