Best Pomade for Men & Best Pomade for Women – Water Based Styling | Wolf’s Head
Pomade for Men & Pomade for Women: A Complete Grooming Guide
Pomade isn’t just for one type of hairstyle or one type of person. At Wolf’s Head, all of our barbershop tested, water based pomades are crafted to work for both men and women. Whether you’re using Styling Gel Pomade for polished looks and bouncy curls, Clay Pomade to tame flyaways and add texture, or Water-Soluble Pomade for classic shine that rinses clean, pomade has become a true unisex essential in modern grooming. In this guide, we’ll explore how pomade works across genders, why it’s trusted by professionals at Haven Salon in Montecito, and how to get the most from each formula.
Why Pomade is for Everyone
For decades, pomade was marketed primarily as a men’s grooming product, associated with slick backs, pompadours, and barbershop styles. But in today’s world, pomade for women is just as essential. From taming frizz and defining curls to polishing ponytails and adding shine to waves, water based pomades have become a gender-neutral styling staple.
At Wolf’s Head, we believe that great hair products should be universal. That’s why all of our pomades share three qualities that make them perfect for both men and women:
- Water based: Rinses clean with no heavy buildup — including our classic Water-Soluble Pomade for shine and control.
- Barbershop tested: Used daily by stylists and barbers for real results.
- Fresh scent: Not overly masculine, not overly feminine — just clean and balanced.
Below, we’ll break down how men and women can use pomades differently, and why our Styling Gel Pomade, Water-Soluble Pomade, and Clay Pomade are three of the most versatile options on the market.
Styling Gel Pomade: A Unisex Essential
Our Styling Gel Pomade is the most versatile product in the Wolf’s Head lineup, praised by hairstylists at Haven Salon in Montecito who use it daily on men and women alike. This extra strong water based styling gel pomade delivers high shine and long-lasting hold, while staying flexible enough to rework during the day.
Why Men Love It
- Perfect for slick backs, side parts, and classic polished looks.
- Delivers Wolf’s Head’s strongest hold for styles that must last all day.
- Water based — washes out in one rinse, no greasy residue.
- Professional barbers rely on it for structured finishes that never flake.
Why Women Love It
- Defines curls and waves without crunch or stiffness.
- Keeps frizz under control, even in humid conditions.
- Great for sleek ponytails, braids, and glossy updos.
- The fresh scent is gender-neutral — never overpowering.
How to Use Styling Gel Pomade for a Wavy/Curly Hair Cast (Long Hair)
If you have wavy hair or slightly curly hair and want long-lasting, frizz-free definition, create a hair cast (also called a wavy hair cast or gel cast for curls) with our Styling Gel Pomade. This technique sets waves and curls in place, then you simply “break the cast” (aka scrunch out the crunch) for soft, touchable movement.
- Start soaking wet or damp: After washing, leave hair wet. A wetter canvas helps form a stronger gel cast on wavy long hair or slightly curly long hair.
- Apply in sections: Emulsify a nickel-size of Styling Gel Pomade in your palms. Rake through from mid-lengths to ends, then scrunch upward to encourage curl clumps. For extra slip and frizz control, glaze a thin layer over the canopy.
- Optional: “Plop” for 10–15 minutes: Use a T-shirt or microfiber towel to gently absorb water without disrupting your wave pattern.
- Air-dry or diffuse: Air-dry for a glossy, defined wavy hair cast, or diffuse on low heat/low speed to speed things up. Avoid touching until fully dry.
- Break the cast (scrunch out the crunch): Once dry, scrunch with clean hands to soften the curly hair cast into bouncy, touchable waves/curls. Add a drop of Water-Soluble Pomade if you want a light, flexible sheen.
- Finish & refine: Smooth any flyaways with a fingertip of Clay Pomade. For elegant parts or sleek edges, use a Kent comb to detail the hairline.
Long-tail styling tips: For a consistent gel cast for wavy hair, apply product evenly on both sides; for slightly curly hair with loose curls, layer a light second pass on the ends. If your waves fall flat midday, mist with water to reactivate the styling gel and scrunch to refresh your wavy hair routine.
Clay Pomade: Texture, Control, and Flyaway Taming
While Styling Gel Pomade is the workhorse for structured and shiny looks, our Clay Pomade is the hero when you want strong hold with a matte finish. It’s one of the best options for natural looks and detail work — and it layers beautifully with our Water-Soluble Pomade when you want a touch of classic shine on top.
Why Men Use Clay Pomade
- Strong matte hold for textured crops, quiffs, and messy looks.
- Gives hair separation without shine, for a natural finish.
- Perfect for everyday styles that don’t feel overdone.
Why Women Use Clay Pomade
- Controls flyaways and smooths baby hairs without grease.
