8 Best-Smelling Pomades for Men

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Pomade is a gentleman’s go-to styling product for creating sleek and impressive hairstyles. 

The thing is, we usually buy a product based on firm hold and shine. Truth be told, all these factors are pointless if you do not smell good. 

A man is holding a black pomade with his hands

But the problem is a scented pomade often falls short on hold, shine, finish, and texture. Meanwhile, a classic pomade rarely has a pleasant aroma.

As discerning lads, we believe that buying a hair pomade should offer the best of both worlds  — excellent performance and a great scent. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the selection criteria for choosing the best-smelling pomades and provide an in-depth review of the top eight products that offer great scent, quality, and value. 

Layrite Original Pomade
Editor's Choice
  • All-day hold
  • Medium shine finish
  • Mild vanilla scent
TeaTree Grooming Pomade
Premium Pick
  • Flexible hold
  • Medium shine finish
  • Adds definition to short haircuts
  • Tames frizz around the hairline
  • Refreshing blend of mint, tea tree, and citrus scents
Suavecito Firme Pomade
Budget Pick
  • Strong hold
  • Medium shine
  • Strong grip for maximum styling flexibility
  • High-performing
  • Musky vanilla scent

Factors To Keep in Mind When Choosing the Top Pomade for Men’s Hair

Before we reveal our top selections of scented pomades on the market, there are factors you need to consider when buying hair pomades.

Scent

The scents of pomade range from subtle to strong, and they can leave a lasting impression on people around you.

So it’s important to consider the type of fragrance you prefer and whether it would complement your personal style. You can go for a classic, modern, or unique scent.

If you’re styling your hair for a particular occasion, it’s also best to consider which type of scent would suit the event. 

For a professional look, a subtle scent like sandalwood or cedarwood is a great choice. For a night out or a more casual look, choose a stronger scent like peppermint or citrus.

Also, always choose a product that complements your natural scent or the cologne or perfume you wear.

Hold

The hold of a pomade refers to how well it keeps your hair in place throughout the day. Different pomades offer different levels of hold, ranging from light to strong. 

Of course, it’s best to go for a pomade with strong hold if you want your hairstyle to last all day.

But if you have fine or thin hair, you may want to opt for a light- or medium-hold pomade as one with strong hold may weigh down your strands. 

Shine

The shine is the level of gloss or matte finish the pomade provides. Some pomades offer a high shine, while others give hair a natural or matte finish. 

Always choose a level of shine that complements your overall look or style.

Ingredients

Be mindful of the ingredients in a pomade as they can affect not only its performance but also its impact on your hair and scalp health. 

You can switch to using natural and organic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you prefer a more eco-friendly option.

Ease of Use

This refers to how easily a pomade can be applied to your hair and how well it washes out.

Some pomades require more effort to apply and remove due to their strong hold, while others are easy to work with and easy to wash.

Brand

You want to put your money on trustworthy brands with a track record of reliability. A brand’s reputation can also be an indicator of the pomade’s performance and safety.

Those that prioritize customer satisfaction and safety are more likely to use safe, high-quality ingredients and adhere to strict manufacturing standards. 

So the next time you look for the best-smelling hair pomade, make sure you are shopping from a company that has your top interest in mind. 

Price

The price of a pomade can be an indicator of its quality and performance.

While there are many affordable pomades that offer great hold, shine, and scent, some high-end pomades may contain premium ingredients.

However, it’s important to note that a high price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better product. Some affordable pomades can perform just as well or better than their expensive counterparts.

Top 8 Best-Smelling Pomades To Add to Your Grooming Routine 

It’s time to explore our top picks of the best-smelling pomades for men that will not only provide great hold and shine but also leave you smelling fresh and manly. 

Whether you’re looking for a strong or subtle fragrance or a high-end or affordable option, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to boost your hair game and leave a lasting impression with the eight best-scented pomades for men.

Best-Smelling Pomade Overall

1
Old Spice Hair Styling Pomade for Men

This legendary pomade brings the power of style and the scent of confidence to your hair.

Primary Benefits: Medium hold; moisturizes hair; delivers frizz-free hair and a natural look; shampoos out easily without leaving residue

Features: 

  • Coconut and tropical wood scent
  • No-shine finish
  • Barbershop-quality formula

Achieve the perfect ’do with the Old Spice Hair Styling Pomade for Men!

 

The Spice is a reliable and versatile styling product that offers a range of benefits for men’s hair.

It has a smooth, creamy texture with a pleasant coconut and woody scent that is not overpowering. 

The pomade’s medium hold and zero shine-finish allow you to shape your hair effortlessly, delivering texture, definition, and control without causing hair or product buildup.

So whether you’re looking for a sleek, polished look or a more casual, textured style, this pomade can help achieve your desired hairstyle with ease and confidence.

