10 Top Pomades for Curly Hair To Make Your Style Last All Day

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Curly hair can be tricky to style. Whether you’re dealing with coils or curls, finding the perfect styling products to tame it seems like a never-ending quest. 

Pomades are one of the most used styling solutions for curls. They provide great hold, control, and shine to your hair.

A photo of hands holding a container of hair pomade in front of a mirror.

We’ve covered some of the top ones that can help enhance your texture and provide a strong hold that lasts long. 

So if you’re tired of having your hair act up and if you’re ready to take charge of your hairstyle, read on to learn about the top pomades for curly hair.

Earth's Enrichments Scalp and Root Organic Pomade
Editor's Choice
  • Anti-dandruff and anti-itching
  • Made of organic ingredients
  • Lightweight formula
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade
Premium Pick
  • Enhances curls
  • Prevents flyaways and frizz
  • Provides soothing natural scent
Cantu Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade
Budget Pick
  • Controls curls and tames frizz
  • Contains moisturizing ingredients
  • Smooths edges

What Are Hair Pomades for Curly Hair?

Pomades for curly hair are styling products similar to hair wax but made for people with curly, wavy, or coiled hair. They help control unruly hair, giving curls definition and structure, and holding hairstyles in place for the rest of the day.

But why use pomade for curly hair?

Hair pomades for curly hair are designed to give hair a neat finish and hold if you want to style it. They are a great alternative to gels and mousses, both of which can leave hair feeling crunchy and stiff. 

You can use pomades on wet or dry hair for styling flexibility. You can also apply them to damp hair for a more polished look. Or if the goal is to simply tame frizz or refresh second-day curls, you can apply them to dry hair as well.

Pomades can also keep your hair smooth, tamed, and protected from environmental factors, such as humidity or wind, that often cause frizz or shape distortion.

Types of Pomades for Curly Hair

Oil-Based Pomades

Oil-based pomades have a unique formula that gives a classic look. They are thicker, and contain more moisturizing ingredients. They’re great for those with dry hair and those who want a shiny finish.

The downside is that they may leave a greasy film in the hair and may be difficult to remove.

Water-Based Pomades

These pomades have a lighter grip and are simpler to wash off than oil-based pomades. You can use them to style your hair in different ways throughout the day — just by adding water!

So if you like a more subtle, unstyled appearance, water-based pomades are a perfect choice.

Wax-Based Pomades

The matte sheen and firm grip of these pomades are unbeatable. If you’re going for a matte finish, wax pomades are your best bet. They are great for thick or unmanageable hair.

Gel Pomades

Gel pomades give your hair excellent shine and a sturdy grip. For those with fine or thin hair, a gel pomade might help you get the look you want by adding volume and structure.

Choosing the Right Pomade for Curly Hair

Hair Type and Texture

Some pomades work better for thick, coarse hair, while others are better suited for fine, thin hair. So look for a pomade specifically formulated for your hair type. They will help define your curls and address your problem areas.

Hold Strength

If you have tight, coiled curls, go for a pomade with a strong hold to help keep your curls in place. On the other hand, if you have looser, wavy curls, a lighter hold pomade may be a better choice.

Shine or Finish

Pomades also vary in the level of hold and shine. There are matte pomades and high shine pomades, so choose one based on how you want your hair to look after styling.

Ingredients

Look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients that will help nourish your hair while also providing hold and definition.

You should avoid pomades that contain parabens, sulfates, or alcohol. These can strip your hair’s natural oils, causing dryness and damage.

Also, avoid choosing pomades that include mineral oil or petroleum. These may clog your hair’s pores and make it look and feel greasy.

Top 10 Pomades for Curly Hair

1
Layrite Super Hold Pomade

We love how this pomade gives superb control and holds for the most demanding styles. And it spreads easily even in thick, coarse curly hair.

Key benefits: Provides a super firm hold; distributes easily; dries with flexible hold

Features:

  • Packed with essential oils to keep hair healthy
  • Water-based formula
  • No flakes

The Layrite Superhold Pomade might be the best pomade for frizzy hair that can handle messy wet looks!