- Creates volume and body for short to medium-length cuts.
- Adds natural texture to waves and curls — finish with a fingertip of Water-Soluble Pomade for light sheen where desired.
Pomade for Men vs. Pomade for Women
Pomade is universal, but the way it’s used can differ. Here’s a quick comparison of how Wolf’s Head pomades benefit men and women in everyday styling:
| Pomade | Finish & Hold | Best For Men | Best For Women | Washout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Styling Gel Pomade High Shine Extra Strong Hold | Clean, glossy finish with all-day shape memory. Reactivates with a splash of water. | Slick backs, side parts, polished looks that need to last from morning to night. | Curl definition without crunch, frizz control, sleek ponytails/braids, glossy updos. | Water-based — rinses out in one wash, no residue. |
| Water-Soluble Pomade Classic Shine Strong Hold | Traditional barbershop sheen with firm control; easy to refresh mid-day. | Classic parts, controlled pomp, tidy side profiles without stiffness. | Smooth, touchable shine over waves/curls; quick “refresh” on second-day styles. | Water-based — cleans out quickly, leaves hair soft. |
| Clay Pomade Matte Strong Hold | Dry, natural finish with texture and separation; great control without shine. | Textured crops, messy quiffs, natural everyday looks with definition. | Tames flyaways & baby hairs, adds body to waves, touchable texture on ends. | Water-based — shampoos out fast, no waxy buildup. |
| Cream Pomade Matte Medium Hold | Soft, flexible control with a natural, matte finish that stays touchable. | Casual control, light structure, easy restyling throughout the day. | Softens curls, gentle flyaway control, natural movement for daily wear. | Water-based — quick rinse, hair feels clean. |
How to Use Pomade for Men and Women
- Start with clean hair: Towel-dried for shine with gel or Water-Soluble Pomade; blow-dried for matte with clay.
- Emulsify the product: Warm between your palms until smooth.
- Apply evenly: Men should focus on the crown and sides; women should smooth along curls, ends, or flyaway zones.
- Comb or finger style: Use a Kent comb for sharp definition, or fingers for natural texture.
- Restyle during the day: Add water to reactivate our water based pomades anytime — especially useful with Water-Soluble Pomade for quick touch-ups.
Easy Washout with Water Based Pomades
Unlike traditional oil-based pomades, all Wolf’s Head pomades are water based. That means no greasy residue, no buildup, and no multi-day washouts. Here’s how simple it is:
- Rinse with warm water: Loosens the product immediately.
- Shampoo lightly: A sulfate-free shampoo removes any remaining product.
- Condition: Restores softness for the next style.
Extra Tip: Even our extra strong styling gel products and Water-Soluble Pomade wash out completely in one rinse.
FAQs About Pomade for Men & Women
Is pomade only for men?
No. Pomade for women is becoming more popular every year, used for curls, braids, ponytails, and sleek looks.
What’s the best pomade for polished styles?
Styling Gel Pomade is the strongest and shiniest choice, perfect for structured styles for both men and women — pair or alternate with Water-Soluble Pomade for classic sheen.
Can pomade help with baby hairs?
Yes. Clay Pomade is great for taming baby hairs and flyaways without adding shine.
Will pomade make hair greasy?
No. Wolf’s Head pomades are all water based and barbershop tested, so they wash clean with no residue. Water-Soluble Pomade is especially quick to rinse.
Can women use the same pomades as men?
Absolutely. Our formulas are unisex, designed for anyone who wants strong hold, versatile styling, and fresh, balanced fragrance.
How do I create a wavy hair cast with Styling Gel Pomade?
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 hair cast (firm shell). Break the cast by scrunching with dry hands to reveal soft, defined waves.
What’s the best way to “break the cast” without frizz on slightly curly hair?
Wait until hair is 100% dry, then gently scrunch out the crunch. If needed, add a pea-size of Styling Gel Pomade to your palms first to reduce friction and keep definition intact.
Final Word
Pomade is no longer just a men’s product — it’s a universal styling tool for anyone who wants control, texture, shine, or frizz management. At Wolf’s Head, our barbershop tested, water based pomades are made to perform on every hair type, for both men and women. Whether you’re reaching for Styling Gel Pomade for curls and polished looks, finishing with Water-Soluble Pomade for classic sheen, or using Clay Pomade to tame flyaways, you’ll enjoy easy application, flexible restyling, and effortless washout.
Shop Wolf’s Head Pomades
- Styling Gel Pomade — extra strong hold, high shine, perfect for men’s slick backs and women’s curls.
- Water-Soluble Pomade — classic shine and strong hold with a clean water-based rinse.
- Clay Pomade — strong matte hold for texture, flyaways, and natural finishes.
- Cream Pomade — medium hold with a matte finish, soft control for daily use.
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