11 Best Pomades For Women – Complete Guide
Short answer: for most people the best pomade here is the Redken Brews Maneuver Cream Pomade. Medium hold, low shine, washes out with water, and it has 4.6 stars across more than 5,000 reviews.
Want texture with no shine at all? Get Bed Head Manipulator Matte. Need something completely unscented? Challenger Fragrance Free Cream Pomade. Fighting frizz rather than styling? John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon.
I check every listing on this page before it goes back up and replace anything Amazon has stopped selling, so all eleven picks below are ones you can actually buy, each with its real star rating and review count.
Pomade is a cream and wax hybrid that gives hold, shine and texture. It used to sit in the men’s aisle and it used to be for short hair only. Neither is true now, and a few of the picks below are still sold as men’s products because that is simply where the good formulas are.
So what are the best pomades for women?
For starters, the best pomades will leave your hair looking natural. They will provide a flexible hold and add shine or texture. Other factors to consider include your hair texture and length.
Thankfully, choosing a suitable pomade isn’t as tricky as it sounds.
While there are thousands of options on the market, we can help you narrow it down to a few highly-rated products.
Also, let’s break down what works for your texture and length.
How To Pick The Best Pomade
1. Hair Type
Your hair type and texture will tell you exactly how to care for your strands.
Hair that is most likely to benefit from a pomade is wavy, curly, and coily types.
Straight hair can benefit from pomade, but it works best on short hair.
You can find a pomade that works for you in terms of texture, whether your hair is fine, medium, or coarse.
Short, fine hair can benefit from pomades that add texture and provide a matte finish, helping you avoid looking greasy and flat.
Meanwhile, curly, wavy, and coily hair that is medium- or coarse-textured can benefit from pomades that provide shine, hydration, and flexible hold.
In addition, pomades combat frizz, which can help your hair, regardless of its texture or type.
2. Hair Length
Pomades are ideal for use on short to medium hair lengths.
They can be used on long hair, but you won’t reach their maximum potential.
In addition, pomade works best on long hair when applied from the mid-shaft to the ends.
Short/medium hair will gain the most benefit from pomade, as this product is meant to add volume, separation, texture, and definition.
Because the hair is shorter, there is less chance that it will get weighed down by product.
Now is the opportunity to experiment with pomade and see what works best for your hair!
Best Pomade For Short Hair
| Rank | Product | Key Features | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Moroccanoil Moulding Cream | Argan oil, volumizing hold, semi-matte finish | See it on Amazon |
| 2. | Layrite Original Pomade | Water-based, for fine hair, use wet or dry | See it on Amazon |
| 3. | American Crew Defining Paste | Volumizing, beeswax formula, pliable hold | See it on Amazon |
| 4. | Garnier Fructis Style Power Putty | Texturizing, wave-defining, strong hold | See it on Amazon |
| 5. | Redken Brews Maneuver Cream Pomade | Medium hold, low natural shine, washes out with water | See it on Amazon |
| 6. | TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte | Matte finish, strong pliable hold, best on fine hair | See it on Amazon |
| 7. | Kenra Platinum Texturising Taffy | Soft and silk finish, defining, hydrating | See it on Amazon |
| 8. | Suavecita Pomade for Women | Lightweight non-greasy, water-based | See it on Amazon |
| 9. | Challenger Fragrance Free Cream Pomade | Fragrance free, light hold, non-comedogenic | See it on Amazon |
| 10. | John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Creme | Lightweight anti-frizz creme for flyaways and split ends | See it on Amazon |
| 11. | Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Pomade | For curly hair types, hydrating, defining | See it on Amazon |
1. Moroccanoil Moulding Cream
Moroccanoil was all the rage about 10 years ago due to its award-winning Moroccan Argan Oil.
Since then, they’ve created every hair care product imaginable.
Their Moulding Cream is a flexible pomade ideal for short hair and various hair types.
Like their iconic Moroccan Oil Treatment, this moulding cream is infused with Argan Oil to nourish the hair.
In addition, they claim this is a pliable, workable moulding pomade that will keep your hair’s shape in place with added texture.
The Moulding Cream is crafted with thickening fibres to create definition and structure, so your short hair doesn’t fall flat.
It can be challenging to create volume in short hair, and this hair length needs a long-lasting hold to stay in place all day.
Thankfully, Moroccanoil’s Moulding Cream will do just that.
This product will offer a medium to firm hold that is flexible and long-lasting.
In addition, this cream pomade hybrid will leave you with a natural semi-matte finish to keep your hair looking fresh.
For the best results, scoop a tiny amount of cream into your hands and warm it up.
Next, run your fingers through damp or dry hair and continue styling as desired.
The Moulding Cream is simple to use and a must-have in your hair routine.
One thing to flag before you buy: Moroccanoil relisted this cream, so the old reviews are gone. The live listing is at 3.3 stars across 99 reviews, which is a much thinner record than the rest of this list.
