What's the best pomade for a slick-back?

Quick Answer

The best pomade for a slick-back is a strong-hold water-based formula that combs through evenly, holds all day, and rinses out with warm water. Suavecito Firme Hold, Layrite Superhold, Baxter of California Clay Effect Pomade, and Uppercut Deluxe Pomade are the four most-recommended options.

Apply to damp (not soaking) hair, work through the roots with your hands, then comb straight back with a fine-toothed pocket comb.

Water-based vs oil-based pomade

Water-based (modern)

Formulated with water, glycerin, and setting polymers. Sets firm once combed and dries down. Washes out in one shampoo. Ideal for gym or shower access. Suavecito, Layrite, and Uppercut Deluxe all live in this category. Best pick for the vast majority of men.

Oil-based (traditional)

Petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, lanolin. Never dries down, so you can re-comb your hair at any point during the day. Higher shine, more classic look. Downside: it takes 2 to 3 shampoos to fully remove. Murray's Superior, Reuzel Pig (Green), and Sweet Georgia Brown Extra Heavy are the classic oil pomades. Best pick for men who love a mid-day comb-through.

What to look for on the label

• Hold rating. "Firm," "strong," or "extra hold" if your hair is thick or curly. "Medium" if your hair is fine.
• Shine level. "High shine" for a classic wet look. "Medium shine" or "low shine" for a modern, softer finish.
• Water base or oil base. Both work, they just wash out differently.
• Beeswax, castor oil, jojoba, lanolin. Nourishing waxes and oils that add hold without leaving hair brittle.
• A clean scent. Sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, or citrus. Skip anything that smells like a candle store.

Ingredients and formulas to skip

• Cheap gels. Alcohol-based, dries out hair, cracks by lunchtime.
• Anything with "sulfate" as the second or third ingredient. Strips hair oils.
• Ultra-cheap oil pomades from the wrong brand. Some sit heavy for days and never wash out cleanly.
• Overly perfumed formulas. Fragrance is fine, but nothing so strong you smell it three hours later.

Slick-back styling method

1. Shower and towel-dry the hair until it is just damp, not soaking.
2. Scoop a nickel-sized amount of pomade. Rub between your palms until it warms and turns semi-transparent.
3. Work back-to-front, starting at the crown and dragging your hands toward the hairline. This coats every strand from root to tip.
4. Comb straight back from the hairline to the crown in one smooth stroke with a fine-toothed pocket comb. Do not zigzag.
5. Sides: Comb straight back and slightly down. Keep the top-line clean.
6. Set with a light blast of cool air from the blowdryer if you want extra staying power (optional).

Fixing common slick-back problems

• Hair feels crunchy. Too much product. Use less next time, or switch to a lower-hold pomade.
• Slick-back drops by lunchtime. Hair was too wet on application, or the pomade is too weak. Use damp (not wet) hair and step up to "firm" or "superhold."
• Visible flakes. Cheap gel, or you did not shampoo out the previous day's product. Clarify with a stronger shampoo weekly.
• Hairline creeps forward. Comb one direction only. Do not brush back and forth, that pushes stray hairs onto the forehead.

Bottom line

Pick a strong-hold water-based pomade if you want gym-friendly wash-out and a modern shine. Pick a classic oil-based pomade if you want mid-day re-combability and a glossy wet-look finish. Apply to damp hair, comb straight back in one stroke, and skip the mistakes above. That is the whole slick-back playbook.