Best-Smelling Pomade for a Slick Look

2
Deluxe Pomade By Dapper Dan

The Deluxe Pomade is a lad's everyday tool to achieve extraordinary style.

Primary Benefits: Slick look; doesn’t flake or look greasy; suits any style; medium hold and medium shine; perfect for recombing; easy to apply and rinse out

Features:

  • Citrus and vanilla fragrance
  • Developed by professionals
  • Petrolatum-free

You can use a small amount of the Deluxe Pomade for a natural shine or simply use more for that authentic, classic look.

 

The Deluxe Pomade by Dapper Dan is a high-quality styling product that offers medium hold and medium shine for men’s hair.

It has a combination of citrus and vanilla scents that is warm and woody, with a subtle sweetness and spice that is not overwhelming to the senses. 

Unlike Dapper Dan’s oil-based pomade for men, which is a heavy-hold pomade, the Deluxe Pomade is water-based. This means it can easily be washed out without leaving residue or product buildup.

Best-Smelling High-Hold Pomade

3
Zeus Firm Hold Pomade

Two thumbs up! Zeus Firm Hold Pomade replaces harmful petrolatum with natural conditioning ingredients to deliver a firm hold and natural sheen while promoting hair growth and scalp health. 

Primary Benefits: Firm hold; natural shine; hydrates and protect the scalp; long-lasting pliability

Features:

  • Verbena lime scent 
  • Jojoba wax, aloe vera extract, and keratin protein
  • Suitable for all hair types

ZEUS Firm Pomade is strong enough for all-day hold, making it great to use for a light and mess-free hairstyle.

 

ZEUS Firm Pomade has a water-based formula that makes your hair more pliable for reshaping and restyling. 

It comes with a Verbena lime scent: a wonderful masculine fragrance with notes of coconut, lime, and musk. A refreshing scent that awakens the senses!

ZEUS Firm Pomade is a cleaner alternative to gels with petrolatum, making it every health- and environment-conscious man’s styling must-have.

Best-Smelling Pomade With a Matte Finish

4
Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade

The Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade is a premium hairstyling product known for its mild but invigorating scent, strong hold, and matte finish, which makes it ideal for creating a variety of modern, textured hairstyles.

Primary Benefits: Strong hold; matte finish; long-lasting style; creates more hair volume; regulates dandruff and slows down hair loss; nourishes scalp and hair with organic ingredients

Features:

  • Tonka bean scent (mix of sweet and warm)
  • Almond oil for vitamin E
  • Paraben- and sulfate-free

This pomade offers a mild yet invigorating scent you’re sure to love!

 

The 90 Proof Pomade keeps your hair in place all day long without any stiffness or flakiness. It’s a water-based pomade, so you can easily wash it off at the end of the day without leaving any residue or buildup.

The formula has a tonka bean scent that’s similar to vanilla, offering a slightly sweet but warm and rich scent that makes your hair smell inviting and seductive. 

Its formula also contains hops extracts — a type of plant that offers scalp-toning properties — and almond oil to nourish and moisturize your hair. 

The Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade’s matte finish is also perfect for men who want shine-free hold. 

It can make you look your best without spending too much time on your hair.

Top Splurge

5
TeaTree Grooming Pomade

The TeaTree Grooming Pomade provides old-school polish with a modern touch and a refreshing scent. It lets you shape, control, and define waves or curls. 

Primary Benefits: Flexible hold; medium shine finish; adds definition to short haircuts; tames frizz around the hairline

Features:

  • Refreshing mint, tea tree, and citrus scents 
  • Castor and coconut oil for moisturizing benefits
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Paraben- and gluten-free
  • Eco-friendly packaging

One of the few grooming products that contain flexible resins and vegetable-based conditioners to soften and hold hair for a worry-free all-day style.

 

If you are looking for a refreshing and invigorating scent for everyday wear, then the TeaTree Grooming Pomade is for you. 

Its notes of mint, tea tree, and citrus scents indulge your senses, while its moisturizing formula leaves your hair feeling clean, fresh, and well-groomed!

Plus, if you are a conscious beauty advocate, you will be happy to know that TeaTree Grooming Pomade is certified vegan and cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. 

All in all, it’s one of the top hair pomades for men today! 

Top for Pompadours and Slicked-Back Hairstyles

6
Suavecito Pomade Firme (Strong) Hold

Suavecito Firme Pomade features extreme hold, medium shine, and a musky vanilla scent to keep your hair fragrant in place for the full day and into the night.

Primary Benefits: Strong hold and medium shine; provides a strong grip for maximum styling flexibility; high performing; easy to wash out. 

Features:

  • Musky vanilla scent
  • Without harsh chemicals, stiffness, or flaking
  • Ideal for thick, curly, or stubborn hair

Its creamy consistency allows effortless application while providing a fierce grip for slicked-back hairstyles, pompadours, or side parts. Unlike gels, it never flakes on you.

