Top 15 Best Water-Based Pomades For Men – Slick Hair Care
When it comes to crafting cool haircuts of the past alongside more modern styles and spins, a fine pomade is key. However, choosing the right one can often be harder than picking out a cut to go with in the first place.
If you’re just venturing into the world of men’s grooming, there’s a few things to know first.
Pomade comes in two types: The modern approach, water-based pomade and the traditional approach, oil-based.
While I won’t get into the full comparison right now, there’s a good reason why you might prefer water-based.
It rinses out far easier. Water-based pomade offers a wide variety of hold strengths and shines to choose from. It will help cut back the chances of break-outs and acne. Not to mention, it stays dry while keeping your hold exactly where you want it to be, all day long. On the downside, it doesn’t build up which means you’ll need to use more product more frequently.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a collection of the top 15 best water-based pomades for men below. You’ll find details on how they shine, smell, wash out, hold and more.
No matter if you prefer a high and tight, pompadour, slicked back style, or another cut, these fine men’s grooming products will keep your locks looking great!
Best Water-Based Pomades For Men
1. Imperial Barber Classic
Imperial’s Classic Pomade is a lot like their Blacktop version just without the black tint and a higher semi-sheen to it. The hold will remind you of an ultra-firm gel without all the leftover crunchiness. Though, the product itself is rather thick. Needless to say, once it sets, it sets. Your hair won’t budge and inch until you take the time to wash it out at the end of the day.
When applying it on wet hair, you’ll notice a foamy-like texture to it and get a light scent of a fruity watermelon fragrance. Though, keep in mind the scent is very subtle and lasts only for a short duration of time period it vanishes from the nose.
2. Uppercut Deluxe
Control, definition and slicked back style. Three things you’ll acquire with Uppercut Deluxe Pomade. It features a strong hold suitable for high pompadours, side parts and the classic slicked back look. Shine is moderately high and quite comparable to most, however, it lasts up until you wash it out. In terms of hair length, this grooming product works best for men with medium-length hair.
Surprisingly, this pomade is as easy on the nose as it is to wash out. The fragrance features soothing notes of coconut and vanilla.
3. Blind Barber 90 Proof
Meet the moonshine-inspired 90 Proof pomade by Blind Barber. It arrives with a heavy hitting strong hold and sleek matte finish. Just about any 1920s to 1950s hairstyle can be mastered with a small dollop of product, however, mohawks and more spiky styles are a tad out of reach.
You’ll also find a nice addition of hops added to the mix which act as a natural thickening agent and dandruff-fighting antiseptic. Not to mention, the protein-rich pomade has a fine old-barbershop smell to it which I’m sure you’d like as much as I do. Of course, it doesn’t leave behind a bunch of gunk or immovable grease either.
Should you like Blind Barber’s 90 proof but need a lesser hold, you might want to consider their 60 proof pomade.
4. Woodys Pomade
Ginger root, hemp seed oil and yucca vera can all be found in Woody’s Pomade. Ingredients aside, you’ll like the medium hold that lets you run your fingers through your hair without it breaking or falling apart. For shine, this men’s pomade features a low sheen.
In terms of flexibility, with a little dab of water the soluble wax-like nature let’s you remold your hairstyle effortlessly. All without leaving behind the grease or crustiness. To please the nose, it has a fragrance that reminds you of a traditional barbershop mixed with notes of citrus. When it’s time to wash Woody’s Pomade out the process is extremely easy.
5. Fiber Grease
While the container resembles an old-school throw back, Fiber Grease Pomade is quite a luxury for any man to own. The water-based formula arrives with a tropical fruit fragrance and strong hold. After applying it you’ll notice it doesn’t turn your head into a hard shell. In reality, it’s exceptionally easy to restyle plus, washes out super cleanly. Best of all, even though the name implies grease, you’ll be surprised it leaves absolutely none behind.
6. The Free Byrd Light
There’s a good reason you haven’t heard of Byrd yet. The company entered the men’s grooming industry back in 2012 with a home base located in Newport, California. Their latest Light Pomade features a light to medium hold with a moderate sheen to it. Once applied you’ll notice a rather soapy aroma to the formula, some men like it some don’t. Regardless, it’s still super easy to comb through and doesn’t harden, which gives you control throughout the day to easily adjust your hair as needed.
7. Imperial Barber Matte Paste
If you like pomade but dislike the radiant shine that often comes along with it you’re in luck. Imperial Barber’s matte paste features a more natural looking finish, making it well suited to any male with a messy and loose hairstyle. However, that’s not to say that a sharply polished businessman won’t benefit from it. The matte pomade paste still offers a light to medium hold which works exceptionally well across most styles. Aside from the benefit of not weighting your hair down, the formula also helps to strength, retain moisture, add volume to your head of it.
