The Best Pomades in Australia
Pomade is one of the most versatile styling products available — but with so many formulas, finishes and hold levels on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. The difference between a classic shine pomade and a matte clay is significant, and picking the wrong one for your hair type makes even a good product feel average.
Below are our top picks across three formats, followed by a guide to help you choose.
Best Classic Pomades (Shine Finish)
Classic pomades deliver a slick, polished finish with medium to firm hold. They work best on short to medium hair and are the go-to for defined styles, slick backs, side parts and anything that needs to hold its shape while looking groomed rather than textured.
Best overall: Beard & Blade Pomade 100ml Our own water-based formulation with medium hold and a natural shine finish. Easy to work through the hair, washes out cleanly, and performs well across most hair types. A reliable everyday pomade at a fair price point.
Best for defined styles: Uppercut Deluxe Pomade One of the most popular pomades we stock, and for good reason. Strong hold with a high shine finish that keeps structured styles locked in all day. Works particularly well on thicker hair or anyone who needs serious staying power.
Best firm hold: Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade A cult product with a dedicated following. Extra firm hold with a medium shine that suits slick backs, quiffs and any style that needs to stay exactly where you put it. Still water-based so it washes out without leaving residue.
Best Matte & Clay Pomades
Matte and clay pomades prioritise texture and a natural finish over shine. They suit modern, undone styles — think tousled, textured, or deliberately casual looks. Clay-based formulas add extra grip and thickness which makes them particularly good for fine hair that needs body.
Best matte pomade: Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade The matte counterpart to the classic Uppercut. Same reliable hold, zero shine. A clean, natural finish that works well on most lengths and suits styles where you want the hair to look effortless rather than styled.
Best value matte: King Brown Matte Pomade 70g A solid everyday matte pomade from Australian brand King Brown. Good hold, natural finish, and easy to rework throughout the day. A practical choice if you want a quality matte product without paying premium prices.
Best clay pomade: Beard & Blade Clay Pomade 100ml Our clay-based formulation with a firm hold and completely matte finish. The clay adds texture and thickness that works exceptionally well on fine or limp hair. Apply to damp hair for maximum volume, or dry hair for a more controlled, structured result.
Best premium clay: Baxter of California Clay Pomade A benchmark clay pomade from one of the most respected names in men's grooming. Strong hold, matte finish, and a consistency that makes it easy to distribute evenly through the hair. Worth the premium price for anyone who uses clay daily.
How to Choose: Shine, Matte or Clay?
Shine pomade suits slick, defined styles where you want the hair to look groomed and intentional. Best on short to medium hair with a natural texture. If you're going for a side part, slick back or anything that requires structure and polish, start here.
Matte pomade suits modern, natural-looking styles where you want hold without the appearance of product in your hair. Works across most lengths and hair types. A good default if you're not sure where to start.
Clay pomade suits anyone who wants texture, volume and hold with zero shine. Particularly good for fine or thin hair where you need the product to add body, not just hold. Also the best option for very short or textured styles where grip matters more than flexibility.
How to Apply Pomade
For shine pomades: Work a small amount through dry hair using your fingers or a comb. Start with less than you think you need — you can always add more.
For matte and clay pomades: Apply to slightly damp hair for maximum hold and texture, or dry hair for a more relaxed result. Warm the product between your palms first to soften it, then work through from roots to ends.
Both formats can be reworked throughout the day by running your hands through your hair. Water-based pomades respond well to a small amount of water to reactivate.
The Bottom Line
For most people, a water-based matte pomade is the most versatile starting point — it suits the widest range of hair types and styles without committing to a high-shine finish. Start with the Beard & Blade Clay Pomade or Uppercut Matte if you're new to the format. For classic shine styles, the Beard & Blade Pomade or Uppercut Deluxe are both hard to go wrong with.
Browse the full range of pomades and hair styling products at Beard & Blade. Free delivery Australia wide.
