Short Answer
To choose the right pomade, match hold strength to your style (light for natural movement, strong for structured looks) and weight to your hair type (lightweight for fine hair, heavier formulas for thick or curly hair). Finish—matte or shine—then determines your final look.
Introduction
The right pomade can make or break your hairstyle. But with so many tins on the shelf — each with a different hold, shine, and formula — it can feel overwhelming. The good news? Once you understand two simple things — hold strength and product weight — picking the perfect pomade becomes easy.
This guide breaks it all down in plain language, with pro tips straight from the barbershop floor.
What Is Pomade Hold?
Pomade hold refers to how tightly the product keeps your hair in place throughout the day. Hold is usually rated on a scale — light, medium, firm, or strong/extreme.
Here's the quick version:
- Light hold — Hair moves freely. Natural, relaxed look.
- Medium hold — Some structure, but still flexible and touchable.
- Firm hold — Hair stays put. Good for most classic and modern styles.
- Strong/Extreme hold — Maximum control. Hair doesn't budge.
The right hold level depends on your hair type, hair length, and the style you want to wear.
What Is Pomade Weight?
Pomade weight refers to how heavy or light a product feels on your hair. This is closely linked to the base of the pomade.
- Water-based pomades tend to feel lighter. They rinse out easily and are great for everyday use.
- Oil-based pomades feel heavier. They're more traditional and give hair a "never-dry" feel with a deeper shine.
Think of weight like this: a lightweight pomade sits on top of the hair without dragging it down. A heavier pomade coats each strand with more substance — great for thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs serious control.
Hold vs. Weight: What's the Difference?
These two things work together, but they're not the same.
| Hold | Weight | |
| What it does | Keeps your style in place | How heavy the product feels |
| Matters most for | Style durability | Hair type and volume |
| Example | Extreme hold matte pomade | Oil-based grease vs. water-based formula |
A product can be lightweight with strong hold (like a water-based extreme hold matte pomade), or it can be heavy with medium hold (like an oil-based grease). Knowing both helps you build the perfect routine.
Match Your Hair Type to the Right Pomade
Your hair type is the best place to start when choosing a pomade.
Fine or Thin Hair
Fine hair gets weighed down easily. The wrong product can flatten your style and make your hair look greasy by noon.
What to look for: Lightweight, water-based pomades with a matte or low-shine finish. A clay formula is ideal — it adds texture and volume without heaviness.
Try: REUZEL Clay Matte Pomade (Light Grey)— medium hold (6/10), true matte finish, infused with kaolin clay, quinoa, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It adds body without weighing strands down.
Medium or Normal Hair
Most guys fall in this category. You have some flexibility to experiment with both hold strength and finish.
What to look for: A firm, water-based pomade with low-to-medium shine. Something reworkable is a plus.
Try:REUZEL Fiber Pomade (Navy)— firm hold (8/10), low shine (3/10), adds separation and fullness. Works on most hair types and can be restyled throughout the day.
Thick or Coarse Hair
Thick hair has a mind of its own. It resists shape, expands without product, and needs something that can truly hold structure all day.
What to look for: A strong or extreme hold pomade. Water-based options work great and rinse out easily. Oil-based options offer unbeatable humidity resistance.
Try: REUZEL Extreme Hold Matte Pomade (Dark Grey)— the strongest hold in the lineup at 11/10, water-based, matte finish. Ideal for coarse or unruly hair that needs maximum control.
Curly or Unruly Hair
Curly hair benefits from heavier formulas that can flatten, define, and sculpt without drying out the hair.
What to look for: An oil-based pomade with high hold. Beeswax-based formulas are especially good at keeping curls in shape without crunching them.
Try: REUZEL Pink Pomade Grease— heavy hold (9/10), medium shine (5/10), oil-based with beeswax. Built for thick, curly, or stubborn hair that needs a firm hand.
Choose Your Finish: Matte vs. Shine
Hold and weight aside, the finish of your pomade changes your whole look.
- Matte finish = natural, understated, modern. Great for casual styles and textured looks.
- Low shine = a subtle hint of gloss without looking wet. Versatile for everyday wear.
- High shine = polished, sleek, classic. Think pompadours, slick-backs, and side parts.
When to Choose Matte
If your style is relaxed, messy, or textured — go matte. Clay and fiber formulas are your best bet. They make hair look fuller and more natural.
When to Choose High Shine
If you're going for a classic barbershop look — a slick-back, a pompadour, or a sharp side part — a high-shine water-based pomade is the move.
Try: REUZEL Blue Pomade for strong hold with high shine (9/10 on both), or REUZEL Red Pomade for a more flexible medium hold with the same polished finish.