 

Layrite Super Hold Pomade is a water-based pomade that provides a strong hold and high shine. It is easy to apply and wash out, making it a convenient option for daily use.

The naturally derived conditioners from coconut oil and castor oil smooth the hair by locking in moisture, providing shine while keeping frizz in control. 

This product is one of the top pomades for curly thick hair that can help manage medium to curly, coarse, or thick hair of all lengths from short to long.

It grips hair to shape, and dries with a flexible hold, keeping your hairstyle all day, without any flaking. Plus, it has a signature mild cream soda scent that leaves your hair smelling amazing!

2
Smooth Viking Pomade

We like how this pomade adds texture to modern hairstyles. It's easy to apply and rinses out with water, making it the perfect styling solution for those who want a sleek look that lasts all day.

Key benefits: Provides a long-lasting medium hold; easy to apply and rinse out; keeps hair in place

Features: 

  • Made with high-quality ingredients
  • Water-based formula
  • High shine finish

Get the perfect medium hold and high shine finish with the Smooth Viking Medium Hold Pomade!

 

Whether you have straight, thick or curly hair, this pomade provides you with the right amount of hold and shine, keeping your hairstyle intact throughout the day.

It’s crafted for the best possible performance and gives your hair dimension, shine, and all-day control without stiffness.

To use, you just have to evenly distribute the pomade through slightly damp or dry hair and shape your curls as you like. Each use will give your hair medium hold with a high shine finish that’s easy to rinse out with water.

3
Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Pomade

This citrus-scented shine pomade is an all-in-one miracle styler that moisturizes your hair and scalp, smooths edges, and controls frizz. 

Key benefits: Hydrates scalp; moisturizes and defines hair; controls frizz and adds shine

Features: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • No parabens, silicones, mineral oil, petrolatum or artificial colors
  • Packed with nourishing ingredients

A pomade for daily use that will leave your hair looking and feeling amazing!

 

Packed with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter and sage leaf extract, Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Pomade softens and strengthens your hair without weighing it down. Plus, it smells amazing!

It also has a lightweight formula that enhances thick curly hair. It adds shine, and you’ll start seeing results that go a long way after using it for just a couple of weeks.

It’s great for dry and brittle hair as it provides softness and nourishment.

Plus, it contains no parabens, silicones, petrolatum, mineral oil, or artificial colors.

To use, simply place a small amount of the product into the palm of your hands and rub together. Then, gently work into your damp or dry hair and scalp. Use it as a moisturizer for itch relief, a heat-styling aid, or daily hair maintenance.

4
Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold

For a flake-free and strong hold for a maintained hairstyle throughout the day, go for Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold.

Key benefits: Provides grip that lasts all day; easy to apply and wash off; adds medium shine to hair

Features: 

  • Creamy and smooth consistency
  • Water-based formula
  • Fierce grip that lasts all day

Say goodbye to hard-to-remove hair products and hello to this easy-to-use and easy-to-wash-out pomade!

 

This unique pomade features a creamy and smooth consistency that makes it easy to work into your hair for a fierce grip that lasts all day and into the night.

It goes on and washes off easily with water, leaving your hair feeling just as it did before using it.

Apply it on dry hair if you like a matte finish. However, use on damp hair for a glossy result.

Start with a quarter-sized amount in your palm, rub the product into your hands and fingers, and work into your hair with your fingertips from the roots down.

Ensure even distribution of product and comb to your desired style. To remove, simply wash out with water.

5
American Crew Pomade

This moisture-rich cream pomade gives a classic, slicked back look while taming your hair and leaving a high shine finish that's sure to turn heads.

Key benefits: Doesn't leave a residue; adds shine and flexible hold; provides a strong hold

Features: 

  • Provides excellent control
  • Packed with moisturizing ingredients
  • Provides a medium hold and high shine

Want to look sharp and stylish without sacrificing comfort? American Crew Pomade has got you!

