10 Best Pomades for Men in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Even men are not exempted from dealing with frizzy hair that can be annoying. Fortunately, numerous hair-grooming products are available in the market, from waxes and gels to sprays. But if you're looking for one that can give you your desired hold and shine to let you sport different hairstyles, pomade is an excellent pick.
Whether you want an intense hold to sport a pompadour or want something that is just enough to keep your hair in place, there is surely a type of pomade for you. But worry not, as we have prepared some recommendations and a buying guide with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Benefits of Using Pomades Over Hairsprays and Gels
Unlike hairsprays and gels that leave a stiff and crusty finish that is almost immovable, most pomades offer a flexible hold that allows you to rework your hairstyle freely. For the same reason, they also work better for curly, out-of-control, and dry hair.
Pomades are also free of alcohol that hairsprays and gels contain. These ingredients can cause drying and flaking. Moreover, pomades can offer different types of shine, compared to gels that always make your hair look wet.
How to Choose a Pomade for Men - Buying Guide
To select the right pomade, match its hold and shine to your hair type and desired style. Choose between oil or water-based formulas, and always check ingredients for scalp compatibility.
Get the Right Pomade by Knowing Your Hair Type
Before purchasing a pomade, it is crucial to consider your hair type. Since each person has a different hair type, each also has varying hair care needs. A product that works best for thin hair might not do much for thick unruly hair. Hence, knowing your hair type, including its texture, can help you determine the type of pomade you should get.
Generally, if you have thin hair with fine strands, you should go for lightweight pomade, as using a formulation that is too heavy can end up weighing down your tresses. On the other hand, if your hair is leaning on the thick and coarse side, you must choose pomades with a heavier formulation since a lightweight one might not be able to hold your hair well.
Just as we have a skin type, so do we have a hair type. Knowing your hair type: straight vs wavy vs curly vs coily helps narrow down your specific hair care needs.
Know Which Hairstyle and Finish You’re Going for to Get a Pomade With a Suitable Hold and Shine
Pomades offer various types of hold that you can choose from depending on the hairstyle you wish to flaunt. Light-hold ones are suitable for laidback hairstyles like comma hair or a middle-parted style. Meanwhile, if you're going for a slicked-back kind, a medium hold pomade would do. But if you're trying to rock more defined hairstyles, like a mohawk, you'll need strong hold pomades.
Moreover, pomades also deliver different finishes. If you want to sport the "wet look," there are high-shine pomades that give your hair a slick and shiny finish. Meanwhile, there are also matte pomades with a flat finish if you just want to stay low-key with your hairstyle. All these would still depend on the hairstyle you want to sport.
Not all pomades are created equal. They have varying ingredients, strength of hold, and overall finishes. This primarily is based on your preference and the overall look you wish to achieve.
Oil-Based or Water-Based: Choose Between the Two Types of Pomade Formulation
Generally, there are two types of pomades available in the market: oil-based and water-based. Each of them has its edge and drawbacks.
Oil-Based Pomades Provide a Pliable Hold That Lasts Long
Oil-based pomades usually provide soft hold and a shiny gloss, as their base is typically made of wax, paraffin, or petroleum. Aside from that, they also do not dry quickly, so they remain pliable, allowing you to restyle your hair continuously.
However, oil-based pomades tend to be heavy on the scalp, especially when you're not used to them. They are also more challenging to wash off, requiring more than one round of rinsing. And if you don't wash them off properly, they can also leave a greasy build-up.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Use a specific shampoo for oily hair or for removing oil-based pomades. If there's double cleansing for the face, you may even need a double shampoo for this one to make sure all the residues are removed.
Water-Based Pomades Are Less Greasy and Easy to Rinse Off
Water-based pomades are water-soluble, so they are easier to wash off and remove from the hair by simply taking a shower and rinsing them off with a good shampoo. They usually have a light and gel-like consistency, making them easier to apply to your hair too.
However, they also have drawbacks. Since they provide a dry hold, they do not allow restyling. If you want to fix your hairstyle, you will have to apply water to make your tresses pliable again. Aside from that, they also don't last very long on your hair, and they typically contain more chemical ingredients than oil-based ones.
These are generally easier to remove. Tip: Just as we don't advise you to sleep with your makeup, don't sleep with your pomade.
Check the Pomade’s Ingredients, Especially if You Have a Sensitive Scalp
Another thing you should do is to take a look at the pomade's ingredients. It is especially crucial to practice this if you have a sensitive scalp. Generally, you may want to avoid pomades for men with synthetic fragrances that can further irritate sensitive skin and scalp.
Apart from that, if you're the type to maintain your hair's condition, you may also want to avoid ingredients like sulfates that can further strip off your hair's natural oils, leaving it dry and more complicated to style. Although some pomades contain these ingredients for more improved efficacy, using them excessively may lead to hair and scalp problems.
For those with a sensitive scalp, be a label reader and see if there are any ingredients that are known to cause irritation to you.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Try it out before using it consistently. Also, watch out around the hairline, scalp, and the hands that apply the pomade if you develop any irritation.
