Are you a fella who struggles with styling your hair and is looking for shine, slickness, and a medium to high hold? Then, my friend, you need the best water based pomade you can find! If the gel hasn’t worked for you as you hoped, then it is time to try something new, and water based pomade is key when crafting your cool haircut.

Water based pomades are popular because they are the perfect blend between gel and pomade and are great because they wash out easily and can be easier to style with. In other words, water based pomade can make your life a breeze in the mornings or whenever you need to be seen in public while also being easy to get rid of.
If you are new to the water based pomade game, you must know it is a game changer when it comes to staying dry while keeping your hold exactly where you want it to be all day long. It is the hidden weapon of many bros that makes you think to yourself, ‘how does he look so fine
When venturing into the world of men’s grooming, finding the right water based pomade in a sea of options can often be harder than one might think. But don’t panic; we are here to share with you some of the most sought-after products currently on the market, and don’t forget to pick out your favorite.
Best Water Based Pomade Reviewed In This Article
Best Overall: Men’s Hair Pomade by American Crew
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest on Amazon: REUZEL Blue Pomade
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Suavecito Pomade Matte
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest High-Shine Finish: Tea Tree Grooming Pomade
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Scent: Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Water Based Pomade For You
When selecting the perfect water based pomade, you need to consider several things before making any investments. That said, it is a lot less complicated and technical than people make it.
Understand some basic principles, and you’ll be fine. Learning what water-based pomades are all about is a great way to get to grips with some of these principles.
Although they’re pretty versatile as hair products go, they are great for curly and straight hair; they definitely aren’t for everyone.
A product may work fantastically well for one man’s hair and terribly for another. The same goes for water-based pomades, so you want to keep in mind your hair type.
Water based pomades work best for men with medium-thickness to thick hair. Those with fine hair may find that water based pomades are too shiny and reveal too much of the scalp.
Water based pomades can be used on both long and short hair but are better suited to medium-length or long hair that’s capable of being slicked back or to the side.
Best Water Based Pomade Reviews
Men’s Hair Pomade by American Crew
What We Like
- Medium Hold
- High Shine
- Dairy Free
- Moisturizing
What We Don’t Like
- Very Little Product
This moisture-rich cream pomade provides a classic, slicked-back look while taming hair with a high-shine finish.
Works well when a textured definition, frizz-free hair, and a classic, slicked back are desired. Medium hold and high shine. It provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits while taming the hair for a frizz-free, classic, slicked-back look.
Work a small amount evenly through dry or towel-dried hair and style as desired.
What Our Testers Say
My son has very curly hair, and it works so well on his hair. Perfect item.
REUZEL Blue Pomade
What We Like
- Dairy Free
- Vanilla Scent
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
REUZEL INC Blue Water Soluble Pomade includes a unique combination of ingredients that allows pomade to easily wash from the hair without leaving residue or build up. Maybe you would like to know about hair gel alternatives.
Super concentrated formula. Works on any hair type, thickness, or texture. Creates a polished look for any style.
Remove 1 to 2 knuckles full, and emulsify in palms. Apply to dry or damp hair. Work scalp to ends. Comb to shape.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve used all kinds of pomades over the years. This is one of my favorite brands of pomades. This one, in particular, has a nice scent, holds well, and washes out easily. I think it’s a good amount for the price, and I also love cool branding, and REUZEL does a great job.
Suavecito Pomade Matte
What We Like
- Medium Hold
- Dairy Free
- Frizz Control
What We Don’t Like
- Shine-Free
Suavecito Matte Pomade is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s the perfect addition to any grooming kit. It works perfectly on classic, modern, retro, and old-school styles for a look that lasts all day.
This lightly scented pomade combs in easily. It has a clean, fresh smell, and no white residue will be left behind. The shine-free formula is water soluble, so it grips like wax but washes out like hair gel.
Suavecito Original Hold Pomade dries with a medium hardness without a crunchy finish. Get maximum styling flexibility that is perfect for both short hair and long hair. After a long day, touch up your style simply by adding water to reactive your do.
What Our Testers Say
If you want to slick your hair back with a water-soluble pomade, this is it…. And it smells great!
Tea Tree Grooming Pomade
What We Like
- Paraben Free
- Gluten-Free
- High-Shine Finish
What We Don’t Like
- Tea Tree Scent
Invigorating pomade shapes hair and defines waves or curls with tons of shine and flexible hold.
This pomade is ideal for curls and coarse hair. On damp hair, set natural waves and diffuse the hair until completely dry. Finish with a small amount of Tea Tree Grooming Pomade to add shine and eliminate frizz.
Apply a small amount to fingertips and work into damp or dry hair. Style as desired.
What Our Testers Say
This is a winner if you need to have styled hair for work each day that doesn’t leave a greasy mess or have that “slick” gel look.
Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe
What We Like
- Vanilla, Peach, and Pineapple Scent
- Strong Hold
- High Shine
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
Lunatic Fringe is a humectant-rich pomade with a thick gel-like consistency and a refreshing vanilla peach pineapple scent.
Lunatic Fringe provides a stronghold for excellent control, manageability, and anti-frizz benefits. It dries with a high shine finish, perfect for creating a sexy wet pompadour look.