The REUZEL Pomade Lineup at a Glance
REUZEL's full pomade range covers every hold level, finish, and hair type. Here's a quick reference:
| Tin | Hold | Shine | Base | Best For |
| Dark Grey (Extreme Hold Matte) | 11/10 | Matte | Water | Coarse, thick, or unruly hair |
| White (Concrete Hold Matte) | 10/10 | Matte | Water | Medium to coarse hair |
| Navy (Fiber) | 8/10 | Low | Water | Most hair types, textured looks |
| Blue (High Shine Strong Hold) | 9/10 | High | Water | Sleek, classic styles |
| Light Grey (Clay Matte) | 6/10 | Matte | Water | Fine to medium hair |
| Red (Medium Hold High Shine) | 5/10 | High | Water | All hair types, polished looks |
| Pink (Grease) | 9/10 | Medium | Oil | Thick or curly hair |
| Green (Grease) | 5/10 | Medium | Oil | Normal to thick hair, layering |
How to Apply Pomade the Right Way
Even the best pomade won't perform if it's not applied correctly. Here's a simple process:
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Water-based pomades work best on slightly damp hair. Oil-based pomades go on best when hair is dry.
- Scoop a small amount. Start with a dime-sized amount. You can always add more.
- Warm it in your palms. Rub the product between your hands until it's evenly distributed and nearly invisible on your skin.
- Work from roots to ends. Start at the back, move to the sides, and finish at the front. This keeps the front from getting overloaded.
- Style with a comb or fingers. Use a comb for sharp, polished styles. Use your fingers for texture and natural movement.
- Adjust as needed. Most pomades — especially water-based ones — can be restyled throughout the day with a little water or a damp comb.
Pro Tip: Mix Pomades for a Custom Result
Barbers call it "cocktailing" — mixing two products together to get a result neither could achieve alone. REUZEL pomades are designed with this in mind.
- High shine + heavy structure? Apply a small amount of Pink Grease to the roots, then finish with Blue Pomade on top for a classic, mirror-like shine.
- Max volume + clean matte finish? Blow-dry with a grooming tonic, then lock the style in with Concrete Hold Matte (White).
- Flexible hold + modern texture? Layer Green Grease as a base for moisture, then top with Fiber Pomade (Navy) for separation and a low-shine finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pomade for beginners?
Start with a medium-hold, water-based pomade. It's forgiving, easy to restyle, and washes out with no effort. REUZEL Clay Matte (Light Grey) or Fiber Pomade (Navy) are both great first choices for most hair types.
What's the difference between water-based and oil-based pomade?
Water-based pomades rinse out easily with just water and are great for everyday use. Oil-based pomades are more traditional, offer stronger humidity resistance, and give hair a deeper, richer shine — but they require a degreasing shampoo to fully remove.
How much pomade should I use?
Less than you think. Start with a dime-sized amount for most hair types. For fine hair, use even less — about the size of a small pea. For thick or long hair, you may need slightly more. Always add in layers rather than all at once.
Can I use pomade every day?
Yes, especially water-based pomades. They wash out cleanly and don't cause buildup the way oil-based products can. Just make sure you're shampooing regularly to keep your scalp clean.
Which pomade works best for a pompadour?
A classic pompadour needs both structure and shine. REUZEL Blue (Strong Hold, High Shine) or REUZEL Pink Grease (Heavy Hold, Oil-Based) are two of the best options. For extra height and hold, cocktail both: Pink at the roots for structure, Blue on the surface for shine.
What pomade is best for a matte, textured look?
Go with REUZEL Clay Matte (Light Grey) for lighter hair or REUZEL Fiber Pomade (Navy) for medium-to-thick hair. Both deliver a modern, natural finish with no shine.
Does pomade damage hair?
When used and washed out properly, pomade does not damage hair. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like castor oil, beeswax, aloe vera, or vitamin E — all of which are found throughout the REUZEL lineup. The key is washing your hair regularly to prevent buildup.
How do I wash out oil-based pomade?
Apply a conditioner to dry hair first, massage thoroughly, then rinse. Follow with a clarifying or scrub shampoo. REUZEL recommends using the REUZEL Daily Conditioner followed by the REUZEL Scrub Shampoo, and then REUZEL Daily Shampoo for a full and clean removal.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right pomade isn't complicated once you know what to look for. Start with your hair type, pick your hold strength, then decide on a finish. From there, the right product practically chooses itself.
REUZEL's lineup — built by barbers in Rotterdam for barbers and style-minded guys everywhere — covers every combination of hold, weight, and finish you could need. Whether you're after a sleek, high-shine classic or a natural matte texture, there's a tin for that.
Shop the full REUZEL Pomade collection at REUZEL.com.