Some trends make a comeback while others never go out of style. In this case we’re talking about slicked back hair. This timeless men’s hairstyle is always a popular look.
Slicked back hair works for every situation. In the 1920s, it was formal and worn with a sharp suit. In the 1950s, the greaser style was rebellious. Slick hair returned in the 80s as a corporate look with lots of shine from hair gel. Right now, the 90s revival is all about hair slicked back and a few loose strands.
Slicked back hair can be retro but that’s not the only way to wear it. The style can be matte instead of shiny, textured instead of smooth, and long instead of short.
We’re going through the full range of the best pomade types for slicked back hair from maximum hold and shine to light hold and no shine and everything in between. These products also work for pompadours, side parts, and other classic looks.
Pomade Strength
Strongest Hold – Tames stubborn hair, locks hair into place, best for short to medium length hair
Strong Hold – Works for most hair types and lengths, can work for fine and longer hair when used sparingly
Medium Hold – Flexible hold that can be restyled, good for longer lengths, waves and curls
Light Hold – Looser looks with some movement, adds texture, good for fine and long hair
Pomade Shine Levels
The shine level of pomade says is almost as important as the slick back itself. The literal slick look with lots of shine has a more vintage feel while natural and matte finishes can seem more modern.
High Shine
This “wet look” has a brilliant shine that attracts attention. Light hair can look greasy with this much sheen.
Medium Shine
A medium level sheen is more subtle than full shine but still noticeable.
Low Shine
Also called natural shine, the end result looks like the sheen of healthy hair.
No Shine
Also called matte, no shine product is invisible and can even tone down shine, which makes it the best choice for oily hair.
Strongest Hold Pomades For Slick Hair
This type of product makes sure hair is locked in place. Greaser styles aren’t meant to look natural so have fun with plenty of shine and some comb marks.
Strongest Hold – High Shine Pomade
Hanz De Fuko Heavymade‘s hold is so strong it is labelled as extreme. The water-based formula is easy to scoop out and work through hair, something that isn’t true for every strong hold pomade. Get a high shine greaser finish that never looks greasy or weighs hair down. This product works for all hair types and can even straighten out texture. Lots of shine can sometimes make light hair appear oily so use the smallest amount possible.
Strongest Hold – Medium Shine Pomade
This is one of the few pomades with oil on this list because it’s good enough to convert people who haven’t tried it before. It feels similar to traditional pomades like Murray’s but it washes out with water and has a modern ingredients. Made in California, BYRD Slick Pomade doesn’t use sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, or cruelty.
BYRD Slick Pomade
• Extreme hold, high shine
• Traditional pomade hold + feel but sulfate, paraben, pthalate, mineral oil + cruelty-free
Highest Hold – Low Shine Pomaxde
It doesn’t get stronger than industrial strength. This is Imperal Barber’s highest hold product and was created for slick styles, side parts, and pompadours. It has just a hint of shine, stays flexible, and can be reworked with damp fingers. Applying Classic Pomade with water or on damp hair lightens the hold. For maximum strength, apply to dry hair.
Strongest Hold – No Shine Pomade
Layrite is another modern brand that is associated with retro hair. Since 1999, Layrite has made products that “hold like wax and wash out like gel. The Cement Clay has the maximum hold that also thickens hair. It is strong enough to give that smooth slick style to the most stubborn hair.
Layrite Cement Clay
• Extreme hold, matte finish
• Best for short to medium length for fine to thick hair
Strong Hold Pomades For The Slick Look
High hold pomade works for most hair types, even thick and coarse hair. Just choose your preferred level of shine.
Strong Hold – High Shine Pomade
Reuzel Blue Pomade has a strong hold and high shine without weighing hair down like some pomades can. The vegan and water-based formula is easy to work through all hair types, even thick and curly, and washes out clean.
High Hold – Medium Shine Pomade
You can’t talk about slicked back hair without talking about Suavecito. The brand started in 2009 with the goal of creating a water-soluble product that holds like a was. Suavecito Firme Hold is a stronger version of the medium hold, medium shine Original Pomade. It also features the signature Suavecito scent, which smells like cola, root beer, or rum depending on who you ask.
Stronge Hold – Low Shine Pomade
It doesn’t get stronger than industrial strength. This is Imperal Barber’s highest hold product and was created for slick styles, side parts, and pompadours. It has just a hint of shine, stayes flexible, and can be reworked with damp fingers. Applying Classic Pomade with water or on damp hair lightens the hold. For maximum strength, apply to dry hair.
STMNT Classic Pomade
• Strong hold, natural shine
• Best for a flexible hold that can be re-styled with water
Strong Hold – Matte Pomade
This is another pomade for slicked back hair that is an updated version of hair grease. Made with 98% plant-derived ingredients, Shear Revival Northern Lights Matte Paste is a natural pomade that won’t irritate sensitive skin. The formula goes on smooth, holds all day, and works for most hair types, even coarse and curly hair.
Medium Hold Pomades For Slicked Back Hair
Medium hold products are made for average hair, which is most people. This is not too fine or thick and a texture that isn’t stick straight or tight and coily.
Medium Hold – High Shine Product
If Don Draper’s slick look is what you’re after, American Crew Pomade might be the choice for you. The 60s style was actually styled with hair gel than the oil-based pomades of the era. This medium hold, high shine pomade was created as an alternative to hair gel with a more flexible finish.
American Crew recently changed their packaging but some users are convinced the ingredients are different too. The original formula is still available for now.
Medium Hold – Medium Shine Pomade
The brand Dapper Dan was established after the film that made it famous. It’s a good choice for slicked back styles if you don’t know where to start because it works for most hair types. The vanilla and licorice scent is also one of our favorites.
Medium Hold – Low Shine Pomade
If you’re avoiding scents as well as sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, check out this made in the use pomade. Battle Born Original Pomade is made with waxes, oils, and butters that exist in nature. It is a little bit heavier than some water-based formulas and may require two shampoos to wash out completely. It is available in unscented or bay rum.
Medium Hold – No Shine Pomade
With a lower cost than most pomades and a money-back guarantee, there’s no reason not to try out Viking Revolution Matte Pomade. The medium hold formula is a good choice for starting out with pomades because it has enough, but not too much, hold and the matte finish makes the product invisible.
Light Hold Pomades
Light hold is plenty for slicking hair back in a more casual way. They work well for waves, curls, and finer hair types.
Light Hold – High Shine Pomade
There’s no need to use a stronger hold product than your hair requires. For guys with average hair from short to medium length hair, this affordable and easy to use pomade is plenty for a slick style. It could also be mixed with another pomade for added shine.
Light Hold – Medium Shine Pomade
Okay, this hair styler has light hold and light shine. Just add more product for more shine. The lightweight hold lasts all day and works well for loose styles and thin or fine hair types. Huron Hair Styler is also vegan, cruelty-free, and made without silicon, sulfates, parabens, pthalates, and aluminum.
Light Hold – Low Shine Pomade
In addition to a natural finish, Baxter of California Cream Pomade holds hair in place while maintaining waves and curls. If you want the slick look with natural texture, this is the product for you. Glycerin and beeswax condition hair. The Hard Cream Pomade has the same creamy formula with a stronger hold.
Low Hold – No Shine Pomade
For a modern look, try a looser slick back with some texture. Imperial Barber Matte Pomade Paste beefs up fine hair and has enough hold for casual looks with some movement. This is the opposite of the tight, shiny, and immoveable retro slick back.