There are about a million ways to style a head of hair, from glossy and slicked back to sky-high! Thankfully, the hair care world is vast, and products are constantly being released for just about every style you can think up.
That means you can rest easy knowing your hair will look good from the start of the night all the way to last call.
Among one of the most popular hairstyles right now is the wet look, as sported by celebs like Kit Harrington. This hairstyle is characterized by its sleek, shiny finish that doesn’t compromise the flexibility of your locks. It’s typically achieved with the assistance of a pomade.
You may already have a pomade or two in your bathroom cabinet, but what qualities make a pomade good for a wet style?
What are the best pomades for a wet look? Pomades that are water-based, offer a non-crunchy finish, and don’t leave a residue are ideal for properly pulling off a wet look.
Here, discover our top picks for pomades if you’re looking to don the sleek, super sexy style that is the wet look, and what makes them must-buys in our eyes!
Features Of A Wet-Look Pomade
Water-Based
There are only two types of hair pomades: ones with an oil-based foundation, and ones with a water-based foundation. Depending on the style and finish you’re going for, you may lean towards one finish over the other.
Though both pomades may offer a high shine finish, we think that a “wet” look is better achieved by using a water-based pomade. A bulk of this type of pomade’s formulation is water, which gives this product a gel-like consistency that offers a strong hold, easy spreadability, and slick looking finish.
They offer a forgiving hold and will maintain a fresh essence throughout the day, whereas an oil-based pomade may leave your strands looking clumpy or greasy.
Also, water-based pomades tend to be gentler on hair. When it comes to products you’ll likely apply multiple days in the week, it’s always smart to opt for the most hair-friendly formula possible. A water-based pomade can be washed out just water, saving you from over-shampooing and stripping your locks.
Non-Crunchy Finish
The two traits of a properly executed wet look are a shiny finish and flexibility. A lot of pomades may give you one or the other, but the two shouldn’t be mutually exclusive!
Look for pomades that promise a lightweight finish, as these formulas place importance on the natural movement of your locks, locking in your style without weighing down your hair with excess grease or residue.
Beware formulas that mention a “matte finish,” as these will definitely leave your hair looking crispy.
No Residue
Though this is more of an issue with oil-based pomades, you should always look for products that promise no buildup or residue. This isn’t just important for the aesthetic of your hair, but for the health of your hair in the long run!
White flakes and residue can make your hair look dirty, heavy, or dandruff-stricken. While some hairstylists say that residue can be reworked into the hair, and can actually help maintain the desired style, it will only take away from the desired wet look.
The Best Pomades For A Wet Look
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Baxter of CA Cream Pomade | Unscented, nourishing formula, moisture-rich |
| 2. | ORIBE Illuminating Pomade | Flexible finish, high-shine, good for grey hair |
| 4. | Redken Brews High Hold Pomade | Non-clumpy, medium hold, smoothing formula |
| 5. | Ol’ Dirty Barber Pomade | Water-based, manly scent, good for curly hair |
| 6. | American Crew Pomade | Creamy feel, frizz control, moisturizing |
| 7. | L’ange Pomade | Hydrating, no residue, botanical ingredients |
| 8. | ACE High Pomade | Orange and Eucalyptus, small-batch, natural |
| 9. | Cremo Shine Pomade | Good for thick hair, crisp-free, high shine |
| 10. | Seven Potions Pomade | Water-based, vegan, fresh finish |
1. Baxter Of CA Cream Pomade
If you’re looking for a pomade that doesn’t showcase itself with glitz and glamor, but is simply just an effective formula, then the cream pomade from Baxter Of CA is definitely up your alley.
It’s unscented, so you don’t have to worry about any additional fragrances or potentially not liking the scent, and it’s compatible with all hair types.
From pin-straight to super coil-y, you can rest assured that your hair will look impeccably styled and tastefully wet.
One of our favorite things about this formula is it is deeply moisturizing, and chock full of ingredients that keep the health of your hair in mind.
As mentioned earlier, this is a creamy formula, so it works through all types of hair with ease. It leaves your locks with a natural finish and flexible hold.
