Hair Gel, Wax, or Pomade: Which One Works for Your Hair?

Most guys just grab whatever's on sale or use the same product their dad used in the '90s. Then they wonder why their hair either looks like a helmet or falls flat by noon.

Here's the reality: gel, wax, and pomade do completely different things. Using the wrong one for your hair type and style is why your hair never looks the way you want it to.

Let's break down what actually matters.

Hair Gel: For When You Need Your Hair to Not Move

Gel is what your dad used to slick his hair back in the '80s. It's still around because it does one thing really well: holds your hair in place and keeps it there.

When gel works: If you need your hair to stay exactly where you put it all day, gel's your answer. It's good for slicked-back styles, sharp parts, or anything that needs to look the same at 6 PM as it did at 8 AM.

The shine situation: Gel gives you that wet, glossy look. Some guys like it. Others think it looks like you dunked your head in oil. There's no in-between.

The downsides: Your hair gets crunchy. Like, actually hard. You can't run your fingers through it. And if you use too much, it flakes—you'll have little white bits in your hair that look like dandruff.

Best for: Guys with thick, straight hair who want a very structured, formal look. Also good if you're going somewhere humid and need your style to survive.

How to use it: Apply to damp hair, not dry. Work it through evenly. Don't touch your hair after it dries or you'll mess up the hold and get flakes.

Gel is old-school and kind of out of style for everyday use, but it still has its place.

Hair Wax: The Most Forgiving Option

Wax is what most guys should probably be using but aren't. It's the middle ground between doing nothing and going full helmet hair.

When wax works: If you want your hair to look styled but still natural, wax is it. It gives you control without making your hair stiff or shiny. You can restyle it throughout the day if you need to.

The finish: Matte or low shine, depending on the wax. It looks like you have good hair, not like you used a bunch of product.

The flexibility: This is the big selling point. You can run your fingers through your hair and reshape it. Go to the gym at lunch, mess up your hair, fix it in two seconds. That doesn't work with gel or pomade.

Best for: Almost everyone, honestly. Especially guys with short to medium hair who want a textured, messy, or casual look. Works great for the "I woke up like this but actually spent five minutes on it" vibe.

How to use it: Rub a small amount between your hands until it warms up. Apply to dry or slightly damp hair. Work it through with your fingers, not a comb, for the most natural look.

The downside is it can feel a bit heavy if you use too much, and some waxes are hard to wash out. But overall, it's the most versatile option.

Pomade: For That Classic, Slicked Look

Pomade is having a comeback because everyone wants to look like they walked out of the 1950s or a trendy barbershop Instagram account.

When pomade works: Slicked-back hair, side parts, pompadours—anything smooth and shiny. If you're going for a vintage, polished, intentional look, pomade does it better than anything else.

The shine factor: This is pomade's whole thing. It makes your hair look wet and glossy in a controlled way. Not greasy, just shiny and smooth.

Two types matter: Water-based pomade washes out easily with regular shampoo. Oil-based pomade gives you better shine and hold but is a pain to wash out—you might need to shampoo twice or use dish soap (yes, really).

Best for: Guys with medium to thick hair who want a classic, groomed look. Works especially well if you're going for something formal or retro-styled.

How to use it: Start with a tiny amount on dry or slightly damp hair. Comb it through for a smooth finish. You can add more if needed, but it's easier to add than to remove.

The problem with pomade is it can weigh down fine or thin hair, making it look flat. And oil-based pomades are legitimately annoying to get out of your hair.

So Which One Should You Actually Use?

It depends on your hair and what you're trying to do with it.

You have thick, straight hair: You can use any of them. Try wax for casual days, pomade for formal events, gel if you need maximum hold.

You have fine or thin hair: Stick with wax. Gel and pomade will weigh your hair down and make it look thinner. Wax adds texture without killing volume.

You have curly or wavy hair: Wax or light pomade. Gel will make your curls crunchy and weird. You want something that defines without stiffening.

You want a natural, casual look: Wax, no question.

You want a formal, polished look: Pomade for shine, gel for maximum hold.

You're lazy and want something easy: Wax. It's the most forgiving and easiest to fix if you mess it up.

What Most Guys Get Wrong

Using way too much product. Start with a small amount—like, smaller than you think. You can always add more. You can't take it out once it's in your hair.

Applying it to the wrong hair. Gel works on damp hair. Wax and pomade work better on dry or slightly damp hair. If you're doing it wrong, the product won't work right.

Not washing it out properly. Product buildup makes your hair look greasy and can actually cause scalp problems. Wash your hair properly, especially if you're using pomade or heavy wax.

Using the same product for everything. Your casual Saturday look and your job interview look probably shouldn't use the same product. Have at least two options.

Buying based on price alone. Cheap products often have bad ingredients that make your hair look worse over time. You don't need the most expensive stuff, but don't just grab the $3 bottle either.

The Stuff Nobody Tells You

Your haircut matters more than your product. The best wax in the world won't fix a bad haircut. Get a cut that works with your hair type, then use product to enhance it.

Different products work at different lengths. As your hair grows out, you might need to switch products. What worked at week one might not work at week four.

Season matters too. Gel and pomade can get weird in Toronto summers when it's humid. Wax handles humidity better.

Ask your barber what they used. When your barber styles your hair and it looks great, ask what product they used and how much. That's your baseline for doing it at home.

The Simple Answer

If you're reading this and still don't know what to buy, get a matte wax. It's the most versatile, the most forgiving, and it works for the widest range of styles and hair types.

Use a small amount. Apply it to dry hair. Work it through with your fingers. That'll get you 80% of the way there.

Then, if you want to experiment with pomade for formal events or gel for specific styles, go for it. But wax should be your everyday default.

Not sure what product works for your hair type and style? Book with JDED and we'll show you exactly what to use and how to apply it, plus give you a cut that actually works with the products you're using.