Waves look like a work of art and you love the way people admire you openly and secretly. However, it is only you who knows what dedication it requires to have head-turning waves.
They are only a few products that are helpful in your dream waves journey. Among these include pomades or greases.
They provide a powerful hold and give a darker, slicker, and shinier look to your hair. They have higher holding properties than gels and do not harden up like gel on drying. Therefore, a lot of people prefer pomades over gel.
Pomades/greases have two broad types; oil-based and water-based. They both have their fair share of pros and cons. We will be talking about those as we move along. The basic point is to find a pomade that does more good for your hair than harm.
Tale of the Tape: Comparing 10 Best Wave Pomades/Grease in 2021
The table below provides a bird’s-eye view of different greases that have been made to our list. Oil-based pomades provide good hold, but are difficult to apply and rinse off. Water-based pomades, on the other hand, have easy application and rinsing but do not provide the strongest of holds.
| Wave Pomade | Size | Base | Hold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murray's Wave Pomade | 3 Oz | Oil | Strong | Check Price |
| Lusters S-Curl 360 Style Wave Pomade | 3 Oz | Oil | Medium | Check Price |
| Cold Label Wolfin Wave Pomade | 4 Oz | Oil | Strong | Check Price |
| Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold Pomade | 2.5 Oz | Oil | Strong | Check Price |
| Sportin Waves Pomade | 3.5 Oz | Oil | Strong | Check Price |
| Roller Coaster Waves Pomade | 6 Oz | Water | Medium | Check Price |
| Suavecito Pomade Strong Hold | 4 Oz | Water | Strong | Check Price |
| Ocean View Hair Wave Pomade | 4 Oz | Water | Strong | Check Price |
| Frederick Benjamin Wave Pomade | 3.5 Oz | Water | Light | Check Price |
| Wavebuilder Pomade | 3 Oz | Oil | Medium | Check Price |
Our list includes products that provide a fine balance between these different properties. Moreover, they are newer products in the market, which have a water base but they are still very efficient at hold your hair down. They make our list for being too. Therefore, without further delay, let’s dive right into our list for the best wave pomades.
1. Murray’s Pomade – Force Your Strong Curly Hairs to Surrender
Murray’s Wave Grease was developed in the early 1920s with a slight modification in the original formula. The best thing about this pomade is its efficiency on all types of hair. It is because of its versatility that it is the first choice of hairstylists and barbers. You would like its vintage fragrance added to the original formulation to improve the odor of the pomade.
This pomade has an oil base with a thick consistency. This makes it relatively hard to scoop it out of the tin in winter. However, you would not have this particular problem under higher temperatures.
The thickness of the product was compromised to enhance the slickness of this pomade. It is because of this thickness that it holds the hair down like nothing else. It provides a powerful hold on any normal day. However, in too hot or humid weather the grip of the pomade fades away rather quickly
As it has a thick consistency, its application is somewhat difficult. It does not slide through the hair with ease and latches on wherever you touch. Agitating does not help with this either. Therefore, you need to be careful while applying this to your hair. However, this is something you expect from oil-based pomades, but on the positive side, they provide a better hold.
Another advantage of this thickness is the endurance of this pomade. The greasy nature of the product makes it stick throughout the day. Therefore, it maintains your style for the most part of the day. The strong endurance of this product makes it one of the best wave grease.
When it comes to washing out, this pomade requires special treatment. You would have to shampoo the hair and wash it with warm water to completely wash this off.
- Strong endurance
- Powerful hold
- Imparts shine in the hair
- Lasts an entire day
- Pleasant smell
- Hard to wash off
- Too greasy
2. Luster’s S-Curl 360 Style Pomade – Looks Like Cream Holds Like Grease
Two versions of this product are available in the market with only difference in containers. One comes in a plastic container and the other in a tin. Therefore, a lot of people suspect if one of them is fake. Fortunately, this is not the case and both of them are original products with the exact same formulation.
Do not be disappointed if you see a formulation looking like a paste upon opening the container. The appearance sure is pasty, but the formulation has an oil base and has all the greasy power you need. The scent of pomade is pleasant, but not too overpowering.