Containing glycerin, beeswax, and candelilla wax, there’s absolutely no way you can work this product through your hair without it feeling deeply hydrated and nourished. For the perfect wet look, the brand recommends working a fingernail-sized amount through already damp locks.
2. ORIBE Illuminating Pomade
If it’s wet you want, it’s wet you’re gonna get! This pomade by ORIBE is called illuminating for a reason since its high shine finish is nearly reflective- making you and your strands the star of any party or get-together.
And which ingredient do we have to thank for that revolutionary iridescent look? Well, that’s all thanks to the addition of silver pigment, which will give your strands an editorial air that will be the talk of the night.
While this pomade can be used by all hair types, shades, and colors, it was specifically designed with mature hairs in mind! The addition of silver pigment, plus the slew of ultra-nourishing ingredients is fantastic for silver foxes looking to show their locks a little more appreciation.
As we know, over time, hair loses a lot of its elasticity, volume, and collagen-producing and moisture-locking capabilities.
During this time, it’s vital to find formulas that can enrich hair and slow down the aging process. With products like this pomade, your mature locks can enjoy the nourishment, while you enjoy the styles of today!
3. Redken Brews High Hold Pomade
There’s something so intrinsically masculine about Redken Brews products that make them so popular.
Whether it’s the smoky, woodsy, just plain manly scents of their formulas, or how fantastic they are at doing their job, they know how to keep people coming back for more.
Their Maneuver hair pomade was designed to offer you flexibility and a high shine finish through an easily workable water-based formula.
The brand says it’s wonderful for those looking for extra voluminous styles, making this a must-try for fine, thin hair, and when applied on damp locks, it’ll give you a gorgeous wet look that doesn’t look too heavy.
It has a creamy texture that feels hydrating and nourishing on your locks, so you don’t have to worry about a gel-like or crunchy feeling finish. For curly and thick-haired folks, don’t expect too much hold or frizz-control with this product! You’d be better off sticking to their strong hold clay pomade, instead!
4. Ol’ Dirty Barber Pomade
Inspired by the feel of old American barbershops, Ol’ Dirty Barber is a brand dedicated to making you feel barber-fresh during all the important events and occasions in your life.
This water-based, water-soluble pomade is ideal for creating the perfect wet look.
It boasts an incredibly strong hold, keeping your style in place for as long as you need it with no buildup, zero residue, and absolutely no white flakes.
Though other pomades with this kind of longevity may leave your locks feeling heavy after time, Ol’ Dirty Barber promises a formulation with a lightweight finish. We think that the gentle feel of this pomade is what keeps people coming back time and time again.
The defining feature of a successful wet look is that hair looks wet, while also looking healthy and hydrated. There’s a fine line between the wet look and stringy, greasy-looking strands, and this pomade will definitely keep you on the right side of hairstyling.
5. American Crew Pomade
American Crew is one of the first brands that men get introduced to when they show interest in serious hairstyling, and quite often, they don’t stray too far from the classics!
Known for their manly scents and effective formulas, this brand hit the mark yet again when they formulated their line of hair pomades.
Though they have so many to choose from, we think that their heavy hold, high shine formula is the most worthwhile for those looking to perfect the wet look.
The creamy feel of the formula makes it ideal for emulsifying through your palms while also offering the shiniest, most “wet” looking finish you can get from their pomades.
We find this pomade particularly useful for those with damaged or dry hair, as the formula is ultra conditioning. After rinsing out, you may find your hair is softer than it was to begin with!
6. L’ange Pomade
L’ange is a haircare brand that isn’t typically found in stores, so it isn’t super well known in the world of styling, but with their incredible products and formulas, we think it won’t be much longer until that changes.
Their men’s pomade, which they’ve named Hero is appropriately named. It’s deeply nourishing, coconut-scented, and leaves hair with a touchably silky, pliant finish that will keep you reaching for this miracle jar time and time again.
What truly makes L’ange brand products stand out to us is their incredible formulas, which are made with quality ingredients that truly make a difference in the feel of your strands.
