6 Top Wave Grease & Pomades for Waves In 2024

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One of the most popular hairstyles for afro-textured hair is waves.

And as any wave expert will tell you, creating perfect waves isn’t easy. But it also doesn’t need to be too complicated too.

A container of black hair pomade

All you need is a little know-how and the right products. And before you know it, you’ll be creating rippling 360 waves with ease.

A good wave product to have when doing this hairstyle is wave grease. Wave grease adds moisture to your hair before you start brushing and holds your neat and stylish hairstyle in place.

But out of all the wave grease for black hair available today, what’s the top wave grease for your needs?

Continue reading to learn about the wave hairstyle and the top hair products for waves.

Wave Builder Deep Wave Cocoa and Shea Pomade
Editor's Choice
  • Super smooth and rich
  • Medium hold
  • Conditions curly hair
Cold Label Premium Wolfin Pomade
Premium Pick
  • Made with certified organic ingredients
  • Strong hold
  • Perfect for wolfin’ or growing out curls
Softsheen-Carson Sportin’ Waves Gel Pomade
Budget Pick
  • Ultra-light, incredible staying power
  • Strong hold
  • For maximum wave making

The Wave Hairstyle

Black men usually wear wave hairstyles with naturally textured hair. This popular look has been around for decades.

Don’t confuse it with wavy hair or beach waves, though.

This hairstyle is for very short, curly hair, and it derives its name from the ripples that form throughout the hair.

The waves are laid-down curls achieved by “training” the hair through constant brushing.

Kinds of Waves

There are different kinds of waves. And these different types are classified depending on the wave pattern and the position.

The most basic is 180 waves, where only the top of the hair is styled, and the sides of the haircut are tapered. This style is the easiest to achieve because the waves only go in one direction.

Another common style is the 360 waves. In this hairstyle, the waves are all around your head, forming what looks like a beehive.

There are also 540 waves with diagonal waves and 720 waves that go vertically.

How to Get 360 Waves

For this article, we’ll show you how to get the most popular wave style, the 360 waves.

The steps may look simple, but note that the process will require patience because you won’t get perfect waves in an instant, as training the curls will take time.

Let’s see how to create waves with pomade.

What You’ll Need

For this article, we’ll show you how to get the most popular wave style, the 360 waves.

The steps may look simple, but note that the process will require patience because you won’t get perfect waves in an instant, and training the curls will take time.

Let’s see how to create waves with the top pomade for waves:

360 Waves Steps

  1. Get a haircut.

Waves will only form when the hair is a manageable length, which means it’s not too long that the curls won’t lie down anymore and not too short that the hair doesn’t have the length to curl.

The top length for waves is around 1 ½ inches.

  1. Wash and condition your hair.

Waves are best done on clean hair and a clean scalp. So before you style your hair, wash it first. Then, dry it with a towel.

Don’t use a hair dryer because you want your hair to be a bit damp when applying the pomade.

Some prefer to use a leave-in conditioner before styling to add more moisture to the locks.

  1. Apply the pomade.

A dime-sized amount of product is recommended when doing waves, but this can also depend on the specific product you’re using.

Just remember that you’re going for moisturized and shiny locks, not too greasy.

Also, keep in mind that the pomade won’t give you waves. The primary purpose of the pomade is to make your waves look better and to keep your waves in place.

Rub the pomade on your palms first and work it through your locks, distributing the product evenly.

  1. Brush your hair.

Beginning at the crown, brush your hair forward to the front of your hairline.

Next, go back to the crown and brush the back of your hair down to your neck. Continue brushing from the crown down to all sides of your head.

This step should take 2 to 5 minutes, and you can do this three times a day until your curls form the waves.

Remember that brushing is the only way your locks get the wave pattern. You need to keep training it to do the waves.

  1. Protect the waves.

Remember, the thing about waves is that they’re very delicate. After styling your curls, you want to ensure that you protect your wave style.

Use a durag to cover your locks and hold your hair in position. You can wear it when you go to the gym. 

You can also wear it overnight to avoid ruining your waves during your sleep.

What to Look for in Wave Pomades for Black Hair

Now that you know more about 360 waves and creating this style let’s look at the top wave grease pomades for you.

We know products can be confusing because there are so many options. How do you pick the top wave grease pomade for waves?

Here are the important factors to consider when choosing the top wave products.

Can It Hold Your Style in Place?

The long-lasting hold is the most critical consideration when it comes to pomade.