2. Layrite Original Pomade
Layrite is known for its men’s grooming products.
However, just because it says it’s for men doesn’t mean women can’t find a good use for this product.
The Layrite Deluxe Original Pomade is ideal for daily use and suitable for fine hair types.
Layrite claims that this pomade will “hold like wax, wash out like gel” so you can have the best of both worlds.
Fine hair can be challenging to manage because it’s so silky.
Hair products either won’t hold or will weigh the strands down.
However, this pomade is water-based, so it offers impeccable hold without weighing your strands down.
It washes out easily, so your strands don’t take unnecessary damage.
This pomade is ideal for short to medium hair lengths for any hairstyling needs.
The Layrite Original Pomade is highly versatile, allowing you to achieve a wide range of looks.
For example, this pomade can be used on both wet and dry hair. In addition, you can create classic styles or go for a daring, messy, wet-hair look.
This pomade offers a medium hold and medium shine.
In addition, Layrite’s original pomade also has a mild cream soda/vanilla scent to keep you fresh.
If you need something that will grab your fine hair, this product is all you need.
3. American Crew Defining Paste
American Crew may be the brand your dad or significant other uses, but who’s to say women can’t benefit from this haircare brand?
American Crew knows short hair and styling products, so what better brand to purchase from than the pomade pioneers?
The Defining Paste is the ultimate product to create definition, hold, and structure for short to medium hair lengths.
If your hair always falls flat, add this medium-hold pomade to keep your strands lifted and voluminous.
In addition, American Crew’s Defining Paste will offer a low-shine and semi-matte finish to your hair to keep you looking natural.
This product is also formulated with beeswax to provide a pliable hold so that it won’t weigh your ends down.
This wax is suitable for all hair types.
If you want to amp up your results, you can pair the defining paste with other waxes, pomades, and clays to customise your desired finish.
In addition, this defining paste is simple to use; you won’t want to put it down.
The Defining Paste can be worked through both wet and dry hair.
All you need to do is warm up the product in your hands and gently glide the pomade through the strands.
4. Garnier Fructis Style Power Putty
Garnier, one of the most iconic drugstore hair care brands, also has their own take on pomade.
Their Power Putty is affordable and will help all hair types combat frizz and define their natural waves.
If you struggle to build texture, this product is for you.
This putty pomade will amp up the texture in your strands without leaving a white and flaky residue.
In addition, your frizzy hair will be tamed, and your waves and curls will become defined and bouncy.
You’ll create the ultimate beach waves for short hair.
Don’t underestimate the power of this putty. It will offer a firm hold to keep your definition in place 24/7.
Now you’ll never have to stress about your short hair falling flat. Garnier’s Style Power Putty is easy to use and takes the stress out of hairstyling.
Like most pomades, scoop a tiny amount of product and warm it between your fingertips for smooth application.
Then, rake the product through your strands and brush/comb as desired.
For even stronger results, pair this putty with Garnier’s other products to achieve your dream hairstyle.
5. Redken Brews Maneuver Cream Pomade
OGX stopped selling the bamboo fibre pomade, so this slot goes to Redken Brews instead, and it is a better product anyway.
The Maneuver Cream Pomade does the same job the OGX did: medium hold with a low, natural shine rather than a wet look.
It is a cream, so it spreads through damp or dry hair without the drag you get from a firmer wax.
That makes it easy to restyle halfway through the day, which is the whole point of a flexible hold.
It washes out with water. No double shampoo, no residue sitting at the roots.
The finish is smooth rather than piecey, so use it when you want your hair to look tidy rather than textured.
It is at 4.6 stars across 5,259 reviews, the strongest record of anything on this page.
6. TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte
Hard To Get has gone from Amazon, but TIGI still sells the paste most people bought it for.
Manipulator Matte is the matte finish option, so there is no shine at all when it dries.
That matters on fine hair. Shine reads as grease when there is not much hair to carry it.
The hold is strong and it stays workable, so you can push a piece back into place hours later.
Work a small amount between your palms first. It is thick, and going straight in with a fingertip leaves a patch.
Best on short to mid-length hair where you want separated, piecey texture rather than a smooth finish.
It is at 4.4 stars across 3,447 reviews.
7. Kenra Platinum Texturising Taffy
Kenra’s Platinum Texturising Taffy is all you will need to create salon-quality hair at home with every use.
Kenra offers luxury right in the comfort of your own home.
So you can always feel like you’re receiving a million-dollar hair treatment.
The Platinum Texturising Taffy is a sculpting fibre cream that separates strands while leaving you with a soft, silky finish.
Say goodbye to crunchy ends because this taffy will increase definition and keep your hair hydrated.
Kenra formulated their Texturising Taffy to be versatile and cater to a wide variety of styles.
In addition, its lightweight cream formula is ideal for fine hair types, especially shorter lengths.
