A Guy's Guide to Using Pomade on Naturally Curly Hair

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST POMADE FOR MEN WITH CURLY HAIR?

For glossy definition and hold, choose Styling Gel Pomade . For a natural, matte look with texture, try Clay Pomade . For flexible, soft control, Cream Pomade works well, and Water-Soluble Pomade adds classic shine with easy washout.

Q: POMADE VS GEL FOR CURLY HAIR — WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Use Styling Gel Pomade for sleek definition and frizz control (and to create a hair cast ). Use Clay Pomade for matte texture and volume. Both are water-based and rinse easily.

Q: HOW DO I CREATE AND BREAK A WAVY HAIR CAST?

Apply Styling Gel Pomade to wet hair in sections, scrunch to form curl clumps, then air-dry or diffuse until fully dry. You’ll feel a firm cast. Break it by scrunching with dry hands (add a pea of Water-Soluble Pomade to palms for slip) to reveal soft, defined waves.

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TAME FLYAWAYS WITHOUT SHINE?

Use a fingertip of Clay Pomade on clean fingers and tap only the frizz zones for matte control. Smooth with a Kent comb for crisp edges.

Wolf’s Head Pomades and vintage Motor Oil display on retail shelf – strong hold, shine and matte finish grooming products made in California

WHATS THE BEST POMADE FOR CURLY HAIR?

We're gonna break it down, plus give you some tiips on how to define curls & reduce frizz without the crunch.

Naturally curly hair has a mind of its own, that’s the charm. With the right pomade and technique, you can define curls, reduce frizz, and show off natural texture instead of fighting it.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POMADE FOR CURLS

Not all pomades are created equal. To get consistent definition without crunch, match the formula to your curl pattern, density, and finish goals. A well-chosen, water-based pomade for curly hair will give you shape memory, humidity defense, and easy washout, all key for a routine you can repeat daily.

Best pomade for Curly Hair in hand - Wolf's Head Stying Gel

Let's Break it Down

Factor	Why It Matters	Wolf’s Head Recommendation
Hold strength	Stronger hold keeps tight curls defined all day; lighter hold keeps loose curls soft and bouncy.	Clay Pomade for strong, matte definition; Cream Pomade for medium, natural movement; Styling Gel Pomade for long-lasting hold with shine; Water-Soluble Pomade for strong hold with a polished look.
Shine level	High-shine reads sleek and polished; matte reads natural and textured.	Clay = matte; Cream = soft sheen; Styling Gel Pomade = high shine, no flakes; Water-Soluble = healthy classic shine.
Ingredients	Water-based formulas rinse clean and help avoid buildup; heavy petroleum can leave residue.	All Wolf’s Head pomades are water-based, paraben-free, and sulfate-free for easy washout and daily use.
Curl type	Tighter curls typically prefer stronger hold; looser waves often benefit from lightweight control.	Clay for tighter curls / thick hair; Cream for loose-to-medium curls; Styling Gel Pomade for sleek, high-definition curls; Water-Soluble for timeless shape and shine.

You’ll also want a solid comb or brush for even distribution and clean parts. We recommend Kent's KFM3 Men's Gel Styler Hairbrush or KS50 Small Vented Paddle Hairbrush, gentle on curls and great for detailing without snagging.

Curl Basics: Pattern, Porosity, and Density

Curly hair varies widely — from wavy hair (S-shaped) to coily hair (tight spirals). Two heads with similar patterns can still behave differently because of porosity (how easily hair absorbs/loses moisture) and density (how much hair per square inch). Understanding these helps you pick the right pomade and the right amount.

Pattern: Loose waves respond to lighter layers (e.g., Cream Pomade or a modest glaze of Water-Soluble Pomade). Tighter curls often benefit from Styling Gel Pomade for longer hold or Clay Pomade to maintain matte separation.
Porosity: High porosity hair absorbs products quickly; apply in smaller, repeated passes. Low porosity hair needs thorough emulsification and even distribution to prevent sitting on the surface.
Density: Higher density often requires a touch more product or strategic sectioning to reach all layers. Fine, low-density hair should start with a pea-size to avoid weight.

Prep: Get Curls Ready for Pomade

Wash & condition: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to keep curls soft and springy. Rinse thoroughly — leftover conditioner can dilute hold.
Towel or air-dry to damp: Curls should be slightly damp (not dripping). Damp application improves spread and clumping while minimizing frizz.
Detangle with care: Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you prefer a part, set it now with a Kent comb so your curls dry in the desired orientation.

How to Apply Pomade to Curly Hair (Without Crunch)

Think “thin layers,” not “one heavy coat.” The goal is uniform definition with touchable movement, how to use pomade for curly hair the right way.