 

Considered the best-smelling Suavecito pomade, Suavecito Firme carries the brand’s unique musky vanilla scent and unrivaled hold, leaving your hair looking and smelling great. 

Due to its cream-like texture, you can comb it into your hair easily and remove it with just water — no special shampoo needed.

Plus,  Suavecito Firme is one of the few products with a low price point that promises high gloss and hold without the crunchy hair effect, making it a favorite choice for budget-conscious fellas. 

Top Non-Greasy Formula

7
Aveda Pure Formance Pomade

Aveda Pure Performance Pomade is a non-greasy formula perfect for everyday use that boasts all-day performance while adding texture and definition to your hair.

Primary Benefits: Strong, pliable hold; medium shine; calms scalp; long-lasting sheen; soothes dry or irritated scalps; protects and nourishes the skin and scalp

Features:

  • Kunzea and citrus scent
  • Tamanu oil to increase the hair’s natural shine
  • Licorice root to soothe and calm dry and irritated scalps

Aveda is a unisex pomade, and it’s best for people with short hair or medium-length hair that needs a firm hold and a bit of shine for a more natural look.

 

The Aveda Pure Formance Pomade is laced with a kunzea and citrus scent responsible for its crisp, refreshing aroma. 

Its formula is all-natural, with ingredients like tamanu oil and licorice root that improve hair and scalp health, making it a superb choice for men who want to style their hair while taking care of it. You can safely use it every day!

All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable pomade that provides both style and substance, the Aveda Pure Formance Pomade is definitely worth buying.

Top for Versatility

8
Layrite Original Pomade

Layrite Original Pomade is a classic hairstyling product popular for its strong hold and medium shine, which is ideal for creating classic, vintage-inspired hairstyles.

Primary Benefits: Holds like wax and washes out like gel; all-day hold; medium shine finish; rinses out quickly; won't dry hard or flake 

Features:

  • Mild vanilla scent
  • Kaolin clay and coal 
  • Works well with all hair lengths

This is a versatile pomade that holds any hairstyle all day and yet rinses out easily with water.

 

Layrite Original Pomade is known for its high-shine finish, which provides a classic, retro look that is perfect for formal occasions or special events.

Its strong hold keeps hair in place all day long without any stiffness or flakiness.

This vintage pomade is also infused with natural ingredients like beeswax and castor oil, which nourishes and protects hair while also giving a subtle, refreshing vanilla scent.

Layrite Original Pomade is a reliable styling product for men who want to look their best on any occasion.

Choosing the right product can elevate your pomade game to the next level, especially if it incorporates a pleasant scent into its formula that can add an extra dimension of enjoyment to your daily hair routine. 

With our list of the best-smelling pomades, we hope you can find a grooming product perfect for your hair type and needs. 

Remember not to be afraid to experiment and try new products! 

At the end of the day, you deserve the top men’s hair pomade that can give you a fresh, polished look with a delightful scent that lasts throughout the day.

Barber’s Top Tips for Using a Scented Pomade

When it comes to getting the most out of scented pomades, who better to turn to than professional barbers?

These experts know all the tricks of the trade when it comes to styling hair and using grooming products, and they offer valuable insights to get the most out of your scented pomades.

Here are some top tips from barbers for using scented pomades:

  • Start with a small amount. You don’t want to overdo it when it comes to using scented pomades.

    Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed. Too much product can make your hair look greasy and heavy and give off an overwhelming fragrance. 
  • Use the right technique. Applying pomade properly is key to achieving the desired look.

    Rub a small amount of pomade between your hands and work it through your hair evenly. Use a comb or your fingers to style as you go.

    Be sure to work the pomade evenly through your hair to avoid clumps or uneven distribution to avoid the dreaded hair stiff effect. 
  • Experiment with different styles. The best-smelling pomades can be used to achieve a variety of styles, from slicked back to tousled and messy.

    So experiment with different styles to find the look that works best for you. You can ask your barber for tips on how to achieve a particular style so you can do it on your own later. 
  • Apply your pomade to clean hair. Ensure that your hair is clean and dry by washing it with shampoo and drying it completely before applying pomade. This will prevent it from becoming greasy or clumpy. 

By following these top tips, you can enjoy the benefits of scented pomade and achieve the perfect hairstyle every time.

Choosing the Best-Smelling Pomades for Your Hair 

Using the best-smelling pomade adds an extra layer of zest to your grooming routine. With so many options available, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, hair type, and desired style.

Be it a classic, subtle scent or a bold, attention-grabbing fragrance, there’s a pomade out there that’s perfect for you. 

By following the top tips for using scented pomade and seeking advice from professional barbers, you can make the most of your grooming experience.

With this article, our goal is to help you enhance your personal style and leave you feeling confident and fresh.

So whether you’re heading to the office or out for a night on the town, make sure to add one of the top eight best-smelling pomades on our list to your grooming routine and enjoy the benefits of a great scent and superb hairstyle.

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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