Hair wax provides a medium to strong hold with a matte or low-shine finish, making it ideal for textured, tousled styles. Pomade, on the other hand, offers a shinier finish with a medium to strong hold and is better suited for sleek, polished looks like slick-backs or side parts.

Hair wax works best on dry or slightly damp hair, as applying it to wet hair can make it difficult to style. Pomade can be applied to both wet and dry hair, but applying it to wet hair gives a sleeker, more polished look.

For thin hair, hair wax is usually a better choice as it adds texture and volume without weighing the hair down. Pomade can sometimes make thin hair look greasy or flat due to its heavier consistency.

It’s best to wash out hair wax or pomade at the end of the day to avoid product buildup, which can clog hair follicles and cause scalp issues. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to thoroughly clean any residue.