When you scoop it out, you would find despite being creamy it is not anything near to a typical paste of hair cream. The petrolatum, the main ingredient of this pomade, makes sure it has all the grease you need. The consistency is thick but not too thick cause any sort of discomfort.
However, you need to be careful while applying this pomade. If you apply more than the required amount of this pomade, it will come right out as you comb. The worst part is you would not be able to comb it back in. Therefore, you need to be cautious with the amount.
The washing-off is a little tougher than gel-type pomade but not as hard as other greasy pomades. You would have to shampoo it out with warm water to rinse it out quickly. However, unlike other oil-based pomades, you would not have to do it on a daily basis. Just wash the hair once every three days and you are good to go.
- Provides powerful hold
- Optimum consistency
- subtle smell
- Smoothly glides through hair
- Thick consistency
3. Cold Label Wolfin Pomade – Best Natural Pomade for Waves
In this day and age, when companies are moving their emphasis to natural products, pomades lag behind. A product that originated as all-natural does not seem to have the same propensity in today’s market. However, Cold Label Wolfin Pomade claims to have an all-natural formula.
The good thing about pomade is that it does not just hold the hair down, but also hydrates the scalp and nourishes the hair. The ingredients like castor and olive oil improve the blood circulation to the scalp and make it healthier. Raw honey ensures the hydration of the scalp. These natural ingredients improve the overall health of hair and impart shine to them.
The texture of this pomade is very thick compared to other greasy pomades. Therefore, it is difficult to scoop it out from the container even at room temperature. However, when the temperatures are higher in summers it gets better.
Application of this pomade is quite a task. You would have to wash your hair and dry them to damp. However, once you have done that the next steps get a lot easier. When you scoop it out and rub it on your palm, the thickness just fades away. The shea butter and hemp seed oil that are present in the formulation make sure it stays soft and spreads out easily.
Moving on, it would be an understatement to say that it has strong holding power. The beeswax in the formula possesses potent holding properties. Enough quantity of beeswax is present in the formulation to hold even the longest of hairs. There are only a few pomades that have so strong holding properties to slick down long hair and it is one of them. It is hands-down the best grease for wolfin.
- All-natural ingredients
- Superior holding properties
- Spreads out easily
- Nourishing formula
- Hard to scoop out
4. Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold Pomade – Hardcore Treatment for Stubborn Strands
If you have a sweating problem and it washes off every pomade you apply on the hair, worry no more. Uppercut has designed a special formulation to help out these people. No matter how much you sweat out, it will hold your hair in place. This pomade is no less than a treat for people with an over-sweating problem.
The consistency of this product is thick like any other grease-based pomade. You would find it hard to scoop it out from the container if the temperature is below room temperature. However, at higher temperatures scooping it out is not a concern.
The pomade has high holding capabilities because of its greasy nature. You can apply it to every hair that demands hardcore treatment. This pomade is the best wave grease and even better for the 360 waves. Moreover, it holds your hairstyle in place for a longer period of time. You can get through your toughest of days with this pomade because of its sweat resistance.
Although an oil-based pomade, you can apply this pomade with ease. Just scoop it out with a finger and apply it to your hair. It spreads out nicely and glides smoothly through the hair. To get even smoother hair, we recommend you to comb afterward.
- Spreads out easily
- Application is smooth
- Sweat resistance
- Slicks down even the toughest of strands
- Builds up
- Requires daily shampooing
5. Sportin Waves Pomade – Best Wave Cream for Black Hair
The formula of this pomade was specially designed to promote the formation of waves. Moreover, it provides maximum and suits best to the people who have rough and curly hair. This pomade is one of, if not only, the best pomade for the waves.
The texture of this pomade is greasy but scooping out even in the cooler temperature is not a difficult task. The viscosity of the product is thick to hold your hair down, but not too thick to cause any discomfort.
Moving on, the pomade was designed for black people who tend to have problems while making waves. The holding properties of this pomade are more than enough to slick down your hair. Even the most stubborn strands that stick out on drying would surrender against this pomade.
Just a silver coin amount of this pomade would be enough to maintain your hairstyle the entire day.
That being said, it still needs brushing after application to make the waves. Some people just apply this on hair and expect it to form waves on its own which never happens. The product supports the wave style but you have to brush your hair to make it.
