Article updated: April 26, 2023
When it comes to styling pomades, not every guy is looking for a high-gloss shine.
There are a growing number of men, myself included, that prefer the more natural look and feel offered by a matte finish pomade.
While a shiny head of hair can be great for certain occasions – it can appear totally overkill for normal day to day activities such as the gym, work, or grocery store.
Simply put – sometimes we just want our hair pomade to offer hold and control, without looking like a high-gloss paint job.
Below is my list of best matte finish pomades for men. Each one is formulated to provide all-day hold, while leaving hair with a more natural, shine-free, matte finish.
The List:
- Hair Craft Co. – Matte Clay Pomade
- Suavecito – Shine Free Matte Pomade
- Baxter of California – Matte Clay Pomade
- Con Moto – Matte Paste Pomade
- Jovinno – All-Natural Matte Pomade
- Blind Barber – 90 Proof Matte Pomade
- Challenger – Matte Cream Pomade
- Beard and Lady – Mythical Pomade
Best Matte Finish Pomades for Men Reviewed
Hair Craft Co. – Matte Clay Pomade
If you’re looking for a true matte finish pomade with absolutely zero shine, I recommend you take a good look at Hair Craft Clay Pomade for men. This lightweight pomade offers medium hold, and is perfect for guys seeking a more natural look and feel to their hair. If you’re looking for a rock hard, immovable finish, this is not the pomade for you. Hair Craft Clay Pomade is designed to keep your style looking touch-ably soft and natural, but still does a great job of keeping hair in place throughout the day. That means you can freely run your hands through your hair without compromising your look. Offered in a 2.8 ounce screw top jar and very reasonably priced, Hair Craft gets 3 thumbs up for performance, quality, and affordability.
What I like about Hair Craft Clay Pomade:
• No white flakes or residue
One of the most common complaints men have about pomade is that can leave white flakes and residue in the hair. Thankfully that is not an issue with Hair Craft Clay Pomade. This stuff provides all-day flexible hold and control, without drying out and causing unsightly flakes or residue.
• Natural look and feel
Aside from the great matte finish, Hair Craft Pomade leaves hair looking and feeling soft throughout the day, while still providing plenty of control. It’s a great option for men who prefer a natural look to their style, but still want a strong, all-day hold.
• Earth based ingredients (no chemicals)
One of the things I really like about Hair Craft Clay Pomade is their use of premium, natural ingredients. What’s inside:
- Beeswax – Aside from providing hold and control, beeswax is full of vitamin A and helps nourish and moisturize hair and scalp.
- Bentonite clay – Full of natural minerals that help moisturize, soften and condition hair, and even helps encourage new hair growth. It also contains antimicrobial properties and is known to reduce scalp irritation and flakes.
- Kaolin clay – Helps strengthen hair and improve elasticity. It’s also known to soothe the scalp and help treat flaking and dandruff.
• Affordable
Great pomades tend to be very expensive, but that’s not the case with Hair Craft Clay Pomade. Even though it’s a premium performing matte finish pomade, it’s priced very affordably. It’s one of those rare situations where you get more than what you pay for.
Suavecito – Shine Free Matte Pomade
Suavecito understands that not every guy wants their hair to have a high gloss shine. That’s why they formulated this medium hold matte pomade for men. The shine free formula offers all-day flexible hold, without leaving hair feeling hard, crispy, or crunchy. And don’t worry about annoying white flakes with Suavecito. The lightweight, water based formula doesn’t dry out or leave hair in a flakey white mess. When it comes to styling – the smooth, creamy texture of this pomade makes it very easy to work with and does a good job of holding like a wax, but easily washes out with water like a gel. Available in a 4 ounce jar and very affordably priced, Suavecito Pomade is an excellent choice when it comes to matte finish pomades for men.
What I like about Suavecito Matte Pomade:
• A little goes a long way
One of the things that I really like about Suavecito Matte Pomade is that you don’t need to use much of it to achieve an all-day hold. The water-based formula is slightly tacky, but works through the hair quickly and easily once you warm it up between your palms. This allows for full and even distribution with minimal product use.
• Easy to wash out
One of the things that made Suavacito’s original pomade so great was how quick and easy it was to wash out of the hair. And like the original, this matte version washes out just as easy. All you need is a little warm water and this stuff quickly melts away without any residue left behind.