Scoop small: Start with a pea-to-nickel size on fingertips. You can always add more, curls hate excess weight.
Emulsify: Rub palms until the pomade feels silky and thinned out. Proper emulsification prevents clumps and helps it glide across curls.
Apply mids → ends: Begin at the back, focusing mid-lengths to ends. Avoid heavy application at the roots to keep lift and avoid scalp shine.
Define: Use fingers or a Kent male hair brush or comb to gently rake; then scrunch upward to encourage curl clustering. For tight coils, consider finger coiling select sections.
Set: Air-dry for softness or diffuse on low/medium to lock in volume. Hands off while drying, touching breaks the cast and invites frizz.

How to Apply Styling Gel Pomade to Curly Hair

Who it’s for: Men wanting sleek, high-definition curls or waves with a clean, no-flake finish — ideal for humidity and long days.
Amount: Pea size for short/fine curls; nickel to quarter for medium/thick curls. Work in sections if hair is dense.
Method: On wet to very damp hair, rake through section by section, then scrunch to create clumps. Avoid roots for natural lift.
Pro move: Create a hair cast (see below), then gently break it once fully dry. Result: soft, defined curls without crunch.

Try Styling Gel Pomade

Wolf’s Head How to use Styling Gel Pomade - Jar in hand and gel on fingers. Strong hold, high shine, Barbershop tested water-based hair product made in California

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

How to Apply Clay Pomade to Curly Hair

Who it’s for: Matte, natural texture with separation — great for tighter curls, thick hair, and lived-in finishes.
Amount: Pea size to start; add micro-passes only where needed (temples, crown frizz zones).
Method: On damp hair, emulsify thoroughly, then press into mids-to-ends to keep curl structure intact. For extra volume, diffuse after application.
Detailing: Tap tiny amounts on edges/strays after drying for a clean, matte neckline and hairline.

Try Clay Pomade

How to Apply Cream Pomade to Curly Hair

Who it’s for: Loose waves to medium curls that need soft control, moisture, and natural movement. Great for fine or low-density hair that gets weighed down easily.
Amount: Pea size for short/fine hair; nickel for medium density. Add in micro-passes only where frizz shows.
Method: On damp hair, emulsify until silky. Glide through mids-to-ends, then scrunch. For extra control, layer a light glaze of Styling Gel Pomade over the top to lock shape.
Pro tips: If hair is dense to avoid patchy application; keep roots nearly product-free for lift. Day two, mist with water and re-scrunch with a fingertip of cream on your palms.

Try Cream Pomade

Wolf’s Head ream Pomade scoop on fingertip – medium hold, matte finish grooming product made in California

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

How to Apply Water-Soluble Pomade to Curly Hair

Who it’s for: Curls that want classic shine with strong, clean shape — polished finishes without greasy residue.
Amount: Pea to nickel on damp hair; less for fine textures. You can always add a micro-pass to the canopy for polish after drying.
Method: Emulsify fully. Rake through mids-to-ends, scrunch to form clumps, then either air-dry or diffuse. Once 100% dry, you can add a pea-size to palms and lightly scrunch for sheen.
Pro tips: Pair with a Styling Gel cast: set the cast with Styling Gel Pomade, then break it using a trace of Water-Soluble on your hands for slip and gloss. Great for taming halo frizz and enhancing curl definition on photo days.

Try Water-Soluble Pomade

Hair Cast 101: Define, Dry, and “Scrunch Out the Crunch”

Creating a hair cast for wavy hair or slightly curly hair is a pro move for zero-crunch definition. Here’s the workflow with Styling Gel Pomade as your cast maker and Water-Soluble Pomade as your finisher:

Apply on wet or very damp hair: Section and rake gel pomade evenly. Scrunch upward to form defined curl clumps.
Optional “plop” for 10–15 minutes: Use a T-shirt or microfiber towel to absorb excess water without roughing cuticles.
Dry fully: Air-dry or diffuse. Don’t touch until 100% dry — this preserves the cast.
Break the cast: With clean, dry hands, scrunch gently to soften the shell. To add gentle sheen and slip, rub a pea-size of Water-Soluble Pomade between your palms before scrunching.
Detail edges: Flyaways or baby hairs? Tap a fingertip of Clay Pomade for matte control that won’t collapse curl structure.

Result: Soft, bouncy curls with long-lasting shape memory and a natural finish — no crunchy feel.

Styling Tips for Lasting, Defined Curls

Control frizz: Smooth a light veil over the canopy after styling. Avoid overworking individual curls once they’re set.
Refresh next day: Mist with water and lightly scrunch to reactivate product. If needed, add a touch of Water-Soluble Pomade to hands for slip.
Pair wisely: Layer lightest to heaviest — e.g., curl cream → pomade. For airy lift, finish with a light texturizing spray once fully dry.
Don’t over-comb: Once defined, avoid brushing — it can create frizz and break up coils. Use a Kent comb only for parting or gentle shaping during application.
Right amount, right zones: High-frizz zones (temples, crown) often need thinner passes than back and sides. Tailor the dose.

Diffusing for Volume (Without Frizz)

If you want more lift, a diffuser + the right technique can transform your results — especially for wavy hair that needs encouragement.

