10 Best Wave Grease in 2024 (Top Pomades for Black Hair)

Wave cream, gel, or pomade should be lightweight, have a strong wave hold and rinse out fast.

So?

What do you look for when shopping for hair grease?

If the features I've mentioned tops your list, you'll find valuable information in this review. We've analyzed top wave greases based on such product features.

It's a thorough, informative review, and in it, we've ranked Sportin' Waves as the best wave grease for three reasons. We've explained below.

10 Best Products For 360 Waves Reviewed

1. Sportin' Waves - Best Overall

I'll start by listing the three reasons that made Sportin' Waves Pomade our best overall pomade.

First, it's one of the cheapest pomades in the market so you can use as much as you want and still afford more. But, you may not even need an extra tub as you use a small amount every round.

Two, who doesn't know Softsheen Carson is a leading brand in hair grooming? This brand is the name behind this pomade.

Three…

As a bonus point, Sportin' Waves has a faint fragrance that doesn't linger.

Since it's a pomade, it might take a few more minutes to rinse out. However, the extra minute or so will ensure you have no residue so that your scalp can breathe.

Pros

• Excellent hold
• For short and wavy hair
• Leaves no residue
• Lightweight mixture
• A wave grease from a leading grooming brand

Cons

• Difficult to rinse out

Takeaway

The holding power of Sportin' Waves is commendable. On top of that, you apply a small amount, its scent isn't overpowering, and it's affordable.

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2. Lusters S-Curl - Best Budget Option

Lusters S-Curl is a 360 waves pomade; therefore, you're getting a formulation that's suitable for your present hairstyle. To that effect, it's lightweight, and it washes out easily as product build-up can cause scalp irritation.

What's more, Lusters S-Curl is a good wave grease as it's malleable and it spreads effortlessly.

Pros

• You'll have shiny, healthy waves
• Easy to spread out
• No greasy residue on your hands
• Lightweight

Cons

• It doesn't hold waves for long
• May irritate a sensitive scalp

Takeaway

You know it's a keeper when it doesn't leave your hands and brush handles greasy. Lusters S-Curl doesn't leave product residue, and it's easy to spread.

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3. Suavetico Oil-Based Pomade - Best Oil-Based Grease

Suavetico is a market leader, and it has a range of pomades. Of these, the oil-based pomade has the best shine because it has beeswax and petroleum jelly.

But, that's a small problem given that you'll have enjoyed firm 360 waves the whole day.

Pros

• Your waves will have a stunning shine.
• The pomade stays on for hours.
• You need a small amount every round.

Cons

• The oil in it makes it difficult to wash out.

Takeaway

If there's a task that'll bore you when managing your 360 waves, it's restyling during the day. Hence, using a pomade like Suavetico that holds your 360s firm, whether it rains or shines, prevents that dilemma.

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4. Layrite Superhold Pomade - Best Natural Ingredients

For perfect 360s, Layrite Superhold Pomade produces a ripple effect all around your hair. It's great even on thick, coarse hair grouped in 4C hair type.

When you use it, you'll be managing your hair with a blend of natural ingredients like coconut and castor oil, both excellent in moisturizing and treating a dry scalp.

Further, to rinse it out, you only need water. This pomade works even in humid weather where thick hair seems to have a mind of its own. Lastly, Layrite is a leading brand in grooming products, with over 20 years in the industry, so you're getting the best from the best.

Pros

• Non-greasy
• Not a hardening gel
• Lasts long
• A firm hold on hair

Cons

• Too much of it can cause flakes
• The vanilla scent is strong

Takeaway

Coarse hair needs a pomade that moisturizes it as it firms the 360s. Derived from coconut and castor oils, this Layrite Pomade is one of the best natural hair products for 360 waves. It keeps your hair healthy and holds the waves firmly throughout the day.

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5. Reuzel Pomade - Best For Variety

This grease suits thick and curly hair, which is the hair of most African American men with 360 waves. If you don't know whether to get a heavy or medium hold, low or medium shine, Reuzel has a collection of pomades for each of the features I've mentioned.