• Inexpensive
While it’s not going to be quite as cheap as some of the crap you find at the grocery store, Suavecito Matte Pomade is very affordably priced – especially when you consider it’s quality and performance.
Baxter of California – Matte Clay Pomade
Give your hair style the matte finish you’re looking for with Baxter of California Clay Pomade for men. This firm hold styling clay is perfect for molded and sculpted styles or the messy, un-done look. While the firm hold formula does a great job of keeping styles neatly in place, hair isn’t left feeling hard, crispy, or crunchy. And like all Baxter of California products, this Clay Pomade utilizes a combination of unique, premium ingredients to achieve the desired effect. What’s inside: bentonite clay, beeswax, kaolin clay, macadamia nut oil, castor oil, fennel oil, and sage oil. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a firm hold, long lasting, matte pomade for men, Baxter of California does not disappoint.
What I like about Baxter of California Clay Pomade:
• Premium ingredients
One of the things that helps Baxter of California Clay Pomade stand apart from the crowd is the fact that it’s formulated with premium hair beneficial ingredients, including:
- Bentonite clay – Contains natural minerals that help condition, moisturize, and soften hair, and can even help promote new hair growth. It also contains antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate scalp irritation, flakes, and dandruff.
- Beeswax – Contains a ton of vitamin A, and is known for it’s hair conditioning and moisturizing properties.
- Kaolin clay – Helps strengthen hair, improve elasticity, and is even effective at eliminating dry skin and dandruff.
- Macadamia nut oil – Full of hair and skin beneficial fatty acids that nourish and strengthen hair follicles, while helping to prevent the loss of moisture in the scalp.
- Castor oil – Contains antioxidants that help fight damaging free radicals. And also helps moisturize hair and scalp.
- Fennel oil – Contains nutrients and antioxidants that help strengthen hair.
- Sage oil – Contains moisturizing and conditioning properties that help improve hair health and can even help prevent dandruff.
• Award winning
Winner of the Best Styling Product award in Men’s Health Magazine, and winner of the Reader’s Choice award for Best Hair Wax. ‘Nuff said.
Con Moto – Matte Paste Pomade
When it comes to pomades, the Canada based brand Con Moto knows a thing or two about quality. They specialize in a variety of unique hair pomades for men that are designed to offer top notch performance, while containing a bunch of hair and scalp beneficial ingredients. If you’re looking for a matte finish pomade, I suggest you check out their matte Paste Pomade for men. It’s specifically formulated to offer a firm, strong hold, while keeping hair looking soft, natural, and pliable throughout the day. No hard or crunchy texture here. In regards to it’s workability, Con Moto Paste Pomade applies smoothly and evenly, and doesn’t leave any annoying clumps behind. While it is a little on the pricey side (my one negative) I definitely give Con Moto Paste Pomade two thumbs up for quality and performance.
What I like about Con Moto Matte Paste Pomade:
• Premium ingredients
Aside from it’s awesome performance and hold, one of the things that helps Con Moto Paste Pomade stand above the rest is premium, natural ingredients that you likely won’t find in other pomades. What’s inside:
- Creatine – Helps stimulate protein synthesis which plays an important role in hair health and growth.
- Biotin – A B vitamin that helps improve the body’s keratin infrastructure which can result in improved hair health and growth.
- Lanolin – An emollient that nourishes and hydrates due to it’s ability to attract moisture to the hair and scalp and lock it in.
• Made in small batches
Considering so many men’s grooming products are massed produced nowadays, I really like the fact that Con Moto’s pomades are handcrafted in small batches. Not only does this help ensure consistent quality, but you can rest assured any pomade you receive from Con Moto is fresh.
Jovinno – All-Natural Matte Pomade
If you’re looking for the best matte finish pomade and all-natural ingredients are important to you, then look no further than Jovinno pomade for men. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, Jovinno provides a strong, all-day hold and leaves hair with a completely shine-free, matte finish. Featuring a water-based formula, Jovinno is a smooth, clear pomade, and is very easy to work with. While it does have a thick, jelly like consistency, it’s very easy to spread through the hair, and surprisingly doesn’t feel sticky or tacky. It’s also very easy to wash out with water. Performance aside, one of the things that really caught my attention about Jovinno is the fact that it’s only formulated with safe, all-natural ingredients, including: hemp seed oil, marshmallow root, calendula, rosemary, and flax seed. Bottom line: this is the best all-natural matte finish pomade, period.
