Disclaimer: Some of our recommended products under the Amazon Associate Program. This means we earn a small commission if you click on our “Shop Now” button link and purchase the products on Amazon. Whilst we are super appreciative if you can do so, but there’s no pressure if you do not want to. We wanted to be just being transparent on how we earn our money to sustain this portal. Greatly Appreciated!! #CommissionEarned
You know it, we know it — it’s pretty damn humid in most parts of Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and some parts of the United States. And the humidity often means our hairstyles often end up looking like a flop by the end of the day. To combat the perennial issue, we’ve decided to curate a list of quality strong hold pomades to ensure you’ll never have a hair out of place again. If pomades are not you cup of tea, you can check out our list of Best Hair Wax for Men Here.
Water-based pomades are easier to wash off, while oil-based ones usually have better shine and strong hold. However, pomade creators have also found the best of both worlds by creating products that incorporate all the best features from water- and oil-based pomades.
Check out our Top 10 strong hold pomades below!
Bayside Grooming Co Water Based Pomade
Origin: Australia
Hold Power: ★★★★★
Get exclusive useful guides and deals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Shine: ★☆☆☆☆
Endurance ★★★★★
Washability:★★★★☆
Scent: Refreshing Lime & Bergamot
Crafted for the humidity weather, bayside grooming co has nailed in creating a stronghold product. It fulfills almost every aspect of a styling product I need except if I am working out or exercise. The scent is pleasant, easy less than a minute styling required, lightweight and not greasy at all. Combine with the natural ingredients, it does nourishes and makes your hair softer after washing out. If you are looking for a low shine, high performing product with awesome scent, you should try this out.
Promo Code: URBAN15 (More Promo Code from other brands here)
Arcadian Clay POmade
Origin: USA
Type: Water-based Clay Pomade
Hold Power: ★★★★☆
Shine: ★★☆☆☆
Washability:★★★★★
Scent: Citrusy, Bay Rum
Price: SGD $28
Volume: 118ml
Description: This product is a hybrid of clay and pomade. It gives a matte look and it is easily restyled. The hold is quite recognizable and has been trial and tested in humid weather. You can check in our detail review here.
The new formula of Arcadian Clay Pomade ingredients contains more natural properties as its previous one. The usage of aloe vera not only provides good consistency to the product, but has good nourishing properties to the scalp.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Flower Water, Microcrystalline Wax, Kaolin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sea Clay, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Silica, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pinus Nigra (Black Pine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Picea Mariana (Black Spruce) Oil, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil, Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Viridiflora (Niaouli) Oil, Potassium Sorbat
Buy here.
Shear Revival Crystal Lake Pomade
Origin: USA
Type: Water-based
Hold Power: ★★★★★
Shine: ★★☆☆☆
Washability:★★★★★
Scent: Herb-based, sweet vanilla and lemongrass.
Price: SGD $25
Volume: 118ml
Description: This water-soluble strong hold pomade features a base of distilled water, vegetable-based emulsifying wax and beeswax to offer a medium hold and a medium shine for a range of hairstyles—from more natural, textured looks to higher elevation looks.
Thanks to the water-based formula, this styling product does not stiffen up nor get dry which allows for all-day restyling and easy removal. The experts at Shear Revival have also added meadow foam seed oil, grape seed oil and mango butter to condition your hair. The result is a healthy, soft mane with all-day pliability
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed, Mangifera Indica (Mango), Vitis Vinifera (Grape), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam), Emulsifying Wax NF, Carnauba (Copernicia cerifera) Wax, Hydrogenated Castor, Citrus sinensis (Blood Orange), Fragrance, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Oil), Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol
Buy here.
Slick Devil Original
Origin: USA
Type: Water-based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ★★☆☆☆
Washability:★★★★★
Scent: Tobacco Vanilla
Price: SGD $28
Volume: 100ml
Description: The Slick Devil Original is formulated to give a medium shine result. Cleansing is also fast and easy as it’s water-soluble, so no worries about having to deal with pesky flakes that some gels leave behind!
Great for smooth, slick-back looks. Pleasant vanilla-coconut scent. Rub quarter size amount into palms and fingers and apply as desired to wet or dry hair then comb or brush. Applying to dry hair will give a stiffer hold. Hence, this why the Slick Devil Original made it into our Top 10 Strong Hold Pomades list.
Ingredients: Aqua, Ceteareth-25,PVP, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Castor oil, Glycerin, Beeswax, Fragrance, PEG/PPG-18/18, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethenol.
Buy here.
Imperial Classic Pomade
Origin: USA
Type: Water-based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ★★★☆☆
Washability:★★★★★
Scent: Slight Sweet Watermelon
Price: SGD $28
Volume: 177ml
Description: This easy-to-use product allows you to adjust the hold strength. For a lighter hold, apply with water or on damp hair.
Achieve a strong hold with more water. It can also be reactivated with water, which means restyling is easy. Washing the product out of your hair is a breeze too!
Ingredients: Water, Ceteareth-25, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Testrastearate, Peg-8 Dimethicone, Pvp, Peg-12 Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodoproppynl Butylcaramate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance
Buy here.
O’Douds Heavy Hold Pomade
Origin: USA
Type: Oil-Based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ★★★★★
Washability:★★☆☆☆
Scent: Cedar, Lime, Juniper
Price: 29
Volume: 113ml
Description: Based on classic pomade recipes, the Traditional Pomade excels at slick-backs, pompadours, and other high-shine styles.
Made with only natural waxes and oils, this pomade is completely petroleum-free. Washes out easier than other oil-based pomades and is healthier for your hair and scalp.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Microcrystalline Wax, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Cedrus deodara (Cedar Wood), Juniperus communis (Juniper Berry), Fragrance
Buy here.