 

This water-based pomade is a modern, flexible alternative to styling gels. It’s one of the top pomades for wavy hair, and it does not leave a sticky residue.

It provides a medium hold and high shine while moisturizing and conditioning your hair for a frizz-free, classic look that’s both stylish and comfortable.

To use, simply work a small amount evenly through dry or towel-dried hair and style as desired. Or, rub a small amount evenly between palms before working into hair and style as desired for best results.

6
Reuzel Strong Hold Pomade Blue

With its unique combination of ingredients, Blue Pomade is easy to wash from the hair without leaving any residue or buildup.

Key benefits: Provides a strong hold and high shine; retains pliability; washes out easily without leaving residue or buildup

Features: 

  • Concentrated formula
  • Non-drying formula
  • Vegan and flake-free

Looking for a pomade that provides a high shine and strong hold without any residue or buildup? Look no further than Reuzel's Blue Pomade!

 

This pomade features a vegan and water-soluble formula. It retains flexibility throughout the day without hardening or flaking away. Plus, a little goes a long way, making it a great value.

To use, scoop out one or two knuckles of the product and mix it well in the palms of your hands. Apply it to clean, dry or slightly wet hair, going from the back to the front, and then comb it into place.

7
Cantu Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade

This pomade is perfect for defining edges, controlling flyaways, and defining your curls and twists exactly how you like them.

Key benefits: Protects hair against frizz; defines curls, coils, and twists, seals in moisture for added shine

Features: 

  • Made with moisturizing ingredients
  • Adds texture and control
  • Cruelty-free

The best pomade for black hair that will give you quenched curls, soft strands, and a confident glow!

 

Cantu Hair Dressing Pomade is the ideal hair care essential for anyone looking to boost their controlled curls, smooth frizz, and define twists while softening strands. 

What sets Cantu Classics apart is their use of nature’s essential ingredients, such as luxurious shea butter, which is infused into all of their products.

Shea butter is a natural hydrator and nutrient-rich, containing vitamins A and E for healthy hair. It seals in crucial moisture and helps soften strands while you work on your perfect look.

Also, it’s not tested on animals, so you can feel good about using it.

With Cantu Hair Dressing Pomade, you get the benefits of shea butter in a modern moisturizing formula that lifts, holds, and adds shine without dehydrating or clogging your hair follicles.

8
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade

If you're looking for a hairstyling product that helps get rid of flyaway and frizz, Aveda's Brilliant Humectant Pomade might be just what you need.

Key benefits: Prevents flyaway and frizziness; adds shine; enhances curls

Features: 

  • Easy to use and apply evenly through dry hair
  • Easy to reactivate
  • Soothing aroma

The ideal pomade for long curly hair that enhances your curls, adds shine, and prevents flyaways!

 

We love Aveda Brilliant’s humectant-rich formula. It enhances curls and adds shine to hair. 

Plus, this pomade is infused with Aveda’s own pure-fume aroma, featuring jasmine, rose, certified organic clove, and other flower and plant essences for a soothing and refreshing scent.

To use, simply apply a small amount to your palms and rub together to emulsify. Then apply evenly through dry hair and glide your fingertips over areas where you want to eliminate flyaways and add brilliant shine.

9
Earth's Enrichments Scalp and Root Organic Pomade

An organic pomade that gives moisture-rich scalp and promotes shinier, stronger, and healthier hair? Look no further than Earth's Enrichments Scalp and Root Organic Pomade!

Key benefits: Moisture-rich formula for healthier hair; non-clogging on the scalp

Features:

  • Lightweight formula
  • No harmful chemicals, preservatives, or fragrances
  • Made of 95% organic ingredients

Get this pomade for healthier scalp and hair!

 

Earth’s Enrichments Scalp and Root Organic Pomade carries the USDA Organic seal. It means it contains at least 95% organic ingredients. It also  meets the highest processing standards defined by the USDA.

