Should You Use Hair Wax, Gel, Or Pomade?

When it comes to styling hair, it all boils down to choosing the right hair product—be it hair wax, gel, or pomade. But if you’ve had the same semi-kalbo hairstyle for years and are new to hair grooming, you might be overwhelmed by all the different kinds of hair products available so we’re here to help you figure out which product you should use on your hair.

The biggest benefit of hair gels, waxes, and pomades is their ability to keep your hair looking neat and styled. The main differences between the products are what they do to your hair and how they make it look.

Hair wax is a great place to start, as it doesn’t leave you fully committing to a hairstyle. It’s been used for many years and was invented by the ancient Gauls as a hairstyling agent resembling a soap-like substance. It adds depth and texture to your hair thanks to the matte finish but doesn’t harden or make it shiny, allowing you to restyle it whenever you want. That makes hair wax best for low-maintenance hairstyles and short-to-medium hair.

Hair wax is also good for guys with oily hair and scalps, as the wax can absorb the natural oils. Just remember that wax dries up after a few hours, so if you’ll be out all day, make sure you carry some with you.

You've probably seen how hair gel keeps hair perfectly in place with a wet, shiny look. Gels harden hair the most, even with light holds, allowing you to rock your style all day. That just means you won’t be able to restyle your hair, but if you’re set on one hairstyle, that shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Hair gel is also best for short-to-medium hair length, especially if you are committed to a hairstyle. If you have thin hair, go for a light-hold gel to keep strands from clumping together and exposing your scalp some more.

Pomade is best for guys who are always looking for style. They can either be oil-based or water-based, depending on how you want your hair to look. It can be soft and simple or greased-back and fancy. Pomades make hair easy to style anytime, allowing for almost any kind of look you want.

If you’re interested in trying to style your hair using a pomade, you can check out Axe Ice Chill Pomade, a water-based pomade that promises a hard hold for any look you want to pull off. It washes off easily at the end of the day as well.

One more thing to remember about hairstyling products: all of it could build up in your hair and scalp--leading to dandruff. Don’t forget to wash it off at the end of the day. Get yourself a good shampoo, too, like Dove+Men Care Refreshing Clean. It gets rid of dirt and grease, leaving you fresh and clean.

If you're still confused, just remember what you need for your hair. If you want that style to stick, i.e., your hair won't move, hair gel is your best bet. It would be great if you're outdoors on a windy day.

Pomade, on the other hand, gives off a more natural finish. It's flexible yet it does the job of keeping the style in place. Wax does the same job but it's especially useful for the oily-haired set since it absorbs some of the grease. You can use the latter two if you're anticipating changing up your hair throughout the day.

Now that you know the differences between hair wax, hair gel, and pomade, you’re ready to get grooming and styling your mane in the best way! In case you need a reminder, just bookmark this article – and even share it with your friends!

Don't want to bother with styling? Read our article on reasons to lean in to your messy hair.