Pomades usually come in three levels of hold:

  • Normal
  • Medium
  • Strong

You can also see “super strong” or “maximum” hold on the labels.

Waves call for high holding power to keep the style intact. You’ll need a pomade with medium to strong hold.

Does It Moisturize the Strands?

The wave styles are commonly done on type 4a to 4c hair

This hair type is prone to dryness. Therefore the hair pomade you should get is one that can nourish and hydrate dry hair.

Look for products with added moisturizing ingredients like nourishing oils.

Is It Easy to Use?

Pomades for waves must also have the right consistency. Choose one that’s not too thick, so it’s easy to apply and can easily slip through your curly strands.

Another thing you should look for is that it doesn’t set too fast, giving you ample time to style your hair after application.

Is It Easy to Wash Off?

One more characteristic of the top hair grease for waves is that the pomade washes out easily. 

It shouldn’t leave flakes and buildup on your scalp, and you should be able to remove it with mild shampoo and water.

Remember that product buildup can clog pores and follicles, affecting hair growth. So the top wave grease can be washed off without leaving any residue.

Are the Ingredients Safe for Hair and Scalp?

Nowadays, people are getting more conscious of what they put on their hair. And that’s a good thing.

Some hair products may contain potentially harmful ingredients that can cause hair damage or even scalp problems.

So another essential consideration when choosing the top wave grease is finding one that doesn’t have harmful chemicals and contains only hair-loving ingredients.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) listed the 12 toxic chemicals in cosmetics, and here are the products you should avoid in wave grease and pomades.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Formaldehyde

Finding a great natural pomade for waves is the best way to ensure great style without damaging your hair.

Top Wave Grease and Pomades

The most recommended way to pick the top products for waves is to know what you need, understand your hair’s specific requirements, and try several products to find the one that works best for you.

To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down your choices by making a list of our choices for the top products for waves in hair.

Check out these tried-and-tested greases for waves.

1
Cold Label Premium Wolfin Pomade

We’ve mentioned that one characteristic of a good pomade is that it is made with natural ingredients. 

Cold Label Premium Wolfin Pomade is hand-crafted with certified organic ingredients that aren't harmful to your hair or scalp.

Primary Benefits: Conditions your wave pattern; deep-conditioning; low product buildup

Features:

  • Oil-based
  • Strong hold
  • For wavy hair
  • Coconut bergamot fragrance

Your hair will stay in place with Cold Label Premium Wolfin Pomade.

 

Cold Label Premium Wolfin Pomade is a barber-formulated product that offers maximum hold to your waves.

It’s an all-natural balm that’s made for wolfin. That is when you want to grow out your curls. Because of the longer strands, you’ll get deeper waves.

Cold Label is an oil-based pomade that works great because it features natural ingredients.

  • Soy
  • Jojoba
  • Shea butter
  • Safflower oil
  • Hempseed oil
  • Raw organic honey
  • East African castor oil

All these support strong growth and moisture retention for healthier hair.

This pomade is sure to help you get 360 waves quickly.

2
Wave Builder Deep Wave Cocoa & Shea Pomade

This pomade has added cocoa and shea butter, which offers a super smooth and rich consistency that glides on easily without whiteness or buildup.

Primary Benefits: Holds and defines waves; moisturizes and smoothens; adds lasting shine

Features:

  • Cream formula
  • Medium hold
  • For curly hair
  • Coconut scent

This high-quality, safe, and effective Wave Builder product will give you the strongest and deepest waves.

 

Aside from its maximum wave-defining formula, Wave Builder Deep Wave pomade also has the added benefit of amazing natural ingredients.

Cocoa and shea butter are great natural ingredients and some of the most effective natural conditioners for hair because of their high oil and nutrient content. 

These ingredients also make this product one of the top wave greases for coarse hair.

The ingredients ensure that your hair is properly conditioned while creating your waves.

The product holds well throughout the day and can be used daily. You won’t need to worry about ruining your style.

3
Softsheen-Carson Sportin’ Waves Maximum Hold Pomade

Sportin’ Waves has incredible staying power, but it’s still ultra-light and keeps your hair in place without being overly greasy or sticky.

Primary Benefits: Promotes waves and restores moisture; goes on easy; has a natural sheen

Features:

  • Cream formula
  • Maximum hold
  • For curly and kinky hair
  • Fresh, clean fragrance

For maximum wave making, get Softsheen-Carson Sportin’ Waves Maximum Hold Pomade.