When it comes to application, it requires a bit of effort. You have to wash your hair and dry them until they become damp. The ingredients in this pomade work as a sealant and do not allow any water to go in or evaporate out. Therefore, it is necessary to dampen the hair before its application, so, they have enough moisture for the day.
- Maintains the waves
- Slicks down even the stubborn strands
- Optimal viscosity
- A little amount is required for application
- Washing off is difficult
- Application is quite a task
Sportin Waves Vs 360 Style
Both of them are greasy pomades, but the 360’s appearance has a creamy consistency. The holding properties of both pomades are great and work well on all types of hair.
The Sportin Waves has two different versions, one for medium hold, and the other for a stronger hold. The 360, on the other hand, has two versions with no difference in formulation, they just come in different containers.
6. Roller Coaster Waves Pomade – Holds and Trains Your Hair for better waves
This pomade is a water-based product with a lot of nutrients including argan oil, aloe vera and, vitamin E. Therefore, it not only holds the hair in place but also provides them with nutrients for better growth and nourishment. Moreover, it hydrates the scalp and prevents dryness which can cause itching and allow dandruff to grow.
Vitamin E, olive oil and, argan oil improves the growth of hair by improving the blood circulation to the scalp. In addition, they provide nutrients to the hair follicle which makes the hair strong and healthier. Argan oil, in particular, increases the elasticity of hair and imparts shine in dull hair. The butter in the formulation is a plus point as it seals the moisture inside the scalp.
The company has used its signature smell in this pomade and claims that no other brand can match this smell. We cannot exactly tell how you will feel about the fragrance because everybody perceives smells differently. However, what we can say for certain about this fragrance is that it is a masculine one.
The holding capabilities of Roller Coaster are great for people with undemanding hair. However, for people who have curly and rough hair, this product does not perform that well. The fact that this pomade is not an oil-based product is the reason behind it. The oil-based products have great holding properties compared to water-based or creamy pomades.
Washing out of this product is rather simple and easier than greasy products. You would not have to warm the water or shampoo your hair to get it out. It will just take a wash with fresh water to rinse it completely off.
- Exotic smell
- Easy rinsing
- Simple application
- Unisex product
- Not the best of pomades for tough and too curly hair
7. Suavecito Pomade Strong Hold – Creamy but Slicks Down the Hair Like Grease
This pomade is a water-based product with the properties that other such pomades lack. It retains the good characteristics of water-based pomade with the addition of grease-like strong holding property. The pomade works well on every type of hair.
The texture of this pomade is creamy which makes its application easy and simple. The glide is smooth and spreads up real nicely. The best thing is the smell you notice as you start the application of this product. It smells like men’s cologne with notes like woodsy floral. It gets even better because the odor also lasts the entire day just like this pomade.
However, a noteworthy point for people with sensitive noses is that the smell can be overwhelming to some. Therefore, make sure it is not too strong for you before making the purchase.
The holding properties of this pomade are remarkable despite the fact that it is a water-based pomade. We think it is because of the beeswax that is present in the formulation. The beeswax has superior holding properties which is the major reason behind the exceptional slicking power of this product.
The company has managed to mix water and beeswax together in an emulsion-like formulation. Therefore, it retains the properties of both. Moreover, it is the very reason that this pomade works well even on super curly and thick hair.
However, when it dries down it gets hard like a gel which is a little disappointing. People look for pomade instead of gels to avoid this hardness. However, if you can adjust yourself to it you can get a lot better hold than the gels and such products.
- Pleasant smell
- Washes of easily
- Exceptional holding properties
- Works well on all types of hair
- Hardens up on drying
8. Ocean View Hair Pomade – Gel-Like Texture Saves a Lot of Effort
If you were looking for a pomade that holds your hair firmly as grease but washes off easily like water, worry no more. Ocean View Hair Pomade is the solution. It is a water-based pomade with ingredients that have superior holding properties.
The texture of this product is like that of gel but a little bit harder than that. Because of this smooth texture, it can be scooped out from the container with ease even in winters. Moreover, the application of this product is also easy because of its cream-like texture. You just have to apply a minute amount of pomade and brush accordingly.
It glides over the hair smoothly and without any sort of tugging and latching. You would not have to wash your hair before application because the product itself contains water. The water is enough to hydrate your scalp and avoid dryness. This makes it the best wave pomade for coarse hair.