This particular one in our review is a strong-hold, medium-shine, oil-based pomade. Sounds like a mouthful? Don't worry, I'll explain. It'll make your waves pop, but it won't make them shine excessively.

On top of that, it'll make your hair shine throughout, unlike the case with water-based pomades.

Pros

• Heavy hold for hours
• An oil-based formulation that holds regardless of the weather
• Thick beeswax pomade, so you only use a little
• Excellent on thick hair

Cons

• The oil-based formulation is difficult to scoop out
• It'll need shampoo to wash it out

Takeaway

Reuzel gives you a heavy hold to last throughout the day. It also softens and shines your hair.

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6. Cantu Shea Butter Pomade - Best Cream Pomade

When you have hemp seed oil, shea butter, and coconut oil in one pomade, you'll not complain about dry hair. Cantu Shea Butter Pomade is the best wave grease for nappy hair because it has this combination.

Such can make wave formation painful and unattainable because you can't brush an irritated scalp.

Also, this pomade is non-greasy, and it leaves no residue on your waves.

Pros

• Lightweight grease
• Masculine scented
• No product build-up
• Softens even coarse hair
• Moisturizes your hair

Cons

• The hold isn't long-lasting; therefore, you may use more pomade.

Takeaway

Cantu Shea Butter Pomade has natural ingredients like coconut and hemp seed oil to moisturize your hair. Such natural ingredients are excellent on coarse hair as it needs additional moisture.

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7. Pacinos Pomade - Best Clay Pomade

Waves are sleek, so if you add more grease to them, they don't have a natural-looking shine. Thus, Pacinos doesn't have extra shine because it's a matte paste; it enhances what you have already.

Pacinos Pomade does that, and it's so easy to apply as all you do is rub it between your palms and grease your wet hair.

Pros

• Lovely scent, not overpowering
• Easy to apply on any hair type
• Suitable for both long and short hair
• Water-soluble for easy removal

Cons

• A bit expensive

Takeaway

No one wants overly shiny hair. Hence, Pacinos gives you a medium shine, and it's for both long and short hair. It's water-soluble, so it washes out of your hair fast.

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8. Rocky Mountain - Best Water-Based Pomade

There's a lot more pomade in this one than in other tubs, as it comes in a 5-ounce tub. Further, its light, pleasant scent won't compete with your aftershave or cologne.

The wave hold is outstanding and long-lasting, given that Rocky Mountain contains beeswax.

Sometimes, you may notice clumps, but they clear out as you brush your hair. Finally, this grease washes out fast when you shampoo your hair. 

Pros

• Firm hold that lasts
• Good for thick hair
• Travel-sized tub

Cons

• The firm hold lasts for about 10 hours.

Takeaway

A pomade that lasts for about 10 hours is excellent as that's even two hours over an average working day. Additionally, Rocky Mountain Pomade comes in a pocket-sized tub that you can carry with you when out longer than 10 hours.

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9. Hair Craft Gel Pomade - Best For Semi-Matte Finish

Who wants to reapply pomade during the day? It's a process we all prefer to do once and go on with other activities.

Hair Craft Gel Pomade promises you can stop worrying about your waves as soon as you apply this water-soluble pomade in the morning. It's for all hair types, even thick, curly hair.

Pros

• Semi-matte finish for a natural shine
• Dries fast to prevent grease build-up
• Easy to wash out
• A pleasant, masculine scent that isn't overpowering
• A firm hold that lasts all-day

Cons

• Thick hair uses a lot of it.

Takeaway

Your hair will absorb this gel-like pomade quickly, and it'll hold your waves. The semi-matte finish will make your 360 waves shine naturally.

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10. Cold Label - Best Wolfing Pomade

Wolfing can turn your hair into an unmanageable, textured mess, so with pomade, you have a firm hold to keep your hair under control. You'll only need a small amount of Cold Label Pomade every round, so one tub will serve you for a long time.

Another feature worth noting:

Additionally, this pomade is lightweight; thus, it won't change your wave pattern.

