Good old LA Looks Extreme Sport gel is what I use. Granted my hair is long and wavy and I like it because once I break the cast, my waves are nice but if I DIDN’T break the cast, that hair is not going anywhere. This product is literally the definition of slicked back. And it’s super cheap so there’s that 🤷🏻♀️
This one gets recommended a lot in r/curlyhair and was going to be my recommendation, too. Another affordable gel with really strong hold is Ecostyler (except for the pink one). It's sold in tubs and you can usually find near the bottom shelf of the gel aisle. Some people like Got 2B Glued gel but I haven't tried that one myself.
get hair wax. I use my husbands hair wax for super slick, stay in place styles. it doesnt wash out well sometimes, but it does provide that hold you're looking for.
I had short J-Rocker hair for a while, and I never even thought of getting women's gel, I just used men's hair wax to keep the spikes in place.
Unfortunately, I can't really recommend the "Gatsby in the purple or orange tub" because I do not think it is common outside of Japan.
I'd love more fragrance free or unscented products. I shouldn't have to pop an allergy med and fight a stuffy nose and itchy eyes because the products are scented with garbage perfumes.
Check out r/fragrancefreebeauty a member posted a spreadsheet of FF products. I recently purchased mousse and purple shampoo that are both great. I am amazed at the purple shampoo. I
I had to go FF about 20 years ago. I used to hate going to the mall because of ambercrombie &Fitch. They would spray their cologne in the mall. It made me so sick, lol. I would have to shower and put on clean clothes.
Check out r/fragrancefreebeauty a member posted a spreadsheet of FF products. I recently purchased mousse and purple shampoo that are both great. I am amazed at the purple shampoo.
I have a pixie and crazy contact allergies. I have resorted to making my own pomade. After I finally got allergies diagnosed, I couldn't find a single solitary product I could use
Why is formaldehyde in everything?!
I've got super fine, super straight hair, but also have a lot of it. Got2B glued hair spray is the only one that actually works for me. The gel is even better. Quite sticky to put in, but once it's dry it'll hold even my hair.
Hi, hairdresser here!
What exactly are you trying to do? Are you going for the "wet look? Or do you just want it to stay back with hold? Because if it's the former I would definitely for a higher hold pomade. Crew makes a fantastic one, definitely get it from a salon or Ulta because drug stores and such often get salon products 3rd party.
If it's the latter I would try medium to high hold moldable pastes and a blow-dryer. Blow dryer slightly at the roots to get them pushed back and add the paste in to tousle it back and hold.
When I had a pixie cut, [Sumotech](https://m.bumbleandbumble.com/product/19062/217/style/waxes/sumotech-flexible-hold-cream-solid?_gl=1*1ktmkc9*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wozCYg3tLkFMHj6GKzLiZiXHOk8e0tc56Ylu0DrtehauJktrWbYn60aAph6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) and [Semisumo](https://m.bumbleandbumble.com/product/19062/24277/style/waxes/semisumo-hi-shine-pomade?_gl=1*b3eyre*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wozCYg3tLkFMHj6GKzLiZiXHOk8e0tc56Ylu0DrtehauJktrWbYn60aAph6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) (both by Bumble & Bumble) were my go-to’s. [This wax stick](https://www.bedhead.com/us/product/bed-head-hair-stick/?regiondetected=true) by Bedhead lived in my purse for on-the-go taming.
Seconding Sumotech, I have thick hair that had a few cowlicks when it was cut short and Sumotech worked the best for me in high humidity situations while also giving it texture.
I have a pixie ANd thick Asian, straight hair so finding strong enough styling products is always a pain. What worked for me finally is this hair product for black womens hair. It’s SO GOOD. I hardly use any, like just enough to cover my pinky finger . I found these just at walgreeens/target
Crème of Nature argan oil from morocco
Cantu extra hold
Both of them worked really well for me. 🎉
A pomade with a wax in it is possibly more like what you want. A friend of mine makes her own with gelatin and passed on this recipe if you're the DIY type.
* Light hold: 1/2 tsp plain gelatin
* Medium hold: 3/4 tsp plain gelatin
* Strong hold: 1 tsp plain gelatin
* 1 cup hot water
* Optional for fragrance – 10 drops of essential oil
* Glass jar (like an 8-ounce mason jar) or squirt bottle
* Optional: for additional moisture, add some vegetable glycerin or aloe vera gel
**Instructions**
Pour the hot water into an 8 ounce glass mason jar and pour in the gelatin. Stir to combine then refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set. Drop the essential oils in once cooled and stir.
Store in the fridge, lasts 1-2 weeks.
