From James Dean to David Beckham, the swept-back hairstyle proves to be a timeless choice. It’s a suave look, perfect for both black-tie events and casual days. But for you to pull off this dapper look, you should get the best pomade for slicked back hair with the right shine and hold.
Despite being a classic hair product, pomade remains popular in the market. You can find them in various shine, hold, and ingredients. If you’re looking for one that makes perfect ducktails, here are my pomade picks that I personally used:
| POMADE | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Suavecito Original Hold Pomade |  | Check Price |
 | AMERICAN CREW High Shine Pomade | | Check Price |
 | Baxter of California Matte Clay Pomade | | Check Price |
 | REUZEL INC High Sheen Red Pomade |  | Check Price |
 | Golden Beards Kobenhavn Oil-Based Pomade |  | Check Price |
Best Pomade For Slicked Back Hair – Top 5 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Suavecito Original Hold Pomade
Product Name: Suavecito Original Hold Pomade
Product Description: When it comes to slicked backs, nothing beats the Suavecito Original Hold Pomade. This is a water-based pomade that provides a medium shine and medium hold. It’s just the right blend between casual and formal, so it suits all occasions. Aside from that, you can restyle Suavecito by spraying water into your hair. With that, a single application will last all day. Overall, it grips like wax but rinses away like hair gel. I also like that this pomade doesn’t leave white residue on the hair after drying.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Ingredients
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Hold and Shine
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Ease of Use
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
The ingredient list of Suavecito pomade is also short, which is another thing I like about its formula. It contains beeswax- a natural moisturizer, and a styling component. Overall, this pomade is easy to scoop out of the jar and made for slick backs. You can also get this in a stronger hold and higher shine – all for affordable prices. My only gripe over Suavecito is the scent. It’s not that bad, but I wish it would be ‘fresher’ and not something reminiscent of Old Spice sprays.
Pros
- Easy to restyle
- Easy to rinse
- Minimal ingredients to reduce irritations
- Contains natural beeswax
- No white residue or flaking
Cons
- I’m not a big fan of the scent.
- Its medium shine is a bit on the matte side.
RUNNERS-UP
AMERICAN CREW High Shine Pomade
If you want a higher shine with a medium hold, I swear by AMERICAN CREW Pomade. This is a water-based formula that easily rinses with regular shampoo. Even with a high shine, it doesn’t leave residues or cause flaking.
The AMERICAN CREW Pomade is a modern formula that works for all hair types, including curly ones. It’s also perfect for slicked backs and other suave hairstyles.
Moreover, this contains lanolin, which is responsible for the sleek look. It’s also blended with sage leaf extract, safflower seed oil, Saponaria bark extract, and Panax ginseng root extracts. Overall, it packs a punch for both styling and moisturizing.
Many barbers trust the AMERICAN CREW brand. And while it’s more expensive than Suavecito, it’s worth the splurge when it comes to results. It keeps a great hold even when I’m wearing ball caps.
However, you should wash your hands after applying this pomade because it stings the eyes. Also, this will feel a bit thick on the hands, but once you run it through your hair, it will apply nicely.
Baxter of California Matte Clay Pomade
The Baxter of California Matte Clay Pomade offers a strong hold with a matte finish. This is perfect for men who want texture and a long-lasting grip on their slicked back style.
Aside from that, this is infused with beeswax and bentonite clay for a natural hold. It also remains pliable so that you can restyle it for a long-lasting effect. I also like that they infused it with fennel oil to keep the scalp hydrated. So if you have sensitive skin, this might be the perfect pomade to use.
While this has a strong hold, it will not feel like you’re wearing a ‘helmet’ like those in hair gels. It rinses easily and doesn’t sting the scalp.
Moreover, this is paraben-free, so it’s unlikely to cause irritations. However, this is a bit difficult to apply due to the clay consistency. But if you have messy and unruly hair, this Baxter of California pomade won’t fail you.
The only downside most users complain about is the steep price. You can get two Suavecito 4-ounce pomades on the price of this 2-ounce clay.
REUZEL INC High Sheen Red Pomade
During one of my trips to Amsterdam, I stumbled upon the REUZEL INC High Sheen Red Pomade. This is a water-based formula with a no-dry finish so that you can restyle your slicked back hair anytime.
This has a medium hold and a high shine, which is perfect for a classic swept-back hairstyle. Still, this doesn’t have the heaviness of oil-based formulas. And for a 4-ounce can, I already considered this affordable, given the good quality.
The best part is that the REUZEL Red Pomade has a vegan formula. It’s infused with linalool and castor oil for maximum shine. I also like that it’s easy to rinse with water and regular shampoo.
When it comes to scent, this is my favorite pomade. It has a nice whiff of vanilla cola, which is perfect for all occasions. It’s not overpowering either, which is a big deal for those with sensitive noses.
Overall, this is an excellent pomade. The only problem I have is hair clumping, especially if this is your first time using a pomade product.