You can apply this product to wet and dry hair and style as desired.
This product will offer a medium hold without leaving any questionable residue or a crunchy feel.
You will also receive a silky, shiny finish, giving you the glossiest hair of your dreams.
Finally, the packaging adds a luxurious element to the pomade.
The Platinum Texturising Taffy lets you sculpt, blow-dry, style, or even air-dry your hair exactly how you want.
8. Suavecita Pomade for Women
Suavecita understands that pomade, gels, and creams aren’t strictly for men.
So they crafted their formulations to suit women’s needs.
The Suavecita Pomade is formulated for all hair types and lays down frizzy strands with ease.
This product is lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy, unlike most standard pomades on the market.
In addition, their pomade is water-soluble.
The last thing you want to go through is struggling to wash your hair products out.
So, a water-based pomade washes out instantly, leaving your strands neither dry nor flaky.
This pomade will keep frizz at bay until it’s time to wash.
Suavecita states that this pomade offers a slightly shiny finish, but nothing overpowering.
The pomade will glide onto the hair effortlessly, especially with the help of a brush or comb.
This product is ideal for special events and daily wear.
Apply the pomade a little at a time to avoid product overload.
Instantly tame your frizzy strands and achieve a smooth finish.
Because this is a water-based formula, you can experiment with using this pomade on wet and dry hair.
The Suavecita Pomade has a medium to firm hold that leaves no residue, so you can always feel confident in your strands.
Each hair type and texture will fall in love with this product’s power, and its summery scent is a bonus.
9. Challenger Fragrance Free Cream Pomade
Kristin Ess discontinued the grooming cream, so the unscented slot goes to Challenger.
This one is genuinely fragrance free, not lightly scented, which is the reason to pick it.
If perfume in hair products gives you a headache, or you wear a fragrance you do not want fighting anything, this is the one.
The hold is light. It shapes and separates without locking anything in place.
It is also non-comedogenic, so it is less likely to cause breakouts along your hairline or where hair touches your back.
It goes on clean and does not leave the tacky film that makes hair tangle by the evening.
It is at 4.2 stars across 1,286 reviews.
10. John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Creme
Garnier stopped selling the smoothing cream, and John Frieda covers the same need better.
Secret Weapon is a touch-up creme, so it is built for flyaways and frizz on hair you already styled.
It is light. That is the whole trick, because most anti-frizz creams solve frizz by weighing hair down.
Rub a little between your palms and smooth it over the surface rather than working it in at the roots.
It has avocado oil in it and it doubles as a split-end treatment on the lengths.
Fine and curly hair both handle it, which is not true of every smoothing cream.
It is at 4.5 stars across more than 11,000 reviews.
11. Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Pomade
This pomade is designed for dry, brittle, and textured hair.
So if you’re a coily and curly girl struggling to find a multitasking pomade, look no further.
You and your hair will fall in love with this pomade.
Carol’s Daughter is a brand that caters to curly hair types, and their products suit 1c waves to 4c coils.
Unfortunately, curls can easily be misunderstood, and not all products on the market will bring them to life, which is why the Mimosa Honey Pomade is everything.
In addition, Carol’s Daughter states that this pomade can add hydration to your protective hairstyles and shape your edges.
It’s the ideal everyday product for your hair care routine to maintain curls.
So say goodbye to frizz and dry ends!
The Mimosa Honey Shine Pomade has a revitalising citrus fragrance that is bound to wake up both you and your hair.
It’s formulated to lock in moisture and keep your scalp, strands, and edges hydrated so your curls can remain defined.
In addition, this product will reduce frizzy hair in a flash.
For the best results, scoop out a small amount of pomade and rub your palms together to warm it up.
Next, apply it to dry or wet hair and continue with your styling routine.
This formula is paraben-free and contains nourishing ingredients like Shea and Cocoa Butter.
Pomade FAQs
What is pomade and what does it actually do?
Pomade is a cream and wax hybrid that gives your hair hold, shine and texture in one product. Because it does several jobs at once, it can cut down how many other styling products you need in your routine.
Can women use a pomade that is marketed for men?
Yes. Pomades were mostly a mens product for years, but the formulas work for all genders, hair lengths and hair textures. Several of the picks on this list are sold as mens products and they are on here because the formula is good.
Which hair types suit pomade best?
Wavy, curly and coily hair benefits most. Straight hair can use pomade too, but it works best when the hair is short. Fine hair does better with a matte, texturising pomade, while medium and coarse curly hair suits the ones that add shine and hydration.
Does pomade work on long hair?
It can be used on long hair, but you will not get the most out of it. Pomades are made for short to medium lengths, which is where the hold and the texture actually show.
Will pomade make my hair look greasy?
It can if you pick the wrong finish. Short, fine hair looks greasy and flat under a high-shine pomade, so choose a matte one that adds texture instead. Save the shiny, hydrating formulas for coarser, curlier hair that can carry them.
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