For medium to long hair, this cruelty-free formula is water soluble & allows you to be in full control of your ‘do. Emulsify into hands and apply through hair, working down to the scalp. Blow dry and comb to add extra volume.
What Our Testers Say
You can sleep with it in your hair and not feel disgusted. Very easy to wash off and holds your hair in place fairly well. I will buy it again.
How To Use Water Based Pomade steps
Step 1: Wash and pre-style
Applying the product to clean hair is often more effective because it’s easier to distribute the product through. With your hair clean, you can choose to add some pre-styler if you wish to. It isn’t essential, however.
Step 2: Dry As Required
You can choose to blow-dry if you wish to. Blow-drying can add fullness and volume, particularly if done while using a tool like a curling brush.
Step 3: Apply The Water Based Pomade
Start with a fingertip-sized amount and begin working it into your hair. You’ll want to initially apply it in the opposite direction you’ll eventually slick it into.
You’ll notice that the water-based pomade scoops out incredibly easily and emulsifies quickly as you spread it in between the palms. It really won’t take long at all.
Step 4: Sweep It In Your Desired Direction
Start sweeping the hair backward. If you find that you’d like some more shine and definition, scoop up another fingertip-sized amount of product.
When sweeping it backward, you can choose to use your fingers for a less defined look. Use a comb if you’d like a more classic, neat, and tidy slick-back.
Step 5: Contour and Define
Now that the bulk of the work is done, you can add some volume and contouring if you wish to.
Step 6: Flatten The Sides
Finally, flatten the sides using your palms to flatten any flyaways. It can be easy to forget the sides, as most of the attention is focused on the hair on top.
Water Based Pomade Buying Guide
What is Water Based Pomade?
If a pomade is labeled water based, this means is a water-soluble styling product where the core ingredient is water.
They have a gel-like consistency and are typically expected to provide shine and the ability to slick the hair. In addition, they generally dry hard and wash out easily.
How Does Water Based Pomade Work?
Generally speaking, water based pomades typically have no alcohol and are more malleable throughout the day without the crunchy “hard hair” feeling you get from hair gel.
It offers high hold and will dry and maintain your chosen hairstyle all day long. Water based pomade is also the easiest to remove while washing your hair; all you need to do is rinse it out with water.
What To Look For In Water Based Pomades
- Easy to apply: The soft formula of a water based pomade easily smoothes throughout the hair without tugging.
- Easy to wash out: Water based pomades can be washed out of the hair using plain water, so they’re great for those who don’t wash their hair on a daily.
- Great for oily hair: The last thing oily hair needs is more oil, so Bachowski recommends water based pomades to add hold and shine without making hair look greasy.
- Versatile finishes: Experts point out that today’s water-based pomades come in various finishes, from shiny to matte. The matte paste features a more natural-looking finish, making it well-suited to any male with a messy and loose hairstyle.
- Right Ingredients: The best water based pomades are sulfate- and paraben-free and utilize natural fragrances.
Common Questions About Water Based Pomade
How do you know if a pomade is water based?
You can tell that pomade is water based if the first ingredient is listed as “aqua”, “water”, or “Eau”.
Is water based pomade better?
The number one advantage of water based/ soluble pomades versus their oil-based counterparts is that water based pomades wash out very easily with water, as well as that they come in a variety of different holds and shine levels.
Is water based pomade good for hair?
If you’re a bro who prefers to spend less time styling and washing your hair, a water-based pomade is a way to go.
You can still get those classic slick looks but without the oily buildup, and, at the same time, it’s excellent for modern-day hairstyles as well.
Does water based pomade dry?
After styling, the water-based pomade dries out. You have a very good hold, but your hairstyle is stiff and not so easy to shape. To comb your hairstyle, you need to moisten your hair with water slightly.
Does water based pomade wash out?
Water based pomade is also the easiest to remove while washing your hair; all you need to do is rinse it out with water.
On the other hand, oil-based pomade has a waxy consistency and provides your hair with high shine and anything from medium to strong hold.
Can I use water based pomade every day?
As long as you use a pomade without harmful chemicals and wash your hair at the end of the day, it’s safe to use every day. A water based pomade will also wash out easier than an oil-based one.
Which is better pomade or gel?
While pomade offers a pretty good hold, it isn’t as strong as gel, which makes it more pliable throughout the day.
If your hairstyle is a little simpler and doesn’t require a stronghold, you will find that pomade is the better fit. It adds a bit of volume and holds while also maintaining a bit of flexibility.
How To Use Water Based Pomade Video Tutorial
In case you are wondering how to use water base pomades, the video below will instruct you on the exact steps and tools, tips, and tricks you must know to utilize your favorite water based pomade like the pros.
Products Mentioned In This Article
- Men’s Hair Pomade by American Crew
- REUZEL Blue Pomade
- Suavecito Pomade Matte
- Tea Tree Grooming Pomade
- Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe
Enjoy Your New Water Based Pomade
After going through this water based pomade review and guide, you can choose wisely and determine what will work best for your hair’s needs.
Keep in mind you and your hair deserve only the best and a quality water based pomade can help you achieve the style you desire.
Remember, you can always reach out if you have any questions or comments. We love hearing from you.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.