A few notable ingredients include green tea extract, sunflower seed extract, bamboo extract and more.
8. Baxter Of California Hard Water
Not too heavy, not too light. Baxter of California’s Hard Water Pomade is right in the middle with a firm hold. While it doesn’t make your hair crunchy or leave behind any gunk-like reside aside from the high shine of course, it still makes your hair quite stiff to the touch. (Which is a good thing)
This blue goop encased in a nice glass container keeps your hair looking great even on the windiest of days. However, even though it’s pliable enough to rework and shape your head of hair at first, you should know that one it sets, it’s not going anywhere. That means you must wash it out. The good news is unlike other water-based pomades one washout will do it, not two, three or more.
Before applying it, just remember that wet hair equates to a wet looking finish. Dry hair offers a more matte natural style, although, you’re still going to get a good deal of that classic pomade shine with it.
9. Baxter Of California Soft Water
You could consider Baxter of California’s Soft Water Pomade as the lighter approach when compared to their Hard Water formula. It features a light to medium hold without the unwanted greasiness for a more casual, relaxed approached to men’s hair care.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of product you use matters with Soft Water significantly. A little dollop spread throughout your hair nets you a natural look, while a sizeable plop on your palm leads to hair that’s a bit crunchy.
For fragrance, this pomade revivals the aroma of a fine cup of coffee in the morning. The subtle citrus and lime fragrance slowly wakes up the nose with pure delight.
10. Imperial Barber Blacktop
Blacktop Pomade by Imperia Barber offers more than you’d expect at first glance. Aside from the industrial strength hold, it also features a black tint in the formula to conceal pesky light and gray hairs. Surprisingly, it works as well as they claim. However, just know it can leech onto pillowcases and stain clothes when you’re drenched and stuck out in the rain. On the plus side, this men’s grooming product washes out cleanly and easily.
In terms of shine, it’s quite low. For fragrance you’ll find yet, another surprise, as it as smells just like bubblegum.
11. John Allans Pomade
For a more natural head of hair just consult John Allans’ Matte Pomade. As the name implies, the end result features a matte finish with the shine attached to it. However, that doesn’t mean this product is dull, in fact, it goes a long way in helping with separation and texture. If you are looking for a really light hold that still has a bit of flexibility to it, you’re found the answer.
When it comes to the formula you’ll be glad to know it’s alcohol free, and hosts a bunch of great things like orange flower, lemongrass, grapefruit and lime to nourish both your hair and scalp. For taming your hairstyle, it’s quite versatile, working wonders for men with both thick to thin hair.
12. Redken 03 Water Wax
Consider it a wax pomade hybrid if you will. Redken’s latest 03 Water Wax Pomade gives you the control of a wax with the benefits of having great flexibility. Not to mention, the high shine too. On the downside of things, this product won’t defy gravity so if you need a super strong hold you won’t get it.
The hold is lighter and more natural, however, it still serves an excellent purpose. For gentlemen with frizzy or wavy hair that tends to get out of control, 03 Water Wax will impress. It will easily keep any unruly hair strands in a straight direction.
For fragrance it smells as good as it feels after applying it. You’ll find there’s no gunk, grease or grime leftover making it one of the ultimate lightweight male grooming products out there.
13. American Crew Pomade
American Crew Pomade features a water-based formula with a high shine and fairly medium hold. In terms of flexibility you get a lot of it; making just about any type of hair far easier to control in the morning. Best of all, it leaves behind no grease or gunk and rinses clean in the shower.
14. Layrite Super Shine Deluxe
For crafting the classics, it’s hard to beat Layrite’s Super Shine Deluxe Pomade. It features a high hold with a super high shine for a finely polished look. However, don’t let the high hold fool you. While it’s definitely a performer and will tame even the most unruliest of hairs, this pomade still refuses to get stiff or leave your hair feeling all dried out.
To the touch it feels somewhat tacky, while to the nose it has virtually no fragrance. Applying it is almost effortless thanks to the soft and creamy like texture. Speaking of which, you can easily run your fingers through your hair long after putting it in. Sure, the sheen tends to wear off a little bit later in the day however, the hold remains near flawless.
15. Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe
For wild manes Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe is a wonder. The humectant-rich formula found in this water-based pomade offers ample control, anti-frizz benefits and exceptionally manageability. While it’s claimed to be a strong hold, you might find it more conservative, and along the lines of being more medium strength.
If you are in search of texture and volume but you have finer hair, Lunatic Fringe works exceptionally well. It doesn’t weight your locks down nor does it feel overly tacky nor greasy after applying it. You’ll also get a high shine with a citrusy fragrance that includes notes of pineapple, peach and vanilla. And while rinsing it out is truly a breeze, your nose might not want you to!
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