Pre-dry on low heat/low speed: Hover the diffuser to set the outer layer. Keep hands out of your hair.
Lift & cup: Once a light cast forms, gently cup sections from ends to roots. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
Cool shot to set: Use cool air in the final minute to help close the cuticle and reduce flyaways.
Break cast last: Only after fully dry — scrunch out the crunch for soft curls.

Sample Routines by Curl Type

Curl Type	Routine
Wavy / Slightly Curly	On damp hair: a pea of Cream Pomade for slip. Glaze a light layer of Styling Gel Pomade, scrunch to form a wavy hair cast. Air-dry or diffuse; break the cast and finish with a fingertip of Water-Soluble Pomade for sheen.
Curly	Damp hair: small pass of Styling Gel Pomade in sections. Scrunch, plop 10 minutes, diffuse on low. Don’t touch until dry. Scrunch out the crunch; detail edges with Clay Pomade (matte control).
Coily (Really Curly)	On wet hair: finger-coil select sections with a small amount of Styling Gel Pomade. Air-dry to preserve coil integrity; once dry, break any cast gently. Use Cream Pomade on ends for softness if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Curl Issues

“My curls look dull.” You may be overusing matte products. Finish with a fingertip of Water-Soluble Pomade for a classic, healthy sheen.
“Roots are flat.” Avoid heavy application at the scalp. Diffuse with your head upside down once a cast begins to form.
“Frizz around the hairline.” Apply mini-passes and smooth with a Kent comb. Detail baby hairs with Clay Pomade to keep a matte, natural finish.
“Crunchy feel.” You broke the cast too early or used too much product. Wait until fully dry, then scrunch with clean hands and a pea-size of Water-Soluble in palms.
“Buildup over time.” All formulas are water-based, but clarify weekly if you style daily. Follow with deep conditioner to keep curl elasticity.

Humidity & Climate Tips

Weather changes how curls behave. Adjust your routine rather than forcing one formula to do everything:

Humid days: Lean on Styling Gel Pomade to set a stronger cast, then break lightly once dry. Finish with minimal touch.
Dry climates: Consider a lighter layer of Cream Pomade under your styler for moisture and pliability.
Windy conditions: Define tighter, smaller curl clumps so the pattern withstands movement.

Maintenance & Washout

Daily rinse if needed: If your hair builds up easily, rinse daily or alternate with lighter products like Cream Pomade.
Clarify weekly: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to reset and remove environmental residue.
Rehydrate: Follow with deep conditioning to maintain moisture and curl elasticity for a consistent pattern.
Easy wash: All Wolf’s Head pomades are water-based — they rinse clean without heavy buildup when you’re ready for a fresh start.

Tools & Combs That Help (Without Frizz)

Good technique needs good tools. A few picks that play nicely with curls:

Kent A FOT Pocket Comb — fine control for parts and light shaping, polished teeth to reduce snagging.
Dual-tooth Kent combs — coarse side for detangling damp curls, fine side for detailing.
Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt — minimizes friction during blotting or plopping.
Diffuser attachment — concentrates airflow and supports curl formation.

Answers to common Questions

Yes. A light, even application defines curls and controls frizz without crunch. Water-based formulas rinse clean and are easy to restyle the next day.

For glossy definition and hold, choose Styling Gel Pomade. For a natural, matte look with texture, try Clay Pomade. For flexible, soft control, Cream Pomade works well, and Water-Soluble Pomade adds classic shine with easy washout.

Start with a pea-to-nickel amount on damp hair, emulsify fully, apply mids-to-ends in thin passes, then scrunch. Avoid heavy application at the roots.

Use Styling Gel Pomade for sleek definition and frizz control (and to create a hair cast). Use Clay Pomadefor matte texture and volume. Both are water-based and rinse easily.

Yes. If your hair builds up easily, clarify weekly and deep condition to maintain moisture balance and curl elasticity.

ApplyStyling Gel Pomadeto wet hair in sections, scrunch to form curl clumps, then air-dry or diffuse until fully dry. You’ll feel a firm cast. Break it by scrunching with dry hands (add a pea ofWater-Soluble Pomadeto palms for slip) to reveal soft, defined waves.

Use a fingertip ofClay Pomadeon clean fingers and tap only the frizz zones for matte control. Smooth with aKent combfor crisp edges.

Close-up of a hand holding a jar of Wolf’s Head Styling Pomade, with a softly blurred background, premium men’s grooming product in focus.

Conclusion

Pomade can be a curly-hair hero when you choose the right formula and apply it correctly. Start with moisturized, damp hair; use small amounts in thin, even layers; and tailor the hold and finish to your curl type. Build a hair cast with Styling Gel Pomade, break it gently for soft, touchable definition, and detail with Clay Pomade or add sheen with Water-Soluble Pomade. With a smart routine and a few pro techniques, you’ll get consistent curls, definition, frizz control, and no crunch.