Daimon Barber No.5 Fixing Pomade
Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Water-based
HoldPower: ★★★★☆
Shine: ★★★☆☆
Washability:★★★★★
Scent: Vanilla Bay Rum
Price: SGD $28
Volume: 100ml
Description: This water-based Fixing Pomade offers a medium shine and a super strong hold to enable extreme styling that will last all day.
It is great for high and tight styles and for hair that’s difficult to control. Formulated with complex hydrogenated waxes and oils, the Fixing Pomade offers maximum hold whilst moisturising and conditioning the hair.
Ingredients: Aqua, Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-8 Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Buy here.
Shear Revival | Music or Misery (Decomissioned)
Origin: USA
Type: Oil-based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ★☆☆☆☆
Washability:★★★☆☆
Scent: Cedar, Lime, Juniper
Price: 24
Volume: 113ml
Description: Music Or Misery Heavy Hold Pomade is a new take on a classic, heavy hold, oil-based pomade. It’s lighter in texture and easier to apply then most oil-based ones in its class.
Fortified with shea butter and castor, avocado, and jojoba oils, it keeps your style in place all day long and cares for your hair at the same time.
Ingredients: Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Microcrystalline Wax, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime), Cedrus deodara (Cedar Wood), Juniperus communis (Juniper Berry)l, Fragrance
Uppercut Monster Hold Pomade
Origin: USA
Type: Oil-based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ★★★★☆
Washability:★★★☆☆
Scent: Hint of Lemon
Price: SGD 26
Volume: 70ml
Description: Uppercut Monster Hold Hair Pomade is the strongest of ’em all — the sweat resistant formula allows you to go through even your toughest days in style.
While it may have a very thick and almost hard consistency, work it through your hair with fingers and you’ll find that the application is consistent throughout. First, apply using dry hands onto dry hair, then comb through for a smoother look. Scent is not overpowering and is barely noticeable, so add your own cologne or aftershave if you’d like!
Ingredients: paraffin-white soft, microcrystalline wax, lanolin alcohol, beeswax, lanolin, fragrance, Cl 75120
Buy here.
Lockhart’s Heavy Hold Pomade
Origin: USA
Type: Oil-based
HoldPower: ★★★★★
Shine: ☆☆☆☆☆
Washability:★★★☆☆
Scent: Coco Vanilla
Price: SGD 26
Volume: 113ml
Description: Lockhart’s Heavy Hold is not for the faint-hearted — it has a very heavy hold! However, it’s not nearly as difficult to use as most heavies in the market. Warm this pomade up in your hands to properly distribute the pomade through your hair.
Once you’ve got it in your hair, it’ll hold up any hairstyle your desire. From psychobilly wedges and raging pompadours, to mohawks and liberty spikes, it’ll get the job done.
Check our in-depth review here!
Ingredients: Petrolatum, Microcrystalline wax, Beeswax, Castor oil, Lanolin.
Buy here.
General Questions About The Best Heavy Hold Pomade
Does pomade have a strong hold?
Yes, pomade is designed to provide you strong hold. However, you will need to consider other factors such as the weather and your hair type. If you live in a humid weather and have a stubborn thick hair type, you will need a strong oil based pomade humidity such as the Lockhart’s Heavy Hold Pomade or the Uppercut Monster Hold Pomade. For water based, you can pick some unorthodox ones such as the Arcadian Clay Pomade or the Bayside Grooming Water Based Pomade.
What is the strongest pomade
The strongest pomade that is water based is the Bayside Grooming Co Water Based Pomade. It is not your typical gel type, its texture is much creamy or pasty type.
The strongest pomade that is oil based is the Lockhart’s Heavy Hold Pomade.
Is Pomade stronger than Gel
Gel might have the same strength if not stronger hold than pomade. However, gel stiffens your hair and resulting in hard for restyling. Also gels are water based, hence once you are under humid climate or rain, it will melt.
For pomade, it can endure better in humid climate especially for those oil based and unorthodox water based pomade. It does not stiffen your hair and is easily restyled with your fingers or comb
What Hairstyles is Pomade for
The classic water based pomade is known for its capability to style Pompadour and Comb back style. You can check our more hairstyles here based on the product used.
What is the Best Strong Hold Pomade for Thick Hair
The best pomade for humid weather for thick hair are
- Bayside Grooming Co Water Based Pomade (Water Based)
- Arcadian Clay Pomade (Hybrid Unorthodox Pomade)
- Lockhart Heavy Hold Pomade
- Uppercut Monster Hold Pomade
Should I use pomade every day
If you have sensitive scalp or acne scalp, we recommend you to avoid using oil based pomade too often. If you could avoid it completely it is best because oil based are usually hard to wash off. And shampooing every day might damage your hair. We highly recommend you to use water based products instead, you could use it daily. However, do be mindful on the ingredients on used that damages your scalp or hair such as parabens, over used of petroleum and so on. More details can be found here.
If you job or lifestyle demands you to style your hair daily, ensure that you either use pomades that are easy to washed off or if your scalp isn’t sensitive, use an oil based pomade but ensure it washes off with a stronger shampoo.
Wrapping Up
We hope you find this useful. If you have any more questions about the strongest water based pomade, please share with us by commenting below.
If you are interested in more men’s grooming, feel free to check out on our list of Best Hair Wax For Men here. Join us on our Instagram and Facebook page for more content related to men’s grooming, styling guides!
Exclusive Discounts
Carefully reviewed and curated men’s grooming brands for your personal care routine
[…] chose this because it’s one of the best performaing pomade that suits to the climate in SEA and also men with thicker […]