• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents

Timeless Fashion and Lifestyle Advice

  • Style
  • Accessories
  • Grooming
  • Fitness
  • Success
  • About
  • Show Search
Hide Search
You are here: Home / Grooming / Should I Use Pomade, Gel, or Wax?

Should I Use Pomade, Gel, or Wax?

Updated: May 4, 2024 by David Em
Next Level Gents may earn a commission on purchases made from affiliate links on this page.

Pomade and wax are popular and effective hair styling products. Learn the differences between them, and figure out which one will work best for you.

A man with sunglasses fixing his hair.

Which product is better for your hairstyle?

Search for a hair product online or walk into a hair section at the store. You’ll find hundreds or thousands of products.

Related: How to shave your head

Pomade, wax, and gel. How do you find the right product for your hair?

They’re similar hair products, but they differ in hold and shine. Therefore, understanding the key differences will help you choose between the three hair products.

Pomade

Pomade gives you a shiny and slick look with a high hold. It’s great for slick and neat hairstyles such as comb-overs, pompadours, slick back styles, and quiffs.

Traditionally, pomade is oil-based and now, water-based pomades have become a popular choice.

Oil-based pomades provide a strong hold while being shinier than water-based pomades.

It’s also important to note that oil and water don’t mix very well, which means it’ll take more effort to wash out the hair product.

A water-based pomade has less shine than an oil-based pomade while still offering a holding the hairstyle with strength.

When it comes to washing your hair, water-based pomades are easier to wash out without leaving any residue.

Applying pomade to damp hair will result in more shine and less hold while applying to dry hair results in less shine with a stronger hold.

Wax

Wax gives you a medium shine look with a medium hold. Due to the natural medium shine, hair wax is a versatile product that can be used for a candid look or a pompadour.

It works best if you shave oily and short or medium hair. Wax also doesn’t last as long as pomade which means you may need to apply more throughout the day.

Note: For best results, use wax when your hair is dry instead of wet or damp hair.

The result of using wax is a matte appearance. It’s also great for adding texture and making your hair look thicker.

Gel

If you’re looking for a strong ability to hold your hair, a gel is a popular choice. It offers a long-lasting hold, which pomade and wax can’t compete with.

Another reason to use hair gel is that it washes out easily with water.

The downside to using hair gel is that it can make your hair hard, and it can lead to white flakes in your hair when it hardens.

Frequently asked questions

Is pomade stronger than wax?

Yes, pomade offers a stronger hold than wax.

Is it OK to sleep with product in your hair?

If you’re changing the bedding the next morning, then you can. However, don’t sleep with product in your hair because hair product can stain the bedding and rub into your face.

Does pomade make hair look greasy?

If you use too much, pomade makes your hair look greasy. Start with a dime-sized amount, and slowly increase the amount if you need more.

Conclusion

The biggest differences between pomade, wax, and gel are shine and hold strength.

The best way to choose is to consider how long you need your hair to be shaped in a specific style.

The goal is also to keep your hair looking as natural as possible.

Featured photo by Nico Villanueva/Next Level Gents.

Primary Sidebar

About Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents (NLG) is a media company that publishes the latest expert-backed style, accessories, grooming, success, and fitness tips and advice. You’ll find in-depth and helpful resources to dress well, take care of your skin, learn effective workouts, and become more successful. Read about Next Level Gents.

Newsletter

Lifestyle tips straight to your inbox

From improving your style to achieving a higher level of success, get exclusive tips to elevate your lifestyle.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Trending Articles

Person exercising outdoors with high-rise buildings in the background.

The 18 Best Men’s Workout Clothes in 2024

Neck-down of a person in green pants leaning against a railing.

Best Men’s Green Pants Outfit Ideas

Person wearing Chelsea boots with their foot on a ledge.

How to Wear Chelsea Boots in 2024

Man in grey jeans and rain coat walking.

How to Style Grey Jeans for Men

Close-up of a person's tie.

How to Tie a Tie: A Step-By-Step Guide

Want to get in touch?
Email Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents

© 2024 Next Level Gents. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Affiliate Disclosure | Accessibility