Pomade and wax aren't the same thing. They look similar in the container, they both style your hair, but they work completely differently and deliver totally different results.
Pomade is smoother, adds shine, and works best for slicked styles or polished looks. Wax is thicker, gives you a matte finish, and works better for textured, messy styles.
That's the short answer. Here's everything else you need to know to pick the right one.
What Pomade Actually Is
Pomade is a smooth, gel-like product that's been around since the early 1900s. Traditional pomades were oil-based and gave hair that slick, shiny, "just left the barbershop" look you see in old movies.
Modern pomades come in two types: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based pomades are thicker, shinier, and don't wash out easily. Water-based pomades give you similar shine and hold but rinse out with regular shampoo.
What pomade does: Adds shine, provides medium to strong hold depending on the brand, keeps hair in place all day, and works especially well on straight or slightly wavy hair.
What pomade looks like on your hair: Slick, polished, intentional. If you're going for a side part, a slicked back look, or anything where you want visible shine and structure, pomade is what you need.
What pomade feels like: Smooth and slightly greasy when you rub it between your hands. It spreads easily through your hair and doesn't clump or get sticky if you use the right amount.
What Wax Actually Is
Wax is thicker and drier than pomade. It's usually made from beeswax, petroleum, or synthetic waxes mixed with other ingredients to give it flexibility.
Wax doesn't add shine. It creates texture and separation. If pomade makes your hair look like you just styled it carefully, wax makes it look like you didn't try at all even though you did.
What wax does: Provides strong hold with a matte finish, adds texture and definition to individual strands, works well on short to medium hair, and gives you that "just ran my hands through it" look.
What wax looks like on your hair: Natural, textured, slightly messy in a good way. No shine, just definition and movement. If you want your hair to look like hair instead of looking styled, wax is what you're after.
What wax feels like: Thick and a bit stubborn when you scoop it out of the container. You need to warm it up between your hands to make it pliable before you can work it through your hair.
The Key Differences Side by Side
Finish: Pomade gives you shine. Wax gives you matte.
Texture: Pomade is smooth and slick. Wax is thick and creates separation.
Hold: Both can give you strong hold, but they hold differently. Pomade keeps everything in place smoothly. Wax holds while letting hair move and have texture.
Best hair types: Pomade works on most hair types but shines on straight or wavy hair. Wax works better on thicker, coarser hair that needs texture.
Washability: Water-based pomade rinses out easily. Oil-based pomade takes multiple washes. Wax is somewhere in between, it comes out with one good shampooing but you'll feel it until you wash.
Styling: Pomade works best on damp hair. Wax works on dry hair.
When to Use Pomade
Use pomade when you want a polished, put-together look. Think side parts, slicked back styles, pompadours, anything where you want clear structure and shine.
Pomade is the move for professional settings where you need to look sharp. Job interviews, client meetings, formal events. It gives you that "I take care of myself" look without being flashy about it.
It also works if you have thinner or finer hair and want it to look fuller. The shine pomade creates adds dimension that makes hair look thicker than it actually is.
Toronto winter consideration: Pomade can get stiff in very cold weather if you're using oil-based versions. Water-based pomades handle cold better and don't freeze up when you're walking outside in January.
When to Use Wax
Use wax when you want texture and a natural finish. Messy styles, textured crops, anything where you want your hair to look like hair instead of looking "done."
Wax is better for casual situations. Weekends, going out with friends, any time you want to look good without looking like you spent time on it.
It works especially well on shorter cuts where you need the hair to stand up or hold shape without looking wet or shiny. Fades with textured tops, French crops, anything with 2-3 inches on top benefits from wax over pomade.
Toronto winter consideration: Wax doesn't freeze or change texture in cold weather. It works the same in December as it does in July, which makes it more reliable if you're commuting or spending time outside.
What About Clay and Paste?
You've probably seen these too and wondered where they fit.
Clay is basically wax with added clay minerals. It gives you an even more matte finish than regular wax and absorbs oil, which makes it perfect for guys with oily hair or scalps. Clay also adds volume because it thickens individual hair strands.
Paste sits between pomade and wax. It has some shine but not as much as pomade. It has some texture but not as much as wax. If you can't decide between pomade and wax, paste is the safe middle ground.
For most guys, the choice is really between pomade and wax. Clay and paste are just variations on those two base categories.
How Much to Actually Use
This is where most guys screw up. They use way too much product and their hair looks greasy or stiff.
For pomade: Start with a dime-sized amount. Rub it between your palms until it's smooth and slightly warm. Apply to damp hair, working from back to front. Add more only if you need it. Most guys use half of what they think they need.
For wax: Start with a pea-sized amount. Warm it up between your hands until it's soft and spreadable. Apply to dry hair, focusing on the ends and surface rather than the roots. Work it through with your fingers to create texture.
You can always add more. You can't take it out once it's in. Start small.
Can You Use Both?
Yes. Some guys use pomade as a base for structure and shine, then add a tiny bit of wax on top for texture. This works if you want a polished look with some movement.
But for most guys, pick one. Using both every day is overkill and makes your hair feel heavy and coated.
Which One Do Barbers Use?
Walk into any barbershop and you'll see both on the shelf. At Rendezvous we stock both because different cuts need different products.
We use pomade when we're styling slicked looks, side parts, or anything where we want that classic barbershop shine. We use wax when we're finishing textured crops, messy styles, or anything where the natural matte look is the goal.
Your barber picks based on your cut, not personal preference. If you're getting a fade with texture on top, they'll probably reach for wax. If you're getting a side part or a pompadour, they'll use pomade.
When you book your cut, ask what they're using and why. Most barbers are happy to explain and will even send you home with a recommendation.
How to Choose for Yourself
Ask yourself what look you're going for. Shiny and polished? Pomade. Natural and textured? Wax.
Think about your hair type. Fine or thin hair? Pomade adds shine that creates the illusion of thickness. Thick or coarse hair? Wax gives you control without weighing it down.
Consider your lifestyle. Need to look professional daily? Pomade. Want something more casual and low-maintenance? Wax.
And honestly, just try both. Buy a cheap version of each, test them out over a couple weeks, and see which one you reach for more often. You'll know pretty quickly which one works better for your hair and your routine.
The Mistakes Guys Make
Using pomade on dry hair. Pomade works best on damp hair because it spreads more evenly and creates a smoother finish. On dry hair it can look clumpy.
Using too much wax. Wax is concentrated. A little goes a long way. Too much makes your hair look stiff and unnatural.
Not washing it out properly. Both pomade and wax need to be washed out at the end of the day. Sleeping with product buildup in your hair leads to greasy, dirty-looking hair and scalp issues.
Expecting the same results from different products. Not all pomades are created equal. Same with wax. Quality matters. Cheap products give you cheap results.
Book your appointment today at any Rendezvous location. We'll recommend the right product for your cut and show you exactly how to use it. You'll leave knowing what to buy, how much to use, and how to make it work with your specific hair.