What I like about Jovinno Matte Pomade:
• All-natural ingredients
What’s not to like about all-natural ingredients? Jovinno formulates this pomade with a blend of safe, effective ingredients that provide an all-day hold, with a natural looking matte finish. What’s inside:
- Hemp seed oil – Full of omega fatty acids that helps support hair health and growth.
- Marshmallow root – High in plant proteins, marshmallow root promotes healthy hair and scalp, and it also helps Jovinno Pomade spread easily and evenly due to it’s slippery consistency.
- Calendula oil – Extracted from marigold flowers, calendula oil helps alleviate dry skin and dandruff, and also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
- Rosemary – Has been shown to help stimulate hair growth when applied topically, and is also believed to help alleviate dry skin and dandruff.
- Flax seed – Full of omega fatty acids, flax seed helps nourish hair and scalp and even helps strengthen hair by improving it’s elasticity.
• A little goes a long way
So this isn’t the cheapest pomade in the world, but on the plus side, a jar of this stuff lasts. That’s because you don’t need to use much to get the job done. The thick, jelly like consistency is easy to work through the hair and covers a lot of ground without having to cake it on. This means you can get away with using less product per use – effectively prolonging the lifespan of the jar.
Blind Barber – 90 Proof Matte Pomade
Blind Barber 90 Proof pomade is truly a unique edition to this list due to the ingredients that it contains. It’s infused with aromatic tonka beans and hops (yes, hops), that give this matte finish pomade some unique characteristics that you won’t find with other brands. Similar in fragrance to vanilla and almonds, Tonka beans add a subtle sweet/spicy fragrance that smells really great (and masculine) in the hair. And if you thought hops were only good for brewing beer, think again. When added to hair care products, hops are known for their ability to condition, and even help increase volume, for a thicker, fuller appearance. In regards to performance, Blind Barber pomade offers a strong, all-day hold that doesn’t leave hair feeling hard or crunchy. The smooth, slightly thick texture is easy to work with, and leaves a very natural looking matte finish. It’s also really easy to wash out. Bottom line: Blind or not, this barber knows his shit.
What I like about Blind Barber Matte Pomade:
• Smells awesome
One of the first things you’ll notice about Blind Barber Pomade is the warm, slightly sweet/spicy fragrance. It smells rugged and masculine, and is the perfect touch to this premium matte finish pomade.
• Washes out easily
No need to stock up on shampoo when using this pomade. That’s because Blind Barber utilizes a water-based formula that is very quick and easy to wash out of the hair without any unpleasant residue left behind.
• It lasts all day
Just because it’s easy to wash out of the hair, doesn’t mean the hold doesn’t last. Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade features a strong hold that lasts as long as you want it to. One application in the morning is more than enough to see your style through to your next shower (or rainstorm).
Challenger – Matte Cream Pomade
Definitely one of the easiest pomades on this list to work with, Challenger Matte cream pomade is certainly worth a try if you care about quality and performance. And who doesn’t, right? This medium-firm hold pomade is perfect for gentleman who’s style requires something with a little oomph behind it’s holding power, but doesn’t leave hair looking like a rock hard, shiny mess. The smooth, creamy texture (Cream Pomade, duh) feels very lightweight, and non-greasy between the fingers, and spreads easily and evenly through the hair, without leaving any annoying clumps in it’s wake. And since it’s so easy to work with, I find that you really don’t need to use much to achieve a strong, all-day hold. Available in two sizes (1.5oz, 3oz) and featuring a fresh, clean fragrance – Challenger Matte is simply an excellent choice when it comes to matte finish pomades for men.
What I like about Challenger Matte Cream Pomade:
• Doesn’t flake or clump
Pomades are one of the best styling products for men but they aren’t without their faults. A few of the most common complaints you’ll find with cheaper pomades are flaking and clumping. Thankfully Challenger Cream Pomade doesn’t have either of those problems. The smooth creamy texture applies easily and evenly without leaving any clumps behind, and the water based formula provides all-day hold without drying out and causing unsightly flakes.
