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Pomade vs Gel: Which Is Better for Your Hair Type?

If you have ever stood in the grooming aisle staring at a wall of styling products, you already know the confusion is real. Pomade and gel are two of the most popular men’s hair products on the planet, yet they work in fundamentally different ways. One gives you flexible, reworkable style. The other locks everything in place like concrete. Choosing the wrong one can mean a day of fighting your hair instead of owning your look. In this guide, I break down the pomade vs gel debate once and for all, covering hold strength, shine levels, washability, hair type compatibility, and exactly when you should reach for each product.

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What Is Pomade?

Pomade is a styling product that has been around since the early 1900s. Originally made from bear fat (yes, really), modern pomades come in two main formulations: oil-based and water-based. Both deliver a smooth, often shiny finish that is perfect for classic hairstyles like slickbacks, pompadours, and side parts.

The defining characteristic of pomade is reworkability. You can run your fingers through styled hair hours later and reshape it without adding more product. That flexibility makes pomade the go-to choice for guys who want a polished look without the stiffness. If you are exploring classic styles, check out our guide on how to slick back hair for step-by-step instructions.

Oil-Based Pomade

Oil-based pomades use petroleum or beeswax as the primary ingredient. They provide exceptional hold and shine but are notoriously difficult to wash out. You may need multiple shampoo sessions or a degreasing shampoo to fully remove the product. Brands like Murray’s Pomade have been the gold standard in this category for decades.

Water-Based Pomade

Water-based pomades (sometimes called water-soluble pomades) offer a similar look and feel but wash out easily with regular shampoo and water. Products like Suavecito Pomade and Layrite Pomade have popularized this formulation. They still provide good hold and shine while being much more hair-friendly over the long term.

What Is Hair Gel?

Hair gel is a water-based styling product that dries to a firm, often crunchy hold. It typically contains polymers that coat the hair shaft and harden as the water evaporates. The result is a style that stays locked in place for hours, sometimes all day, without budging.

Gel has been a staple in men’s grooming since the 1980s and 1990s. Products like Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Gel represent the extreme end of the hold spectrum, while lighter options like American Crew Firm Hold Gel offer strong hold with a cleaner finish.

The trade-off with gel is flexibility. Once it dries, your style is set. Running your fingers through gelled hair will create flakes and break the hold rather than reshape it. For a broader look at styling options, see our roundup of the best hair products for men.

Pomade vs Gel: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s put these two products side by side across every category that matters.

Hold Strength: Which Keeps Your Style Longer?

If raw hold power is your priority, gel wins this category. High-hold gels like Got2b Glued can keep a mohawk standing in a hurricane. The polymers in gel create a rigid shell around each strand, making it nearly impossible for your style to move once it sets.

Pomade, on the other hand, offers a different kind of hold. A strong-hold pomade like Uppercut Deluxe Pomade will keep your style in place throughout the day, but the hair still feels soft and natural to the touch. Wind, humidity, and movement may cause subtle shifts in your style, which is actually the appeal for most pomade users. Your hair looks intentional but not artificial.

The key difference: gel provides rigid hold while pomade provides flexible hold. Neither is objectively better. It depends entirely on what you need your hair to do.

Shine and Finish: Achieving the Look You Want

Pomade is the undisputed champion of shine. Whether you choose oil-based or water-based, pomade delivers a smooth, glossy finish that photographs well and looks polished in professional settings. The shine is consistent throughout the day because the product never fully dries.

Gel provides a wet look when first applied, but as it dries, many gels transition to a semi-matte or slightly shiny finish. Some gels maintain a glossy appearance, but the overall look tends to be less natural than pomade because of the stiff texture underneath.

If you want that classic Hollywood slickback with a mirror shine, pomade is the only real choice. If you prefer a more understated hold with minimal shine, a matte gel or a matte pomade (yes, they exist) might be your best bet.

Pomade vs Gel for Different Hair Types

Your hair type should be the primary factor in choosing between pomade and gel. Here is how each product performs across different textures.

Thick Hair

Thick hair responds extremely well to pomade. The product’s weight and slickness help tame bulk without making hair feel crunchy or unnatural. A strong-hold water-based pomade will give you control over thick strands while keeping everything movable. For specific product recommendations, check out our guide to the best pomade for thick hair.

Gel can work on thick hair, but you will need a lot of it. Thick hair tends to overpower lighter gels, and heavy-duty gels can leave thick hair feeling like a helmet.

Thin or Fine Hair

This is where gel has a genuine advantage. Fine hair often lacks the weight and structure to hold a style on its own. Gel adds that structure by stiffening each strand, creating the illusion of more volume and thickness. A light-to-medium hold gel like American Crew Firm Hold Gel can add body without weighing fine hair down.

Pomade can be too heavy for thin hair, especially oil-based formulations. The product’s weight can make fine hair look greasy and flat. If you have thin hair and prefer pomade, use a very small amount of a light-hold, water-based formula.