The ingredients in it will also boost hair strength and growth. It has tea tree oil for antifungal properties, lavender oil for hair growth, and shea butter to reduce scalp irritation.

Hence, after wolfing for a few weeks, you'll have stronger hair that can withstand daily brushing.

Pros

• An appealing shine
• The firm hold keeps your strands together for hours.
• A formulation for healthy hair and scalp
• No greasy build-up after use

Cons

• Heavy, it can cause build-up.

Takeaway

Pomade is not as light as moisturizing oil, so it might feel heavy as you scoop it. To prevent build-up, use a small amount of Cold Label Pomade for an unmatched hold and sheen. It's what you need during the wolfing stage.

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We've reviewed some of the best products for 360 waves, so now we turn our attention to features that differentiate these products.

Thus...

Tips On How To Choose The Best Wave Grease

There are so many products in the market that you have to compare at least three of them. When doing so, here are a few tips.

Look Out For Harmful Ingredients

When thinking about the best way to get waves, you still have to worry about hair moisture and hair growth. Consequently, the ingredients in your pomade should boost hair health. Alcohol is one ingredient that won't do that.

Instead, it'll strip off hair moisture, and your hair will break as you brush it. Moreover, when you have dry hair, the scalp isn't in good health either. That being the case, you may suffer from dandruff.

Also...

Is The Pomade Oil-based Or Water-Based?

I'll point out a few differences, and you be the judge.

Water-Based Pomade Features:

• Easier to apply
• Rinses out easily without shampoo
• A smooth consistency

Oil-Based Pomade Features:

• Is the traditional pomade
• Has a heavy hold
• A greasy formulation
• May affect acne-prone skin
• Requires the best wave shampoo to wash out
• May clog hair follicles

Next...

Does It Suit Your Hair Type?

Let's use some of the greases in our review to answer this question. Cantu Shea Butter Pomade has a combination of natural ingredients that boost hair moisture, even for coarse hair. Therefore, it's the kind of pomade a black man can use on his textured hair. 

Layrite Superhold Pomade and Sportin' Waves can also help a black brother add some sheen to his waves. Our hair is already suffering from moisture loss that may cause hair breakage. Hence, the grease shouldn't make your hair unmalleable; choose light pomades.

Overall, remember the points we highlighted in the introduction.

Before we sum up our discussion, let's answer some questions about pomades. 

Popular Questions About Wave Grease

Do You Have To Put Wave Grease Every Day?

Too much grease will cause product build-up. Moreover, if you brush hair that's too greasy, then you'll use more pressure and possibly cause hair breakage. Therefore, grease it up to three times a week. Grease only adds hold to your waves, so the actual work you need to put in is brushing your hair often.

Here's why it is important to put grease on waves and moisturize it.

Is It Okay To Put Wave Grease Without Washing Your Hair?

No, it's not if your hair is greasy. If you're reapplying because the first application in the morning wasn't enough, there's no harm in that. However, if you're already sweaty and there's too much residue, adding more grease won't help because it won't reach your hair shafts. Furthermore, you'll be sealing dirt and residue on the hair follicles and increasing the chances of flakes.

Is Homemade Wave Pomade Effective?

Yes, if you have the right ingredients, such as shea butter, castor oil, beeswax, jojoba, and coconut oil. A DIY pomade doesn't have preservatives like parabens, so it's not harmful to your hair. Additionally, you use fresh ingredients. The downside of making pomade at home is the tiresome process, not knowing the ingredients to mix, and wastage as you have no preservatives.

If you're considering homemade wave pomade because you haven't found a product you like, then you may want to read our verdict below.

Read Also: Pomade vs Gel: What's the Difference?

In Conclusion

Sportin' Waves is the grease a black man should consider in 2021. Why? It has an excellent hold, it's lightweight, and it won't cause product build-up. Additionally, it's from Softsheen Carson - a leading brand.

If you'd like something else for your 360 waves at an affordable cost, try Lusters S-Curl. This lightweight pomade spreads and rinses out easily.