10 Best Pomades for Men to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hold Strength | Finish | Best for | Formulation | ||||
1 | Gatsby Pomade Supreme Hold Water Base |  | Very Strong | Natural Shine | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
2 | Hairfix for Men Slick Shine Pomade Water Based |  | Medium | High Shine | Normal | Water-Based | |
3 | Teruo Premium Unorthodox Water Based Pomade |  | Strong | Medium Shine | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
4 | Gatsby Fiber Pomade Glossy Finish |  | Strong | High Shine | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
5 | El Hefe's Vanilla Classic Oil Based Pomade |  | Firm | Medium Shine | Thick | Oil-Based | |
6 | Bench Barbers Pomade TCR1020Q |  | Strong | Matte | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
7 | Gatsby Pomade Urban Dry Water Base |  | Strong | Matte | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
8 | Camou UV Shield Water-Based Pomade |  | Strong | Medium Shine | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
9 | Bruno's Hairstyling Water-Based Pomade |  | Firm | Medium Shine | All Hair Types | Water-Based | |
10 | Grips Hair Pomade |  | Medium | Natural Shine | Thick, Normal | Water-Based | |
Gatsby Pomade Supreme Hold Water Base
Strong Hold for Thick Hair With a Cleaner Finish
- Water-based formula is designed for pompadours, side parts, and other styles that need a tighter grip
- Water, ceteareth-25, microcrystalline wax, and PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate form the styling base
- Natural finish keeps the look more controlled than glossy, so it suits polished everyday styling
| Hold Strength | Very Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural Shine |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
Hairfix for MenSlick Shine Pomade Water Based
Glossy Everyday Styling That Rinses Out More Easily
- Water-based base feels lighter than grease pomades and is easier to wash out after daily use
- Beeswax, ceresin, and acrylates, VP copolymer help keep side parts and slicked styles in place
- Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is included in the formula, alongside shine-focused styling ingredients
| Hold Strength | Medium |
|---|---|
| Finish | High Shine |
| Best for | Normal |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
TeruoPremium Unorthodox Water Based Pomade
Strong Control With More Flex Than a Grease Formula
- Unorthodox water-based build is positioned between classic gel pomades and heavier oil-based types
- Brand and store listings describe it with a strong hold and medium shine finish
- Better suited to users who want a slick look but still prefer easier washout than oil-based pomades
| Hold Strength | Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | Medium Shine |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
Textured Styling With Grip and a Shinier Finish
- Cellulose fiber helps strands cling together, which suits piecier texture and more controlled messy styles
- Keratin and pro-vitamin B5 are included alongside styling agents for added manageability
- Glossy finish gives more polish than matte texture products, so it still reads neat on short cuts
| Hold Strength | Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | High Shine |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
El Hefe'sVanilla Classic Oil Based Pomade
Longer-Wearing Slick Styles With a Classic Barbershop Feel
- Petroleum, microwax, and beeswax create a firmer grip that stays put through longer wear
- Avocado oil, castor oil, virgin coconut oil, argan oil, and vitamin E add slip to the heavier base
- Water-resistant formula suits users who do not mind a slower washout in exchange for stronger staying power
| Hold Strength | Firm |
|---|---|
| Finish | Medium Shine |
| Best for | Thick |
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
Compact Matte Pick for Daily Touch-Ups and Short Hair
- 20 g tub is easy to carry in a work bag, gym pouch, or desk drawer
- Lightweight water-based pomade with strong hold and a matte textured finish
- Better for quick grooming and touch-ups than taller volume styles that need a heavier product
| Hold Strength | Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
GatsbyPomade Urban Dry Water Base
Keeps Side-Swept Hair in Place Without Extra Shine
- Dry Boost styling system is made for relaxed side-swept looks and textured styles with less gloss
- Water, silica, ceteareth-20, propylene glycol, and carnauba wax create a grip-focused matte base
- Water-based formula suits daily styling because it rinses out more easily than classic grease pomades
| Hold Strength | Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
CamouUV Shield Water-Based Pomade
Polished Styling for Outdoor Days and Barbered Looks
- Water-based pomade is positioned for a neat barber-style finish without heavy residue buildup
- UV-shield positioning may appeal to users who spend time outdoors and want daytime styling support
- Better for combed side parts and polished looks than dry, tousled, matte hairstyles
| Hold Strength | Strong |
|---|---|
| Finish | Medium Shine |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
Bruno'sHairstyling Water-Based Pomade
Firm Hold for Sleek Styles That Need a Clean Rinse
- Firm-hold formula with medium shine and easy washout after use
- Built for sleek, polished hairstyles rather than loose textured styles with separation
- Brand states it can be used on thick, thin, and wavy hair, making it a broader everyday option
| Hold Strength | Firm |
|---|---|
| Finish | Medium Shine |
| Best for | All Hair Types |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
Simple Daily Styling for Short Hair on a Budget
- Pomade texture helps keep short hairstyles neater and more controlled than hair cream alone
- Practical for school or office grooming when you just need basic hold for a quick comb-through style
- Reliable official details on exact hold level, finish, and full ingredient list were limited across sources checked
| Hold Strength | Medium |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural Shine |
| Best for | Thick, Normal |
| Formulation | Water-Based |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Katrina Luz
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Does Pomade Cause Grey Hair?
Can Pomade Cause Dandruff?
How to Remove Pomade from Hair?
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Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: R. Victoriano, D. Trinidad
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