• Easy to wash out
No guys wants to spend a ton of time in the shower repeatedly shampooing his hair. That’s just one of the reasons why I like Challenger Cream Pomade so much. The water-based formulation allows it to be rinsed from the hair quickly and easily with a just little bit of warm water.
Beard and Lady – Mythical Pomade
If you thought finding the perfect matte finish pomade was nothing more than a myth, then you clearly never tried Mythical Pomade by Beard and Lady. This medium hold, matte finish pomade is the answer to achieving a wide range of styles, while leaving hair looking and feeling soft and natural. The versatile, lightweight formula is suitable for pretty much any hair type including: thick, thin, curly, or straight, and even contains conditioning ingredients that help nourish and hydrate hair and scalp. In regards to texture and consistency, Mythical Pomade features a smooth, white, creamy texture that allows for easy workability and styling. I also want to point out that a little bit of it goes a long way, which means a jar of this stuff lasts.
What I like about Beard and Lady Mythical Pomade:
• Contains moisturizing ingredients
When it comes to hair styling products we often overlook whether or not the product is actually good or bad for our hair and scalp. Thankfully Beard and Lady has got our back and included highly moisturizing ingredients in their Mythical Pomade. What’s inside:
- Argan oil – A plant oil that’s produced from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, argan oil is very high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. It’s commonly used in hair and body products for it’s ability to nourish, moisturize, and hydrate hair and skin.
- Jojoba oil – A liquid that’s produced in the seeds of an American shrub, jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins E and B, and is known for it’s ability moisturize skin and hair.
• Reasonably priced
I really like when I find a premium performing product that doesn’t cost a small fortune. Mythical Pomade comes in a bigger than average 4 ounce jar, and is very reasonably priced considering it’s performance and quality.
Types of Pomade
As you probably noticed from the above list – not all pomades are created equal. While all are intended to serve the same primary function (hold and control) there are plenty of minor nuances between the different types of pomade formulations.
Here is a quick look at the most common types of pomade available on the market today:
Oil-Based Pomade
Oil based pomade is generally considered the original pomade. If you think back to a 50’s movies (think Grease), the product men were using to achieve those slicked back, or pompadour hairstyles was likely an oil based pomade.
Performance wise, oil-based pomade offers hold accordingly and is readily available in light, medium, firm, and heavy hold options.
Traditionally speaking, oil-based pomades are known for offering a good amount of shine, but there are plenty of low-shine, and matte finish options available nowadays too.
One of the benefits of using an oil-based pomade is having the ability to re-work your style throughout the day, because the product never fully dries. On the flip-side, it’s important to note that oil-based pomades can be quite difficult to wash out of the hair.
Water-Based Pomade
Very similar in performance to oil-based pomade, water-based pomade offers plenty of hold, control, and re-workability, but with one big difference – it’s much easier to wash out of the hair.
Because of this, water-based pomades are one of the most popular pomades available on the market.
Clay Pomade
Clay pomades are a great option if you’re looking for a more natural, matte finish to your style. They are readily available in light, medium, and firm hold options, and do a great job of adding texture and separation.
Wax Pomade
Very similar in performance to oil-based pomade, wax pomade is great for slicked back styles and pompadours. Some men even have success with it for creating spikes, and contours.
The downside of wax pomade is that it tends to be very sticky and messy. It can also be a pain in the ass to wash out of the hair.
Cream Pomade
Cream pomades are generally the easiest type of pomade to work with, and are great for a variety of hair styles depending on the hold you choose.
One of the things that’s great about cream pomades is that they are lightweight, and very easy to work through the hair. They are also easy to wash out as well.
Hold & Shine
In regards to hold and shine, these factors ultimately come down to personal preference. It’s important to note that a medium hold pomade in one brand isn’t going to offer the exact same medium hold in another brand. Same goes for shine.
At the end of the day sometimes a little bit of trial and error is required to find the perfect pomade for your needs and style.
Thanks for checking out my list of best matte finish pomades for a shine free hold. If you found this article helpful, check out my list of best strong hold hair gels for men. As always, if you have any comments or questions, drop me a line in the comment section below.