Pomade vs. Wax: What to Use for Which Hairstyle

Pomade vs. wax? Which should you use to style your hair? Both are popular styling options that offer versatility, hold, and control. Read more to know which one is more suited to the hairstyle you’re after:

Pomade gives your hair hold and control. It’s made from oil- or water-based formulations. Oil-based pomades give a strong hold and a shiny finish, while water-based pomades offer a light hold and a matte look. Water-based pomades are easier to wash out and are likely gentler on the hair and scalp. 

Hair wax provides texture, hold, and control. It’s typically made from a blend of natural waxes, such as beeswax, candelilla wax, or synthetic waxes, mixed with oils and other ingredients. Hair wax is meant to be pliable, which allows you to re-style your hair in different ways throughout the day without losing hold.

Both hair pomades and waxes are great for styling. Extra neat, sleek hair always makes you look extra gwapo. Your hair type and texture can help determine which product to use.

If you’re not sure which product to use, know that pomades are more adaptable to various hairstyles. It works well on thin and thick hair, dry or oily strands, and all hair lengths. On the other hand, if you have fine or thin hair, go for a hair wax. Its lightweight formula can give your hair volume and texture without weighing your hair down.

Consider the hold, or how long a product keeps your hairstyle in place, and the finish, or how your hair looks after product application.

• Hold: Hair pomade gives your hair a medium to strong hold, making it ideal for sculpted, polished styles that need extra grip. Hair wax, meanwhile, gives light to medium control. You can style with wax if you want texture sans the heavy feel of a product or the stiff appearance of over-styled hair.
• Finish: When it comes to the finish, a hair pomade creates a sleek, gloss finish, for hair that looks well-groomed and polished. Hair wax gives a matte effect, perfect for an understated, natural look.

Both products are versatile, with each tailored to specific styling needs. If you enjoy switching up your hairstyles, keeping both products on hand gives you the flexibility to achieve a variety of looks.

Going for a slicked-backed pompadour or a neat side part? Using a hair pomade is the way to go. Pomades are ideal to use for sleek and sophisticated hairstyles. Plus, it offers a flexible hold and a high shine to keep you looking sharp all day.

If you’re blessed with princely curls or cool wavy hair, use a pomade. It tames frizz and flyaways while adding definition and body to your curls and waves. You can go for a textured, tousled look that’ll stay neat and well-kempt all day.

The goal is to look well-styled without trying too hard. If you’re going for a messy, textured look with a natural finish, hair wax is your best bet. It helps define and add volume to your look without looking OA.

For standout looks like a spiky, edgy hairstyle or combed-over hair, wax can give your hair texture, volume, and control without the extra stiffness.

Whether you end up using pomade or wax (or both), remember to wash off the hair product – thoroughly – at the end of the day. You wouldn’t want your styling go-tos to leave residue or cause buildup that can end up triggering dandruff or other hair issues!

Give your hair a good cleanse with Clear Men Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo. It's formulated especially for men and can eliminate all traces of dirt, grease, and dandruff. You'll also love the cooling sensation and fresh feeling it leaves in your hair after washing.

So, should you go for pomade vs. wax? One really isn’t better than the other. As you’ve learned, the choice depends on your hair type, your desired hold and finish, and the hairstyles you want to achieve. Either way, that’s extra pogi points for you – for making the effort to look extra neat, groomed, and well-styled.