When it comes to holding properties, it does not disappoint even there. Despite the water, as its base, this pomade provides as strong a hold as grease or oil. It has beeswax in the formulation which is a powerful substance when it comes to slicking down the hair. Therefore, this product serves well to people with all types of hair. Even people with super thick and curly hair can benefit from this pomade.
- Smells great
- Solubility in water makes it easy to wash off
- Possess superior holding properties
- Texture is smooth
- Produces flakes on drying
9. Frederick Benjamin Pomade – Holds and Nourishes the Hair
Frederick Benjamin Pomade is a water-based pomade with several natural ingredients to improve the overall health of the scalp and hair. The main ingredients of this pomade include spearmint oil, clove oil, nettle oil, and hemp seed oil. The pomade in addition to holding down the hairs nourishes them and makes them smoother and healthier.
The spearmint oil invigorates the scalp while the clove oil increases the blood supply to the scalp. The nettle oil acts as a growth enhancer and imparts shine in the hair by increasing its elasticity. Moreover, hemp seed oil provides hydration and moisture to prevent dryness of the scalp.
The best part about the formulation is that it is paraben-free which is a preservative that can be damaging to the hair.
The texture of this pomade is exactly like a gel which makes the application simpler, easier and smoother. This means you would have no problem scooping it out of the container. Just take a nickel-sized amount and spread it on the palm. We recommend you apply this on dry hair to maximize the holding properties.
The holding properties of this product are low to moderate which should not come as a surprise. The company never claims that this product has high holding properties. Therefore, if you have natural, untreated, thin, and straight hair this product would work fine for you. However, if you have coarse and curly hair, we are afraid it may not be the best of options.
We think that this has something to do with one’s skin or hair type. Therefore, we hope you are lucky enough to not encounter this problem. However, if you do encounter it, there are a lot of ways to work around that.
- Scooping out is easy even in lower temperature
- Paraben-free
- Hydrates the skin
- Contains natural ingredients
- Produces flakes in some individuals
10. Wavebuilder Pomade – Defines the Waves Like Nothing Else
If you were tired of greasy pomades making your hair all oily and greasy, Wavebuilder pomade might be your savior. The product is greasy, but once you apply it to hair it leaves no grease behind.
This pomade not only defines your waves but also makes the scalp and hair healthier.
Moreover, the ingredients of this pomade help in reducing hair fall. Cocoa and shea, two key ingredients, moisturize and provides vitamins and fats to the hair. The nourishment makes the hair strong and prevents breakage and hair fall.
The texture of this pomade is thick but not too heavy. The scooping out is easy in lower temperatures but gets a little tough when it drops below zero. However, you would not encounter this, unless you leave it out or in the car. The homes are centrally heated, so they would not harden up indoors.
When it comes to holding down the hair, the greasy formulation has no match. It not only holds down the hair but also allows you to restyle if you want. Longevity is also not one of the concerns as it easily lasts the entire day.
However, the holding properties are at their best when you use thin and fine hair. When it comes to holding coarse and curly hair, it does not perform well there. This is a bit of a disappointment because a greasy pomade should hold the hair down, no matter, what type of hair is in question.
The application is a little more difficult than the water-based pomade but easier than other greasy pomades. You would have to wash your hair before application. However, you would not have a problem with spreading the pomade like other greasy products.
- Light texture
- Prevents hair fall
- Does not build up in hair
- Spreads out easily
- Does not possess strong holding properties
What to Look for in Best Pomade for Waves - A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
Maintaining a hairstyle requires a lot of effort including going to the barber regularly, applying several grooming products, etc. It gets even harder when it comes to making waves. Therefore, to help you with the process a lot of companies are developing products to assist in your hairstyle. These products are often referred to as pomade and are popular in the circles of stylists and barbers.
The selection of these pomades is simple and easy for the pros. However, it may not be that easy who are just getting started. Therefore, to assist you with the decision we have outlined some of the key features that you need to bear in mind when going for a pomade.
Know Your Hair
Before purchasing anything, it is important to know what are your needs and which product can meet those needs. This is the case when it comes to selecting the pomades.
