Top 9 Super Strong Hold Oil-Based Pomades
Nine best strongest hold oil-based pomades based on user reviews and feedback from connoisseurs.
Despite water-based pomades getting more attention in recent years, traditional oil-based pomades still garner increasing fan base in the pomade market thanks to pomade connoisseurs and brewers around the world.
When it comes to choosing between water-based and oil-based pomade, it really comes down to your personal preference – you really should get your hands on an oil-based pomade if you’ve never tried one before. Bear in mind that these two types of pomades are not mutually exclusive – we’ve seen forumers mixing both types of pomades by applying water-based pomade on top of a base layer of oil-based pomade.
Here’s a quick comparison of the pros and cons:
| Oil-based Pomade | Water-based Pomade | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Petroleum, Beeswax, Plant Oil | Water |
| Strength | Generally stronger than water-based | Not as strong as oil-based and you have limited options for strong water-based |
| Restyling | Easy to restyle as it doesn’t get dry | It dries fast |
| Rinsing | Petroleum-based pomades are hard to wash out. Natural oil-based pomades are easier. | Very easy with water |
| Endurance | Generally better than water-based in any weather | Not good in humid and hot weather |
| Side effect | Acne, clogged pores and clogged hair follicles. | No side effect. |
| Other Notes | Natural oil-based pomades (not petroleum/wax-based) helps to nourish scalp. Some users commented that oil-based pomade works better with their naturally oily hair. | Water-based pomade can be too drying for some people’s scalps. |
If you’re looking for really strong oil-based pomades to tame your unruly hair (e.g. like mine lol), here are the best recommendations based on user reviews, rating and feedback:
Lockhart’s Heavy Hold Pomade
$14.00
Oil-based Lockhart’s Heavy Hold pomade could be your essential hair product if you have thick and unruly hair because this pomade is the heaviest on our list. The downside is that it’s relatively harder to scoop and tougher to apply to hair compared to other options on the list.
Made in USA.
Shine: Slight
Strength: Super Heavy Hold!
Don Juan Hair Grease Heavy Hold Pomade
$15.00
The heavy hold, high shine and wax-based Don Juan Hair Grease is an old-school pomade formulated by Lockhart’s (another pomade maker). If you normally need two scoops of pomade for your hair, you’ll only need one scoop of this to deliver the same power and to create the same volume.
Made in USA.
Shine: High Shine
Strength: Heavy Hold!
Shear Revival Easy Tiger Firm Hold Pomade
$19.95
Shear Revival from New Jersey was started in 2013 by barber and stylish Zachary West. The brand has been a favourite among pomade connoisseurs since its inception. Oil-based Easy Tiger has a slightly lesser strength than the now retired super strong Shear Revival Music or Misery pomade but it’s still strong enough to be categorized as firm hold. This pomade has a lightweight feel.
Made in USA.
Shine: Neutral
Strength: Firm Hold
Arcadian Grooming Classic Firm Hold Pomade
$14.95 $8.95
Arcadian Grooming from Tennessee is best known for their best-selling Arcadian Clay Pomade, and their Classic Firm Hold Pomade is equally popular among those who love oil-based pomade. This pomade is often compared to similar offerings from The Iron Society and O’Douds.
Made in USA.
Shine: Slight
Strength: Firm Hold
O’Douds Traditional Pomade Heavy
$17.50
If you’re all for au naturale ingredients, vegan and cruelty free, O’Douds pomade is for you. Made with only natural waxes and oils, O’Douds Traditional Heavy is relatively easier to apply compared with other heavy pomades which are normally harder to smear/spread.
Made in USA.
Shine: High Shine
Strength: Heavy Hold!
Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold
$18.00
Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold is the strongest offering from Australian pomade brand Uppercut Deluxe founded by barber Luke Newman and Steve Purcell. Monster Hold was initially created for their complaining clients who couldn’t find hair products that are strong enough to hold their hairstyle throughout the day.
Made in Australia.
Shine: Medium
Strength: Firm Hold
The Mail Room Barber Natural Pomade XXX Heavy Hold
$19.00
Similar to O’Douds’ pomades, The Mail Room Barber Natural Pomade is also a natural non-petroleum pomade. Made of caster oil, the pomade is easier to wash out. Its cedar and sandalwood scent makes it stands out from the other oil-based pomade.
Made in USA.
Shine: Medium
Strength: Firm Hold
Reuzel Pink Heavy Hold Pomade
$17.00
Compared with other oil-based pomade, petroleum-based Reuzel Pink Heavy Hold pomade could be a better deal in terms of price-per-ounce. Comes in striking pink tins with dirty-looking labels, Reuzel Pink has a bubblegum scent that may or may not be your cup of tea. Application tip: To apply this thick and sticky pomade, work it into your hands for 30 seconds to get it warm before applying.
Made in USA.
Shine: Neutral
Strength: Firm Hold
Pompking Gorilla Grease Pomade
$15.00
Super heavy wax-based Pompking Gorilla Grease is strong enough to withstand the hottest summer in SoCal. Started by Hector Tapia and Manuela Perez in in 2012 and based in Wisconsin, the brand has created a wide array of hold and scents. Another very popular pomade from the brand is Pompking OG.
Made in USA.
Shine: Slight
Strength: Heavy Hold!
Check out more Men’s Hairstyle & Care articles.