Golden Beards Kobenhavn Oil-Based Pomade
If you’re looking for the original oil-based pomade, you should consider this one from Golden Beards Kobenhavn. This is handcrafted in Denmark, made to deliver a medium hold and excellent shine. It’s not too glossy but not drab either – just the right blend for a natural look.
This oil-based pomade is made of beeswax, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, cocoa butter, and argan kernel oil. Aside from that, this is blended with patchouli oil, apricot kernel oil, peppermint leaf oil, lime oil, and more. It’s an organic blend that will keep your slicked back hair in place while adding a punch of hydration.
Aside from that, this Golden Beards pomade doesn’t have sulfates or silicones. It’s guaranteed safe even for those with sensitive scalps. For this price range, the 6.7-ounce tin can is already a steal. My barber even uses this one!
The best part is that you can also use this pomade to manage your beard. You simply can’t beat that value!
How to choose the best pomade for slicked back hair
If this is your first time buying a pomade, here are a few things you should know first:
🤵Water-based vs. oil-based
Pomades come in either water or oil-based types. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Water-based pomades
Water-based pomades are modern versions of the classic product. It’s easy to rinse out and unlikely to cause scalp irritations. Aside from that, men who are prone to breakouts prefer this because it has very little oil that could block the pores. Also, water-based pomades are less greasy than oil-based types.
On the downside, water-based pomades tend to be more expensive because of their complex formulation.
Also, it doesn’t last as long as oil-based pomades, especially if your hair got rained down or sprayed with a lot of water.
Oil-based pomades
If you want to achieve the classic shiny slicked back, oil-based pomades will be your go-to. Also, oil-based pomades don’t dry, so you can restyle them to maintain the slicked back hairdo. Usually, this type is cheaper than its water-based counterparts.
However, oil-based pomades can be very greasy if you apply too much. Also, it’s more likely to irritate the scalp as the oil can block your hair follicles and pores. Ultimately, oil-based pomades are hard to rinse off because of their oil content.
🤵Choose the right hold
Pomades are available in varying hold levels. This dictates how strong and long it will hold the style of your hair. For slicked back looks, I stick to medium to strong/firm hold. This keeps the style intact even if I’m always on the move or attending long events.
If you want a more carefree version of slicked back, you can opt for a light hold. However, this will require frequent restyling and reapplication.
🤵Select the right shine
Originally, slicked back hair was sported with a glossy shine. It gives off a wet look without looking weighed down. It can range from matte to high shine, depending on the look you want.
For casual events, I recommend matte or medium shine. But for a bolder and sexier look, you’ll never go wrong with a high gloss.
🤵Check the ingredients
Lastly, always check the ingredients of the pomade you’re going to buy. I always opt for natural formulas since it’s gentler on the scalp and will deliver a moisturizing benefit to my hair. Ingredients like beeswax, essential oils, and natural clays are good options. This will add hold without ruining your hair.
Aside from that, you should avoid pomades with sulfates, parabens, and too many alcohols. These ingredients can cause irritation and will dry out your scalp fast. And for men with sensitive skin, these substances can trigger allergic reactions.
If possible, look for a pomade with minimal ingredients. These pomades are good for beginners who are worried about itching and irritations. My top 5 picks above will surely help you pick one for your styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is pomade or gel good for slicking back hair?
A: For the original slicked back look, pomade is the best choice. It provides a nice shine and hold without being too stiff. You can restyle hair with pomade by combing or running your hair through it. However, if you want a straight-out-of-the-shower look, you can still use gel. However, it’s not easy to restyle or remove from the hair.
Q: Is pomade bad for your hair?
A: Pomade isn’t necessarily bad for your hair. However, you should beware of poorly made pomades as well as those with harsh chemicals. I always recommend organic or water-based pomades since these are gentler to your scalp and hair.
Q: Do girls like slicked back hair?
A: Slicked back hairstyles look neat and dapper, which is quite appealing to the ladies. It also imbibes a sexy and mature impression as well as business-like and accomplished. So if you want to catch the eye of the ladies, you should consider a slicked back hairdo on special occasions.
Q: How do I get my hair to stay slicked back?
A: The right choice of pomade will keep your hairstyle intact. For longevity, I recommend oil-based pomades because it’s easy to reactivate and restyle. Also, avoid touching your hairstyle too often because the pomade will transfer to your palms. This will reduce the hold and shape of your hair.
Q: How can I slick my hair back without it looking greasy?
A: To avoid an excessively greasy slicked back, you should use a fine-toothed comb. A wide-toothed comb is a no-no because it causes deep tramlines. Aside from that, you should avoid using too much pomade. A little goes a long way, so make sure you add more bit by bit instead of a whole dollop.
Final words
The slicked back hairstyle is here to stay. From the Golden Era of the ‘50s to the modern times, this look still takes men by storm. Aside from good grooming, the secret is always in the choice of product. The best pomade for slicked back hair will ensure that you’ll have a hairdo that will catch the ladies’ eyes.
Here at Daily Grooming Tips, we provide grooming solutions that work. We believe that the modern man also deserves pampering and proper self-care. From hair care, beard care, manscaping, and more, we aim to turn you into a dapper gentleman.
