How to Choose the Best Pomade for Men: Based on Hair Type, Hold, and Feel
Hair pomade isn't one-size-fits-all, unlike some generic hair gel products.
You've grabbed one that left your hair looking like an oil slick, or perhaps a sea salt spray that dried it out.
One that smelled like a teenager's first mistake. One that completely checked out before lunch. We've been there.
This guide isn’t just another product roundup.
This isn't another lazy product roundup from someone who's never touched a jar of pomade or just copied reviews from Amazon.
It's built from real frustrations, honest feedback, and one clear goal: help you find a hydrating hair pomade that actually works with your hair type, your style, and your hair care routine — not against it.
No hype. No filler.
Real Talk First
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 stuck with greasy buildup to stiff, over-scented disasters.
That's exactly why we created our own moisturizing matte pomade — built from hands-on experience and a obsession with helping you nail a hair look that actually holds up.
We’ve also earned recognition from Esquire, Men’s Journal, GQ Recommends, and AskMen for making products that perform.
Highland Glacial Clay Pomade is a clean, confident upgrade for guys who want better grooming, without the BS.
What Men Actually Struggle With When Using Pomade
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 skip right past these problems. We won’t. If you’re struggling with any of the above, check out our men’s grooming tips for more straight-talk solutions.
Pomades You Might Want to Avoid
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
What should you reach for instead? A vegetable glycerin pomade built with clean ingredients.
Something that gives you control and healthier hair — without trade-offs. If you’re unsure where to start with cleaner grooming products, we’ve made that easy.
Understanding Pomade: Hold, Shine & Finish
Before you can find what is the best pomade for men, understand what factors separate each type:
Feature |
What It Means |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
Hold |
Light = flexible, Medium = balance, Firm = locks hair in place |
Volume vs structure |
Shine |
Matte = no shine, |
Natural vs polished finish |
Finish |
The end look: dry texture, smooth control, glossy wave |
Casual to classic styles |
Base |
Clay = dry/volumizing, Wax = pliable, |
Styling texture + washability |
Hair Type |
Fine, thick, curly, straight |
Matching weight and texture to density |
Fragrance |
Bold vs subtle |
Impacts day-to-day wearability |
Choosing the Right Pomade for Your Hair Type & Style Goals
✅ For Fine or Thinning Hair
Heavy waxes and oily finishes will kill your volume. You want light texture, natural lift, and a matte clay pomade that delivers a light hold without collapse.
Clay-based formulas are your best friend — they add body and texture where you need it most without weighing anything down.
✅ For Thick or Coarse Hair
You need a strong hold pomade, often referred to as a high hold pomade, that tames volume and provides structure that lasts.
Side parts, slick backs, textured crops — thick hair demands a product that won’t give out by mid-afternoon.
Look for firm hold with a pliable finish so you can restyle throughout the day without starting over or adding more product.
✅ For Curly or Wavy Hair
Frizz control without crunch. That’s the sweet spot.
A low to medium hold pomade with subtle shine smooths curls and keeps their natural shape intact.
Avoid anything that dries stiff — your curls should still move and bounce naturally, not look like a helmet.
✅ For Short, Textured Cuts
A matte finish pomade gives you that dry, separated look — sharp definition without the shine, especially when paired with a blow-dry.
It works across every hair texture and hair length, from tight crops and fades to long hair that needs structure without stiffness.
Whether you've got 90 seconds or five minutes, a quick pass through your hair and you're out the door.
If you're styling a shorter cut, check out our guide on styling short hair with pomade for more tips.
Highland Glacial Clay Pomade: Clean Styling That Just Works
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
"Best hair product my husband has ever used. Every pomade he’s used has been too heavy, rancid, or sticky. This stuff is perfect. Perfect density (gives his thin hair some volume!), smells great, and lasts without being crunchy, sticky, or greasy. He is so happy!"
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 works for short to medium-length hair across all hair types and textures.
You get 24-hour control and all-day re-workability with zero flaking, zero crunch, and zero product buildup.
Just clean, confident styling from morning to night.
Want to see how it stacks up against traditional wax-based products?
Read our clay pomade vs. wax comparison for a full breakdown.
Final Word: The Best Pomade Is the One That Feels Right
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.