A lot of people purchase these pomades without even looking or understanding the hair type and regret it later. Not all products work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to understand what type of hair you have and how you want to treat them.
Hairs are usually classified into two broad categories. Some have coarse and curly hair while others have thin and fine hair. Both of these hair types demand different treatments. Therefore, it would not be wise to use the product that was designed for later ones on former ones or vice versa. You would end up regretting your choice.
This is why we recommend understanding your hair type before making the purchase.
Type of Pomade/Grease
Once you have understood your hair type, it is time to choose the type of pomade best for your hair. There are two basic types of pomade, one is water-based, other is greasy or oil-based. Each of them has its own pros and cons.
Having said that, with the evolution of technology a lot has changed in these products. Now, there are water-based pomades that have high holding powers. It is because of the substances like beeswax that are now being used in the formulation. They have high holding properties, however, at the same time are easy to apply and rinse.
Basically, it all comes down to you and your preferences. If you want to go with oil-based pomade make sure it rinses out easily. On the other hand, with water-based products, make sure it has ingredients like beeswax.
The scent of the Pomade
The scent is something that creates an aura around you for you and for others. Every pomade has a certain smell, some of them are subtle and pleasant while the others are powerful and strong. Therefore, it is down to you to decide what type of fragrance you like.
The pomade is going to remain stick to your entire day unless you wash it off. Therefore, its smell will also stick with you throughout the day. Now it is up to you if you want to choose a pomade with a strong smell or a subtle one.
The strong smell might be your choice but we recommend you against it. Even if you like a powerful smell, there might be a lot of people around you who would find it overpowering.
You should always go with the ones that are subtle. Because even if some people don’t like it, it would not be strong enough to be a major annoyance. Nowadays, companies have started introducing proper fragrances in hair products. Some of them use natural odors while others formulate the pomade using artificial ones.
If this is the case, we would recommend going with natural ones because artificial ones have their share of problems. Some people are allergic to those smells, so if you or anyone around you have the allergy it can get uncomfortable.
Nutrients in Formulation
The basic purpose of pomade is to hold the hair down to ensure that waves stay in place. However, some companies have taken a step further and added some nutrients in the formulation.
Pomade stays in your hair all day long. Therefore, the added nutrients have plenty of time to get absorbed. These include vitamin E, argan oil, olive oil, and a lot of other nutrients. These substances improve the blood supply to the scalp, hydrate it and nourish the hair follicles. In the end, they make the hair stronger, smoother, and healthier.
However, not all of the products have these nutrients in them. The formulations that have these come at higher prices. However, the prices are still very much affordable; therefore, we recommend you these formulations. You would be able to hold your hair in place and in the process would provide them with nutrients.
How to Use Pomade for Waves
Following are easy-to-follow steps when using pomade for waves for the first time. Obviously, you can skip the “cut your hair” part if you already had a cut.
- Cut Your Hair
You have to cut your hair short but not too short that your scalp becomes visible. Cut them and edge them out.
- Take a Shower
Taking shower is necessary when you are using oil-based products on your hair. These products have ingredients that seal the scalp. Therefore, if you take a shower it will seal in the moisture, in case otherwise, it will dry up the scalp.
- Dry to Damp
Dry the hair after taking the bath because too much water makes the application of pomade harder. Therefore, you must not leave too much moisture.
- Brush Your Hair
Get a wave brush that suits the texture of your hair and brush the hair for two to three minutes.
- Apply the Pomade
After brushing the hair apply just a minute amount of pomade on your hair. Make sure you have applied it all over the head. After application, brush your hair again in a clockwise pattern.
- Wear Wave Cap
Wear a wave cap after brushing the hair for at least 30 minutes. It will make sure the hair stay in the place and you get your desired style.
FAQs about Wave Pomade & Grease
Conclusion
We have tried to outline the upsides and downsides of the various pomade that are available in the market. In the end, you need to find a product that provides a good balance between a stronghold and easy application and removal.
The above list has some of the best pomades that are as close to being as perfect pomade as one can be. However, my personal favorite is Murray's Pomade. It ticks most boxes when it comes to being a dream pomade. It has a nice and easy application, provides a powerful hold, and above all has a good smell.
However, don’t forget to go through the rest of the list to find the best wave grease for you.
