Which Pomade Is Right for You? How to Choose the Right Hair Product.

Q: WHICH POMADE SHOULD I USE FOR A NATURAL, TEXTURED LOOK?

Clay Pomade for matte texture and separation. For softer control, choose Cream Pomade .

Q: WHAT’S BEST FOR SLICK STYLES WITH SHINE?

Choose Water-Soluble Pomade for classic shine or Styling Gel Pomade for extra-strong hold with a clean, glossy finish.

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

Pomade Comparison Guide: Clay vs Cream vs Water-Soluble vs Styling Gel

Find the right hold, finish, and workflow for your hair, without the guesswork. Four formulas. Four clear outcomes.

Choosing the right pomade can be the difference between a style that holds all day and one that fades by noon. At Wolf’s Head, there are four, water-based options, each purposeful, clean, and dialed for specific results. Use the quick table, then dive into the details.

Let's Break it Down

Pomade	Hold	Finish	Best For	Pro Tip
Clay Pomade	Strong	Matte	Natural texture, separation, bulk control; short–medium lengths; thick/coarse hair.	Apply on dry hair for maximum texture; damp for tighter, compressed shape.
Cream Pomade	Medium	Soft matte	Flexible, everyday control; loose waves to medium length styles; fine/low-density hair.	Layer a light glaze of Gel over Cream to lock shape while keeping movement.
Water-Soluble Pomade	Strong	Classic shine	Slick backs, clean parts, polished silhouettes; structured, timeless looks.	Comb clean lines on damp hair; add a micro-pass after drying for sheen.
Styling Gel Pomade	Extra strong	Clean shine	Sharp definition, humidity defense, long days; “cast and break” techniques.	Set a cast on wet–damp hair, fully dry, then scrunch out for soft control without flakes.

Clean, Water-Based Pomades — Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, California-Made

Performance without the baggage. Every Wolf’s Head pomade is water-based, paraben-free, and sulfate-free, Made in California and refined behind the chair at Wolf’s Head Santa Barbara.

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

Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade used to create a classic controlled hairstyle on a man wearing a black shirt—strong hold, high shine, premium water-based grooming product for a clean, polished look.

Why Clean Ingredients Matter

No parabens. Preserved without harsh synthetics.
No sulfates. Gentle cleansing and styling support—no over-drying.
Daily-friendly. Designed for repeat use without heavy residue.

The Water-Based Advantage

Easy rinse. Washes out clean with shampoo—no waxy buildup.
Light feel. Controlled hold without greasy weight.
Versatile. Works across textured crops, classic parts, and modern silhouettes.

Clay Pomade — Strong Hold, Matte Finish

For natural texture that stays put. Clay Pomade adds separation and lift without shine—ideal for short to medium lengths and thicker hair types.

Best for: Textured, natural finishes; bulk reduction
Hold: Strong
Finish: Matte
How to use: Dry hair application for maximum grit; damp for tighter silhouette. Micro-dose at edges to tame flyaways.

Natural texture, strong hold, matte finish

Shop Clay Pomade

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

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

Styling Gel Pomade — Extra Strong Hold, Clean Shine

Definition that lasts. Styling Gel Pomade delivers firm, clean control for sharp silhouettes—without the crunchy feel associated with old-school gels.

Best for: High-definition looks, humidity defense, long days
Hold: Strongest
Finish: Clean shine
How to use: Apply on wet–damp hair, comb to set, dry fully to form a cast, then scrunch out for touchable control.

Long-lasting hold, crisp finish

Shop Styling Gel Pomade

Cream Pomade — Medium Hold, Soft Matte

Flexible control with a clean, touchable finish. Cream Pomade keeps everyday styles neat without stiffness—great for waves, medium lengths, and fine or low-density hair.

Best for: Natural movement, soft structure
Hold: Medium
Finish: Soft matte
How to use: Work through towel-dried hair; comb to set. For extra longevity, glaze a light layer of Styling Gel Pomade on top.

Lightweight control, soft matte finish

Shop 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

Water-Soluble Pomade — Strong Hold, Classic Shine

Polished structure with clean washout. Water-Soluble Pomade is the move for slick backs, parts, and professional finishes that still rinse easily.

Best for: Slick styles, shine-forward looks
Hold: Strong
Finish: High/healthy shine
How to use: Distribute through damp hair; comb in place. Add a pea-size on dry hair for a final gloss pass.

Classic strong hold, clean shine

Shop Water-Soluble Pomade

Not sure where to start? Reach for Clay for matte texture or Styling Gel for clean definition. All four are gardenia-scented and rinse easily.

Shop All Pomades

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade in use on mid length hairstyle at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – Strong Hold, Matte Finish Hair Product. Made in California

Jar of Wolf’s Head Styling Gel Pomade resting on a barber station with a softly blurred background—strong hold, high-shine men’s grooming product with a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Barbershop-Tested in Santa Barbara

Formulas are refined on real clients at Wolf’s Head Barbershop—what works behind the chair is what you take home.

Pair with the Right Tools

Finish is in the details. Polished, rounded teeth help distribute product and protect hair.

Try one of Kent’s Combs for clean parts and reliable control.

Answers to common Questions

Clay Pomade for matte texture and separation. For softer control, choose Cream Pomade.

Choose Water-Soluble Pomade for classic shine or Styling Gel Pomade for extra-strong hold with a clean, glossy finish.

All four Wolf's Head Pomades are water-based for straightforward washout with shampoo.

Start small (pea to nickel). Build in thin passes only where needed.

Clay Pomade adds texture. If your hair is fine/low-density, begin with Cream Pomade and layer lightly.

Wolf’s Head Clay Pomade clump showing texture and Kent Bros pocket comb – strong hold matte finish grooming product made in the USA and trusted by barbers

Conclusion

The right pomade depends on your hair type, finish preference, and daily routine. Clay Pomade delivers matte texture and strong hold, Cream Pomade offers soft control with a natural look, Water-Soluble Pomade creates polished shine with clean rinse-out, and Styling Gel Pomade locks in definition with extra strength. All are California-made, water-based, and barbershop-tested—built to perform and designed for easy washout, so you can shift from one style to the next without compromise.