All ingredients are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. It’s also enriched with coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil, making it great for hair growth and dry, itchy scalps.

Plus, it contains no harmful chemicals, so it’s gentle on your skin. We also love how light it is on the scalp, so you won’t have to worry about it weighing your hair down or clogging your pores.

For daily styling and moisturizing, section your wet or dry hair and place a small amount of this organic pomade on your fingertip.

Spread the pomade over your scalp and massage it into your hair to ensure complete coverage and maximum penetration.

10
Firsthand Supply Clay Pomade

We love how this pomade provides a strong grip, a matte finish boosts hair volume for thick hair that lasts all day.

Key benefits: Adds volume to hair; helps control frizz; gently cleanses scalp without drying it out

Features: 

  • Clean and plant-based ingredients
  • Matte finish
  • Sustainable packaging

Looking for the best matte pomade for thick hair that gives a firm but flexible hold? Get the Firsthand Supply Clay Pomade!

 

What sets this pomade apart is its clean ingredients. Firsthand Supply uses the top ingredients for function and source, choosing the cleanest ingredients possible.

The Clay Pomade contains kaolin clay, aloe vera juice, argan oil, and vitamin E that make for a creamy, clay-based butter that’s easy to apply.

Plus, it is also good for the planet. Firsthand Supply uses post-consumer recycled plastic to make their containers, keeping over 175,000 plastic bottles from entering landfills. 

To use, simply scoop a dime-sized amount of product and emulsify in your hands. Add more if needed, then apply evenly in damp hair from back to front and side to side.

You’ll get a firm and long-lasting hold with a matte finish that looks great all day long.

One thing to note is that the clay content in this product may cause some to experience “tugging” when applying. But don’t worry; just dampen your hair a bit more and use heat to apply for a smoother application.

cropped view of man holding black pomade

How to Apply Pomade to Style Curly Hair

  1. First, start with clean, damp hair. Most manufacturers recommend starting with damp hair as it’s easier to apply and distribute the pomade evenly throughout.
  2. Mix a small amount of the product with your hands and rub it.until it’s warm and easy to apply.
  3. Apply the pomade to your hair. Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips.
  4. Feel free to use your fingers to create any hairstyle you choose. You can scrunch your hair to enhance your curls or twist it to define them.
  5. If you need to restyle throughout the day, just wet your hands and run them through your hair to reactivate the pomade.

Tips For Styling Curly Hair With Pomade

  • Choose a pomade specifically formulated for curly hair to enhance your curls without weighing them down.
  • Use a small amount of pomade to avoid a greasy or weighed-down look.
  • Experiment with different techniques to figure out which one works best for your unique curls.
  • Mix and match with other styling products, such as mousse or gel, to achieve your desired look.

FAQ About the Top Hair Pomade for Curly Hair

Is pomade good for frizzy hair?

Yes, pomade can be good for frizzy hair as it can help tame flyaways and provide a sleeker look. 

Can you use pomade every day?

Use pomade only when needed to avoid buildup and greasiness. Also, only use a small amount and remember to wash your hair regularly to prevent buildup.

Time to Use the Top Pomade to Style Curly Hair

A pomade can help you maintain your hairstyle for the whole day, define your natural curls, and control frizz and flyaways. With the right product, it can be easier and more fun to style your hair.

Remember to choose a pomade designed for your hair type to help you achieve the style and hold you want. And don’t be afraid to try out different products to find what works best for your curls!

With the right pomade and a bit of trial and error, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect look for your hair. 

Want to learn more about curly hair?

Check out these articles:

Author

  • Shai Urbano

    Shai is a licensed pharmacist with a Bachelor of Arts in Pharmacy. She uniquely intertwines her medical expertise with a fervent passion for beauty. With an intrinsic understanding of ingredients and formulation, she's the proud creator of her own line of products designed exclusively for naturally curly hair. Over her four-year writing career, Shai consistently delivers content enriched by her distinct blend of knowledge and enthusiasm.

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