What’s the best pomade for volume?

Clay Pomade is the best choice for adding volume to fine hair because its matte texture creates separation and lift.

What’s the strongest hold pomade?

The Styling Gel Pomade is Wolf’s Head’s extra strong pomade. It delivers the strongest hold pomade control for structured styles, slick backs, and side parts that need to last all day.

What’s the best water-based pomade?

Water-Soluble Pomade is our top water-based pomade. It gives strong hold with a clean shine and rinses out effortlessly.

Yes. Many barbers recommend using Cream Pomade for softness, then layering a small amount of Clay Pomade for added texture or Water-Soluble Pomade for shine.

How do I stop fine hair from looking greasy with pomade?

Use less product and stick with matte finishes like Clay or Cream Pomade. Always emulsify well before applying.

What Are Pomades? Types, Uses & Best Pomade Guide

Wolf’s Head How to use Water Soluble Pomade - Scoop on fingertip detail – strong hold, shine finish grooming product made in California

What Are Pomades and What Do They Do?
The Complete Guide

Your go-to resource for understanding pomades, how they work, and which one to choose — barbershop-tested in Santa Barbara and crafted in California with clean, water-based formulas.

Why Pomade Still Matters in Men’s Grooming

When it comes to men’s hair styling products, pomade is one of the most enduring. Unlike sprays or cheap gels, pomades offer control, flexibility, and the finish needed to move seamlessly between casual and formal looks. At Wolf’s Head, every formula is water-based, paraben-free, and sulfate-free, giving you professional-grade performance without compromise. Whether you want a natural matte look, a textured quiff, or a slick polished style, pomade remains the most versatile tool for men’s hair.

Pomade also adapts well to different environments. In dry weather, it locks in shape without frizz; in humid conditions, it keeps style intact while still allowing movement. This ability to stay consistent across climates is why barbers continue to recommend pomade as a daily go-to product.

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade in a Slicked Back Hairstyle Close Up – Strong Hold, High Shine Premium Water Based Hair Product

Wolf’s Head Pomade jars, framed art and vintage Motor Oil display on wood shelf – strong hold, matte and shine finish hair products made in California

A Brief History of Pomades

The word pomade comes from the French pommade, meaning ointment, which itself traces back to the Latin pomum (fruit, specifically apple). Early pomades in the 18th and 19th centuries were made from mashed apples, animal fats, and herbs — essentially greasy ointments to condition and style hair. By the 19th century, bear fat had become a popular base ingredient. Thankfully, formulations have evolved since then.

In the early 20th century, petroleum jelly, beeswax, and lanolin became common in pomades. Brands like Murray’s, Royal Crown, and Brylcreem helped define the shiny, slicked-back looks of the 1920s through the 1950s. Elvis Presley’s iconic pompadour — held in place with generous scoops of pomade — cemented its place in pop culture.

In the late 20th century, pomades declined as lighter mousses and gels gained popularity. But in recent decades, pomades have made a major comeback, fueled by barbershop culture and the revival of classic hairstyles like pompadours, side parts, and quiffs. Today, modern water-based pomades combine the performance of the originals with the convenience of easy washout.

Main Types of Pomades (and Similar Styling Products)

Pomades aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each type has a different finish, hold, and best-use scenario. Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:

Clay Pomade — Strong hold, matte finish. Best for: textured crops, modern quiffs, and fine hair needing bulk reduction.
Cream Pomade — Medium hold, soft matte. Best for: natural, flowing looks with flexibility and movement.
Water-Soluble Pomade — Strong hold, classic shine. Best for: polished styles that wash out easily.
Styling Gel Pomade — Extra-strong hold, high shine. Best for: slick backs, side parts, and structured silhouettes.
Fiber Pomade — Strong hold, matte or low shine. Best for: short, textured cuts where you need thickness and separation.
Paste — Medium hold, natural finish. Best for: mid-length cuts needing casual control.
Texture Spray — Light hold, natural finish. Best for: pre-styling lift and root volume before applying pomade.
Styling Powder — Light–medium hold, matte finish. Best for: instant lift on fine or thinning hair.

Quick Pomade Comparison

Product	Finish	Hold	Best For
Clay Pomade	Matte	Strong	Textured crops, quiffs, fine hair
Styling Gel Pomade	High Shine	Extra-Strong	Sharp side parts, comb backs
Cream Pomade	Natural / Soft Matte	Medium	Longer cuts, natural flow, frizz control
Water-Soluble Pomade	Shine	Strong	Slick backs, side parts, neat looks
Fiber Pomade	Matte / Low Shine	Strong	Short, textured styles with bulk
Paste	Natural	Medium	Mid-length cuts, casual control
Texture Spray	Natural	Light	Pre-styling lift
Styling Powder	Matte	Light–Medium	Instant root lift, fine hair

How to Apply Pomade Like a Pro

Start clean. Wash or rinse, then towel-dry until damp for shine or fully dry for matte looks.
Use less than you think. Begin with a pea-size — add more only if needed.
Emulsify. Rub between palms until smooth and almost translucent.
Apply with intent. Work through mid-lengths first, then detail the top and hairline.
Shape and set. Comb for structure or use fingers for texture; blow-dry for extra lift.

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade in Use with Sunglasses – Strong Hold, High Shine Premium Water Based Hair Product

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade in use on Side part hairstyle at a barbershop- Strong hold, Clean shine water based hair product. Made in California

Barbershop Pro Tips

Layer clay and cream pomades for both structure and flexibility.
Re-activate water-based pomades with a light mist of water mid-day.
Apply in two light passes rather than one heavy coat to avoid weight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading. Too much product weighs down hair and adds grease.
Skipping emulsification. Uneven application causes clumps and poor hold.
Applying only to the top layer. Always work root to tip for full control.

Answers to common Questions

Pomade provides lasting hold, shape control, and a chosen finish (matte, natural, or shine) without stiffness or flakes. Use it to create clean side parts, slick backs, comb overs, or textured matte looks. Start here if you’re new: Shop All Pomades.

Pomade stays flexible and touchable; standard gel hardens and can flake. If you want gel-level hold without flakes or crunch, choose our hybrid water-based Styling Gel Pomade (extra-strong, high shine). Prefer classic shine with strong control? Try Water-Soluble Pomade. For matte texture, go with Clay Pomade.

Only if you choose high-shine when you want matte, or over-apply. For a dry, non-greasy look, use Clay Pomade (strong, matte) or Cream Pomade (medium, soft matte). For polished sheen without heaviness, use Water-Soluble Pomade or Styling Gel Pomade and apply sparingly.

Start with a pea-size amount. Emulsify thoroughly in your palms. Apply to dry hair for stronger, matte hold (great with Clay Pomade) or to towel-dried hair for smoother shine (ideal with Water-Soluble Pomade or Styling Gel Pomade). Comb for structure or finger-style for texture, then add a tiny bit more only where needed.

All Wolf’s Head pomades are water-based and rinse clean with warm water and a light shampoo. No special degreaser needed. End-of-day reset is easy whether you used Cream Pomade, Clay Pomade, Water-Soluble Pomade, or Styling Gel Pomade.

Conclusion:

Choose by Hair Type and Finish

Pomade remains a cornerstone of men’s grooming. Its history, versatility, and adaptability make it a daily essential for barbers and clients alike. Whether you need matte grip, flexible cream control, or high-shine structure, there’s a pomade built for your style. Every Wolf’s Head pomade is water-based, California-made, and barbershop-tested — designed to perform in real-world conditions. Master the basics, avoid common mistakes, and you’ll have reliable, stylish hair every day.