Is Pomade Good for Curly Hair?

No grease. No crunch. Just defined curls that last.

Yes, pomade is good for curly hair when you pick the right pomade, the right product, and apply the amount of pomade correctly.

Used the wrong way? You’ll end up with greasy clumps, limp hairstyles, and frustrating buildup.

Used the right way? You’ll get defined curls, control frizz, and a natural look that works across many types of hair.

This guide cuts through the confusion with straight answers, professional style-backed advice, and no-fluff hair care tips.

A lot of the frustration with styling curly hair comes from confusion about types of pomades. Some think hair pomade is “glue.” Others confuse it with gel or wax.

💧Water-Based Pomade: Lightweight, rinses clean, gives flexible to medium hold. Often, the best pomade for everyday hair care routines.

🌑 Clay Pomade: Matte finish, strong hold, perfect for textured men’s hair and short, wavy hair.

🌿 Cream Pomade: Softer light hold, adds hydration and subtle sheen for a natural look.

✨ Oil-Based Pomades: Glossy, high shine, heavy. Works only for thick hair or long hair — and even then, sparingly.

🌬️ Mousse: Light volume. Great for fine hair or dry hair, but weaker at controlling frizz compared to pomade.

👉 Bottom line: Pomade works with curls when used right. It’s not gel. Gel locks hair solid, while pomade keeps your hair looking flexible.

So why use pomade at all? Because it solves everyday struggles with curly hair and wavy hair:

• Keeps curly hairstyles defined without looking crunchy.
  
  

• Acts as a barrier to control frizz in humid weather.
  
  

• Lets you restyle with a slick back or reshape your curl pattern during the day.
  
  

• Enhances shine for a polished look or stays subtle with a matte finish.
  
  

• Locks in hydration, making dry hair feel smoother.
  
  

• Day-two bonus: many say their hair look improves once pomade works into their curls overnight.

Like most hair products, pomade isn’t perfect.

🚫 Problems:

• Buildup and a greasy feel from heavy oil-based pomades.
  
  

• Stiff, crunchy clumps if you apply the wrong styling products.
  
  

• Paying more for “premium” without getting the best pomade performance.

💡Fixes:

• Go for water-based pomade or clay — easier on hair type and scalp.
  
  

• Always apply less than you think; the amount of pomade should be minimal.
  
  

• Pair with a good conditioner or leave-in to restore moisturizing balance.
  
  

• Rotate your styling products with deep hair care (weekly treatments).

Technique is everything. Here’s how to use pomade properly for styling curly hair:

1. Scoop small: Start with a fingertip of pomade. Don’t overload — small amounts avoid clumps.
   
   

2. Emulsify: Warm the pomade in your hands.
   
   

3. Work into damp hair: Focus mids-to-ends, not the scalp. Damp hair helps spread evenly.
   
   

4. Scrunch upward: Encourage your curl pattern and avoid stiffness.
   
   

5. Air dry: Provides a natural look or diffuses for volume.
   
   

6. Polish lightly: Smooth across flyaways for a polished look.

💡 Styling products tip: For added hydration, layer pomade with a leave-in or conditioner. This combo works especially well for long hair or thick hair.

Here’s the quick guide to matching types of pomades to different hair types and hairstyles:

👉 The right pomade depends on your hair type and your desired hair look.

Highland keeps hair products clean, simple, and effective.

• Glacial Clay Pomade → medium hold, matte finish, reworkable. A hair pomade that supports a natural look without harsh chemicals.
  
  

• Glacial Cream → adds hydration, controls frizz, and pairs with styling curly hair routines for softer curly hairstyles.

Perfect for men’s hair, short hair, or long hair — designed to handle real-world hair care struggles.

Is pomade good for curly hair?
Yes, if you choose the right pomade for your hair type and apply a small amount of pomade.

Is pomade or wax better for curls?
Pomade = flexible, wax = stiff. For wavy hair or curly hair, pomade wins.

Can you style a slick back with pomade?
Yes — a strong hold or high shine pomade works for pompadours and slick back looks.

What’s the best way to avoid clumps?
Work pomade evenly into damp hair, then scrunch and either air dry or diffuse.

The best pomade for curly hair doesn’t leave it greasy, stiff, or full of clumps. With the right product, you’ll get hydration, defined curls, and a polished look that lasts.

👉 Try Highland’s Glacial Clay Pomade for a matte finish and medium hold.

👉 Pair it with Glacial Cream for moisturizing, frizz-free, all-day style.

No gimmicks. Just simple hair care that makes your hair look its best.