 

For over a century, Softsheen-Carson has provided quality products that are tailor-made to consumers of African descent.

Sportin’ Waves pomade is one of their most popular products used by many wavers. This affordable but good wave grease works great on shorter hair styles and types 3 and 4 hair.

For best results, dampen your hair first with a hot towel to soften the strands. You’ll see the waves form well after application and brushing.

The only downside is that the pomade is hard to wash out, even with shampoo.

4
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Pomade

One of our favorite things about this pomade is the added beeswax that gives your waves natural hold and shine.

Primary Benefits: Hard, gel-like hold without flaking; medium shine, easy to wash out

Features:

  • Water-based gel formula
  • Firm hold
  • Great on all hair types
  • Sweet cologne scent

Rocky Mountain’s water-based pomade uses better ingredients for better-looking hair.

 

As the brand’s name suggests, this product is inspired by nature and has natural and plant-derived ingredients. 

With this product, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your hair.

And unlike oil-based pomades, you can easily wash out this premium wave grease. As a result, it won’t damage your hair or clog your pores.

As for the holding power, this pomade will hold your waves all day and sometimes even longer, making it a good grease for waves.

Furthermore, while the product claims to have a high shine, users have commented that it’s more of a medium shine, and the sheen doesn’t last as long as you may like.

5
Ocean View Deep Waves Pomade

There are wave products that are perfect for beginners, and there are some that are great for experts. 

All stages of wavers love ocean View Deep Waves. It gives professional performance and results. 

Primary Benefits: Washes out easily; no nasty, greasy buildup; easy to apply

Features:

  • Water-based
  • Superior hold
  • For all hair types
  • Lily fragrance

Get a new 360° waving experience with Ocean View Deep Waves Pomade.

 

Waving is an art that you can perfect over time. You shouldn’t be discouraged if you have a hard time initially.

Sometimes, it would take weeks or months to achieve the desired wave pattern.

That’s why Ocean View has developed a product to help make your waving experience easier and more enjoyable.

It can hold coarse, curly, or straight hair and can up through sweat and rigorous activities to keep your hair looking great all day.

6
Cantu For Men Cream Pomade

When it comes to pomade, it can feel a bit worrying when you apply all that grease to your hair. Good thing there’s Cantu pomade for men with no harmful ingredients.

Primary Benefits: Helps seal in moisture; provides flexible hold; gives texture

Features:

  • Cream formula
  • Flex hold and soft touch
  • For curls, waves, and braids
  • Fresh masculine scent

If you want waves that are soft to the touch, try Cantu for Men Cream Pomade.

 

This pomade is specially formulated with natural ingredients

  • Shea butter
  • Caffeine
  • Moringa oil
  • Coconut oil

These ingredients help to lock in moisture and deeply nourish your hair. It also helps soften coarse and dry hair.

Plus, alongside all these benefits, the product doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like: 

  • Sulfates
  • Parabens
  • Mineral oils

Cantu for Men pomade offers flexible hold without stiffness or residue.

However, some find this product too lightweight. It’s not often recommended for wave starters or anyone still getting the hang of creating their waves. 

This product is still great for wave retention and hair hydration if you already know what you’re doing.

FAQs About the Top Wave Grease

Can I Use Wave Grease Every Day?

Yes, you can use a wave grease pomade daily, especially if you use one made of natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals.

Just remember to consider your hair type because fine hair can easily oil up and retain product buildup.

Does Wave Grease Damage Hair?

Wave grease is heavier than hair butter and curling creams, but that doesn’t mean they’re damaging. The grease is made to moisturize the strands and hold the waves.

What can damage the hair and irritate the scalp is the product buildup, so make sure that you wash your hair a minimum of once a week to keep your hair and scalp healthy and fresh.

Get the Perfect Wave

Waves are great for men with tight curly hair. It’s a great style that can hold unruly curls and look amazing while doing so.

hair dresser applying hair pomade

And using good wave grease is critical to creating waves faster and ensuring your waves are sleek, smooth, and long-lasting.

Remember that a good pomade won’t leave your hair too greasy or dry and will keep your 360 waves in place all day. Moreover, it should be easy to apply on wet or dry hair.

You may need to do some trial and error to find your perfect wave grease product, but if you put in the time, you won’t regret it. 

You’ll surely find your top product bet and happily use it to create your perfect wave style every day.

What Other Hairstyles Can You Try?

Look at these style ideas:

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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