Curly Hair

Curly hair is a special case. Gel excels at defining curls and keeping them separated throughout the day. Many curly-haired men rely on gel to reduce frizz and maintain curl patterns. The firm hold prevents curls from expanding and losing definition as the day goes on.

Pomade can enhance curls with a softer, more natural look, but it will not provide the same level of frizz control. For more on styling curly hair, visit our guide to curly hair products for men.

Straight Hair

Straight hair works well with both products. Pomade gives straight hair a smooth, polished finish that is ideal for side parts and slickbacks. Gel provides more structure for updos and spiked styles. Your choice comes down to whether you want flexibility (pomade) or rigidity (gel).

Asian Hair

Asian hair is often thick, straight, and resistant to holding a style. Pomade is generally the better choice because it provides lasting control without the stiffness that makes coarse, straight hair look unnatural. Strong-hold pomade works with the hair’s natural texture rather than fighting it. For more tailored advice, see our guide on Asian hairstyles for men.

Washability and Hair Health

One of the most practical differences between pomade and gel is how easy they are to remove.

Water-based pomade washes out with a single shampoo. This is one reason water-based formulations have overtaken oil-based options in popularity. Products like Suavecito and Layrite rinse clean without leaving residue.

Oil-based pomade requires serious effort to remove. Some men use dish soap, specialized degreasing shampoos, or the “towel dry” method (applying shampoo to dry hair first). Repeated use of oil-based pomade without thorough removal can lead to buildup, clogged pores, and even hair loss over time.

Gel washes out easily with water alone. However, many gels contain alcohol, which can dry out hair and scalp with regular use. Look for alcohol-free formulations like Kenra Platinum Working Gel if you plan to use gel daily.

When to Use Pomade

Pomade is the right choice when you want:

• A polished, classic look (slickbacks, pompadours, side parts)
• Hair that feels natural and soft to the touch
• The ability to restyle throughout the day without adding product
• A consistent shine that lasts from morning to night
• A product that works with thick or coarse hair textures

When to Use Gel

Gel is the right choice when you want:

• Maximum hold that does not budge
• Defined, separated curls
• Volume and structure for thin or fine hair
• Spiked or sculpted styles
• Easy washout at the end of the day

Can You Mix Pomade and Gel?

Yes, and many experienced stylists recommend it. Mixing a small amount of gel with pomade gives you the best of both worlds: the flexible shine of pomade with the added hold of gel. Apply the mixture to damp hair for the strongest effect.

Another popular technique is layering. Apply gel first for structure, let it partially dry, then work pomade over the top for shine and reworkability. This combination works particularly well for pompadours and quiffs that need height and polish.

Top Product Picks for Each Category

Best Pomades

Best Gels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pomade bad for your hair?

Water-based pomade is not harmful to hair when used correctly. It washes out easily and does not contain harsh chemicals. Oil-based pomade can cause buildup if not properly removed, which may clog follicles over time. The product itself is not damaging, but poor removal habits can lead to problems. Stick with water-based formulas for daily use.

Does gel cause hair loss?

Gel does not directly cause hair loss. However, gels with high alcohol content can dry out the hair and scalp, leading to brittleness and breakage over time. Pulling a fine-toothed comb through gelled, dried hair can also cause mechanical damage. Choose alcohol-free gels and avoid aggressive combing once gel has set.

Can I use pomade on wet hair?

Yes. Applying pomade to damp (not soaking wet) hair is actually the recommended technique. Damp hair allows the product to distribute more evenly and provides a sleeker finish. You can also apply pomade to dry hair for a more textured, natural look with slightly less shine.

Which lasts longer in humid weather?

Gel holds up better in humidity because it creates a rigid barrier around the hair. Pomade, especially water-based formulations, can lose hold in very humid conditions as the product absorbs moisture from the air. If you live in a humid climate, consider a strong-hold pomade or layer gel underneath pomade for extra staying power.

Is pomade or gel better for a job interview?

Pomade is generally the better choice for professional settings. It provides a polished, put-together look without the visible stiffness or flaking that gel can produce. A medium-hold, water-based pomade gives you a clean side part or slickback that looks intentional and well-groomed.

The Bottom Line

The pomade vs gel debate does not have a universal winner. Pomade excels at delivering flexible, shiny, classic styles that look natural and feel comfortable. Gel excels at providing strong, lasting structure for sculpted styles and defined curls. Your hair type, desired style, and daily routine should drive the decision.

If you have thick or coarse hair and want a polished, reworkable look, start with a water-based pomade like Suavecito or Layrite. If you have fine hair or need maximum hold that does not move, a quality gel like American Crew Firm Hold will serve you well.

Still figuring out your ideal product? Browse our complete guide to the best hair products for men for more options and detailed reviews.