This pomade features shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, soy protein, aloe vera, and argan oil (phew) – all deeply moisturizing products, and all working hard to grace you with the ultra-shiny, wet-looking finish that you’re yearning for.
Despite the amount of oil-based products in the ingredient list, this hair product leaves with no residue or buildup – just a soft, sexy finish.
7. ACE High Pomade
There’s a common misconception that the wet look can leave your hair looking limp and lifeless, but if you choose to rock this pomade, you can show the world just how ridiculous that rumor is!
We seriously recommend this product for those with limp or fine locks, as you can achieve the style you want without your hair lacking in the volume department.
A lightweight finish and non-oily feel are features that you can’t skimp out on if you have a thinner hair type, and this pomade checks all the boxes.
Water-based, pleasantly scented, and formulated out of all-natural ingredients, there’s no question why brands like ACE are starting to gain traction in the hair care community.
Though there are tons of high-end pomades on the market that work undoubtedly well, small brands like ACE put a special kind of emphasis on the quality of their products that you just can’t find in factory-made products.
Due to their small-batch manufacturing, you can use your pomade with the confidence that it was made with the utmost care, quality, and love you can only find through brands borne from passion projects.
8. Cremo Shine Pomade
Achieving that salon-quality finish at home may sound like a feat, especially with just a singular product, but luckily brands like Cremo exist to remind us that you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars at the salon for a high-quality style!
It’s likely that you’ve heard of Cremo before, and that’s because barbers and hairstylists all over the world use their products with confidence.
Their pomades are meticulously designed and are beloved by those with textured or super-long locks.
On account of how rich and glossy this formula is, we would definitely suggest it to those with curly, or otherwise unruly locks. If you have a lot of hair that you need to get under control, this will be your new best friend.
Despite the super dense formula, this pomade surprisingly doesn’t leave hair feeling heavy, greasy, or full of residue and buildup. However, we would still recommend using this product with a light hand.
9. Seven Potions Pomade
Making the switch to clean hair products and carefully designed formulas is a big commitment, but it’s one that’s good for the environment, and good for your hair.
Despite all that goodness, though, there’s a lot of controversy as to whether or not clean formulas can get the job done in the same way a synthetic one can.
Next time that argument is brought up, direct them to brands like Seven Potions, who are dedicated to formulating good-for-you products that don’t fall short on effectiveness!
This pomade gets its high shine finish from natural oils that help moisturize your hair and scalp, leaving you with silky soft, flexible strands and a nourished head to go with it! While leaving you with a sleek finish, the last thing this pomade will do is leave your head feeling heavy or limp.
You can achieve a wet style with volume, ease, and the peace of mind that your pomade is vegan, cruelty-free, and derived from natural ingredients.
Another incredible reason to choose this pomade is the fact that it’s compatible with every hair type and thickness, so no one needs to feel left out of the environmentally-friendly movement!
How To Use Pomade For A Wet Hair Look
If you’ve finally chosen your perfect pomade but don’t know how to use it to get the exact style you want, here’s a great tutorial from Brad Mondo on how to get the wet hair look of your dreams!
Related Questions
Should you use pomade on wet or dry hair?
Depending on how long you want the style to stay in your hair, you can use pomade regardless of how wet or dry your hair is. For a more flexible hold and less shine, apply the product to dry hair.
For high shine and long hold, applying it to wet locks will definitely do the trick. It’s easy to go overboard using this method, though, so make sure to use the least amount of product possible by starting with a dime-size amount of pomade and building as necessary.
Is it safe to sleep in a pomade, or should I wash my hair between uses?
Though it may seem tempting to go to sleep in your pomade, especially after a long night out, constantly doing so can damage your hair in the long run.
Though you might not be able to see visible impairment to your locks after one night, you will be able to notice how difficult it is to wash your hair the next day.
While you don’t need to do a full-blown shampoo after every single use, we highly recommend at least rinsing your hair out and working your fingers through it (mimic the same motions you would while shampooing to ensure thorough rinsing).
Water-soluble formulas leave the hair much easier than oil-based, so you should have no problems!
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