Pomade or wax? Pomade gives shine and stays flexible all day, wax gives a matte, natural finish with more grip and volume. Choose pomade for a sleek, classic look like a slick back or side part, and wax for a modern look with texture and movement.
When you sit in our chair, we almost always ask: "Pomade or wax?" Two classics that look similar at first glance but work very differently. The choice you make determines whether your hairstyle looks good all day or collapses after a few hours. In this blog we explain the difference, give an overview per situation and show which pomades and wax-like products we use ourselves in the barbershop.
Pomade or wax: the difference in brief
| Pomade | Wax | |
|---|---|---|
| Shine | Clear shine | Matte to slight shine |
| Hold | Flexible, soft and movable | More grip, slightly drier feel |
| Look | Sleek and classic (slick back, side part) | Modern with texture (quiff, loose style) |
| Volume | Often lays hair flatter | More volume |
| Restyling | Easy to adjust all day | Flexible, but gets slightly stiffer |
| Washing out | Water-based easy, oil-based harder | Generally washes out well |
| Base | Petroleum jelly or oil, beeswax, lanolin | Plant-based waxes such as carnauba wax, oils and fatty alcohols |
What is pomade?
Pomade is one of the oldest styling products there is, and still one of our favourites. It gives your hair shine and stays flexible all day, so you can easily restyle it. We mainly use pomade for sleek, classic hairstyles such as a slick back or a side part.
There are two types you'll come across: water-based (lighter and easy to wash out) and oil-based (more shine and a stronger hold, but harder to wash out). Want to know more about ingredients and use? Read What is Pomade? Types, Ingredients & Use. Looking for a pomade by hold, shine or hair type? Pomade Types Explained: Which One Suits Your Hair will help. You can read the story behind the name, from apples to Elvis, in our blog History of Pomade.
What is wax?
Wax is pomade's more modern little brother. Where pomade gives shine, wax does the opposite: it gives a natural, matte finish with plenty of grip. We like to use it for hairstyles with texture and movement, such as a quiff or a loose, casual style. Wax only emerged in the 1950s and 60s, when men wanted more variety than the smooth pomade look could offer: less shine, more grip and volume.
The main differences between pomade and wax
- Shine: Pomade gives clear shine, for a groomed, sometimes slightly "wet" look. Wax gives hardly any shine and creates a matte finish instead.
- Hold: Pomade stays flexible: your hair stays soft and movable, so you can easily restyle it. Wax gives more grip, but feels slightly drier.
- Look: Pomade suits sleek, classic hairstyles such as a slick back. Wax suits modern hairstyles with texture, where the hair falls looser.
- Restyling: With pomade you can easily adjust your hair all day. Wax is flexible too, but gets slightly stiffer, so restyling is a little less smooth.
- Volume: Pomade often lays the hair a bit flatter. Wax adds more volume, so your hairstyle looks fuller.
- Washing out: Water-based pomade is easy to wash out, oil-based takes more effort. Wax is generally easy to wash out as well.
- Ingredients: Pomade is usually based on petroleum jelly or oil, beeswax and lanolin, with water added in the water-based version. Wax more often consists of plant-based waxes such as carnauba wax, combined with oils and fatty alcohols. That difference in base explains why pomade gives more shine and wax feels matter and firmer.
Pomade or wax: what do we recommend?
Choose pomade if:
- you wear a slick back or side part;
- you like shine;
- you want to be able to adjust your hair during the day;
- your hair is naturally smooth or straight.
Choose wax if:
- you have a modern hairstyle with texture;
- you prefer a matte, natural look;
- you could use a bit more volume;
- your hair quickly collapses without product.
Our favourite pomades in the barbershop
These are pomades we use ourselves every day. Looking for a water-based pomade? Then read our picks in The Best Water-Based Pomade: Our Favourites per Category. Also take a look at the full Gladjakkers collection or our complete pomade range.
Gladjakkers Authentic Hair Pomade
Water-based all-rounder for a groomed, flexible look that washes out easily.
Reuzel Blue High Shine Strong Hold Pomade
Strong hold and high shine for a sleek slick back or side part.
Our favourite wax-like products: matte clay and putty
Looking for the matte, textured finish of wax? In the barbershop we mainly use these matte clays. You'll find them, along with more options, in our wax collection.
Matte clay with grip and texture, for a natural look without shine.
Frequently asked questions about pomade and wax
What's better: pomade or wax?
That depends on your hairstyle. Pomade is better for a sleek, glossy and classic look, wax for a matte look with texture and volume. If you're unsure, we advise in the barbershop based on your hair type and hairstyle.
What's the difference between pomade and wax?
Pomade gives shine and stays flexible, wax gives a matte finish with more grip and volume. Pomade is often based on petroleum jelly or oil and beeswax, wax more often on plant-based waxes such as carnauba wax.
Is pomade or wax better for thin hair?
For thin or fine hair we often choose a light water-based pomade or a matte clay that adds volume without weighing the hair down. Products that are too heavy quickly make thin hair feel flat and greasy.
Is pomade or wax better for short hair?
Both work. For short hair with a sleek look, choose pomade; for a loose, textured style, choose wax or a matte clay.
Can I combine pomade and wax?
Yes, you can. Some clients use a little pomade for control and shine, and wax or clay for extra grip and texture. Start with small amounts so your hair doesn't get heavy or sticky.
Is wax or pomade easier to wash out?
Water-based pomade and most wax rinse out easily. Oil-based pomade is harder to wash out and often takes more effort.
Does wax or pomade give more hold?
That differs per product. Pomades come in medium, strong and extra strong hold, and clays and wax often give a lot of grip. Check the hold indication on the product or ask us.
Buy pomade or wax at KAMM Barbershop
At KAMM Barbershop we always look at your hairstyle, hair type and how you wear your hair every day. Sometimes pomade works better for control, sometimes wax for volume. Often the best choice lies right in between. That's why we always give you personal advice, so you get the same result at home as after your haircut.
In our shop you'll only find pomades and wax-like styling products that we've carefully selected for quality and results, and that we use ourselves every day in the barbershop. What's in our webshop is what we actually use on our clients.
Want advice on what suits your hair best? Send us a message or just drop by our barbershop, and we'll gladly help you.
