Gladjakkers is one of the most popular Dutch grooming brands in the barbershop, a 100% Dutch label with five water-based pomades, each with its own hold and finish. That broad range is exactly what makes choosing difficult: do you want a strong hold for thick hair, a matte pomade for a natural look, or shine for a classic slick back?
In this comparison, we put all five Gladjakkers pomades side by side and score each one for hold and shine (on a scale of 1 to 10), so you can see at a glance which pomade fits your hair type and the look you're going for.
What's the difference between Gladjakkers pomades?
Before we look at the products individually, it's useful to know where the differences lie:
- Hold: how firmly your hair stays in place all day. We score this from 1 (very light) to 10 (extremely strong).
- Shine: from a completely matte finish (1) to a classic, high shine (10).
- Base: all Gladjakkers pomades are water-based, so they wash out easily with regular shampoo and are suitable for daily use, without the heavy product buildup of oil-based pomade.
- Hair type: from fine and short to thick or hard-to-style hair.
The 5 Gladjakkers pomades at a glance
For strong control: Gladjakkers Authentic Firm Hold Pomade
This pomade is made for hair that doesn't want to cooperate. With a strong hold, it keeps your hairstyle in place all day, even with thick hair or hair that normally falls flat quickly. If you're after a true strong hold pomade, this is where to start.
Suitable for: thick hair, hair that loses its style quickly, sharp and controlled hairstyles.
Note: because of the strong hold, less suitable for a loose, natural look.
For a classic, shiny look: Gladjakkers Authentic Shine Pomade
For a classic barber look with shine, choose this pomade. The medium to strong hold combined with a high shine creates a sleek, polished result that stays in place all day. It's the counterpart to a matte pomade.
Suitable for: normal to thick hair, slick backs and neat, classic hairstyles.
For a natural, matte look: Gladjakkers Authentic Dry Pomade
Want a natural look without shine? Then this is the pomade to choose. The matte finish gives your hair volume and texture, without feeling heavy or greasy. Ideal if you're weighing up matte vs shiny pomade and landing on matte.
Suitable for: fine to normal hair, a natural and modern look, also a good match for shorter hair.
For everyday, all-round use: Gladjakkers Authentic Hair Pomade
This is the all-round product in the range. With a medium hold and a light, natural shine, this is the pomade we recommend first when in doubt. It's easy to distribute through the hair and works for almost any everyday styling.
Suitable for: normal hair, everyday styling, men who want one reliable product for different looks.
For children: Gladjakkers Authentic Puppy Pomade
This pomade is specially developed for children and has the lightest hold in the range. The natural, flexible finish makes it easy to bring hair into shape, without it feeling heavy or being hard to wash out. A safe pick for parents looking for a kids' pomade.
Suitable for: children with fine or short hair, casual and subtle styling.
Gladjakkers pomades compared on hold and shine
Check out the full Gladjakkers range to shop the pomade that suits you directly.
Matte or shiny pomade: what's the difference?
This is one of the most common questions when choosing a pomade. A matte pomade (like Dry Pomade) gives a natural, dry finish with no shine, popular for modern, casual hairstyles and texture looks. A shiny pomade (like Shine Pomade) gives a sleek, polished result with a classic look, the kind you'd expect from a traditional barbershop finish. Neither is "better": it simply comes down to the look you're going for.
Water-based pomade: why it matters
All Gladjakkers pomades are water-based, unlike oil-based pomades. That means they wash out easily with regular shampoo, cause less product buildup, and are suitable for daily use without your hair feeling weighed down. Want to know more about this difference? Read our guide to the best water-based pomades.
How to choose the right Gladjakkers pomade for your hair
The right choice depends on three things: your hair type, how much hold you need, and the finish you want.
- Thick hair, or a hairstyle that falls flat quickly? Choose Firm Hold Pomade.
- Classic, shiny look? Choose Shine Pomade.
- Natural, matte look, or shorter hair? Choose Dry Pomade.
- Everyday, all-round use without fuss? Choose Authentic Hair Pomade.
- Pomade for your child? Choose Puppy Pomade.
Still deciding between pomades from different brands? Take a look at our Reuzel pomade comparison for a second reference point.
Frequently asked questions about Gladjakkers pomade
Which Gladjakkers pomade should I choose?
That depends on your hair type and the finish you want. Want a natural, matte look? Choose Dry Pomade. Going for a sharp, glossy classic style? Then Shine Pomade suits better. Have thick hair that needs a lot of control? Go for Firm Hold.
Which pomade has the strongest hold?
Within the Gladjakkers range, Firm Hold Pomade scores highest on hold (8/10), followed by Shine Pomade (7/10). These are the options to reach for if you need a true strong hold pomade.
Which pomade is best for short hair?
For short hair, Dry Pomade usually works best: the matte, light finish adds texture and volume without making short hair look flat or overloaded.
What's the difference between Gladjakkers pomade and wax?
Pomade is made for a more polished, controlled look with a neat finish, ideal for slick backs and classic hairstyles. Wax, on the other hand, gives a more natural, loose and textured look with less shine, and works better for messy and casual styling.
Is Gladjakkers pomade water-based or oil-based?
All Gladjakkers styling products are water-based. That means they're easier to wash out, cause less product buildup, and are suitable for daily use.
Can you use Gladjakkers pomade daily?
Yes, the products are specifically developed for that. Do wash your hair regularly to prevent product buildup, and use a nourishing product for your scalp every now and then.
Which Gladjakkers pomade is the most popular?
In the barbershop, we see mostly Firm Hold Pomade (for control and reliability), Dry Pomade (for a natural matte look) and Hair Pomade (for all-round use) coming back.
Finding it hard to choose the right pomade for your hair and look? Get in touch with us, and our barbers will be happy to give you personal advice tailored to your hair and style.