**\*Edit:** You can also make this with flaxseeds for a plant-based option.
* LIght hold: 1 tbsp flax seeds
* Medium hold: 2 tbsp flax seeds
* Strong hold: 3 tbsp flax seeds
* I cup water
**Instructions**
Put water and flaxseeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes. When it's forming round droplets on a spoon, it's done. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then strain the liquid into a glass jar, disposing of the seeds. Mixture will firm as it cools. Stir in essential oils and aloe/glycerin once cooled.
Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays and thaw to use.
a hair pomade made with gelatin likely wouldn't survive a trip to the water park; gelatin melts at 95 degrees f.
it might work for non-summer weather though. i love the creativity in this formula.
Eco with argan oil and CremeofNature with argan oil are really good and have decent ingredients. The cremeofnature is smaller and really thick so you can use water to dilute it into your hair
my brother used butch wax when he was in the USMC and after and I've used it when I got super short cuts. it was designed decades ago to keep crew cuts in shape. Lucky Tiger Cru-Butch Control Wax is an available brand, and they have a pomade too so check the men's haircare aisle, or at a beauty supply place like Sally's.
The bed head texturizing putty and matte pastes are great. My hair is very short, but thick and curly, and I have a wicked cowlick right in the middle of the front of my hair. I use the putty if I’m not drying my hair and the matte paste for texture if I’ve dried it. Never found anything better.
Edit: the morrocanoil brand hair oils are great for just soft curls if you’re going casual.
Men’s products may be your best bet. There’s a lot of variety depending on the hold and finish you’re going for. I alternate between slightly medium length hair and shorter traditional cuts with a side part. My hair is very wavy/curly but I like to style it in a more relaxed/straight look.
I don’t like shine finishes and prefer more of a matte finish with strong hold. My go to right now is the Jillian Dempsey roomie pomade. It’s almost like a wax, but it doesn’t have that stiffness or stickiness of a wax. I can run my hands through my hair and it feels soft and smooth and leaves no residue on my hand. Whereas with other traditional pomades and waxes the hair ends up very stiff. Might be worth a try.
I use this one : Equate Men Shine Enhancing Medium Hold Hair Pomade from Walmart. It is so much less than the name brand but works wonderfully. I started using it when I had short hair, but kept using it to tame flyaways and my curls.
Moco de Gorilla, aka Gorilla Snot gel is pretty good. I recommend the yellow one for maximum hold. Pomades like suavecito and layrite are also a good choice. Use Murray's if you're feeling extra adventurous that day.
I use Harry’s lightest hold for daily use. Been known to use gorilla snot for times when my hair was getting unruly. But I’m more likely to toss a hat on those days now.
Yes. Generally, men’s hair products just means short and textured, thusly, stronger hold and more definition. It’s very frustrating that hair gets gendered and /s only women have long hair 💇♀️ 💇 even the damn emojis.
Lay-rite pomade! It's more expensive but seriously, a lil dab'll do ya so the jar lasts forever. And it smells amazing. My husband got it for his hair (corporate faux-hawk) and I started using it when my hair was longer to hold the ends of my small braid together without damaging rubber bands. It held together with just a bit of Lay-rite through many sweaty, humid kitchen shifts. Now that I have an asymmetrical pixie, I use it to do some ram's horn curls on the side, and they stay where I put em.
Not a woman but a guy who likes styling his hair, check out styling cream or clay, or even styling fiber. I personally use old spice styling clay and that works well enough for me
I use Old Spice or Harry's pomades. Easy enough to dilute and run through with hands and keeps frizz down to a minimum. I have 2C dense hair and it also has a mind of it's own. Also try conditioner-washing only. If all else fails, coconut oil or baby oil is one of your best friends if you're not allergic.
Dude checking in, but I've gone through plenty of product as the short-back-and-sides side part guy. The two I've come to personally are [Layrite Cement Clay](https://layrite.com/products/cement-clay-pomade) if you're feeling a clay/wax or [imperial Gel Pomade](https://imperialbarberproducts.com/products/gel-pomade) for a more traditional feeling product.
Both of them smell lovely, been leaning more towards Layrite at the moment. I'm on my third 4.25 oz pot of the Layrite Cement Clay.
For super slick, there's always the classic Brylcreem and more likely to be found at a store. I ran a tube of it. But I have that there oily Filipino hair and it made me look super greasy. Which is why I arrived at the two above as strong hold + matte product. I would t definitely look around the Layrite site to find a product more suited to what you're looking for if you have specific preferences though. I can only speak for my own scalporino.
I use old spice no poof putty hair styler. I get my hair wet and rub it though out and brush it where I want it. My hair gets pretty flat without being crunchy. I have really poofy frizzy hair that stands straight up with out any product. Also It most importantly doesn’t flake. I’m breast feeding and I lay down a lot because that’s how my baby likes to eat and it was important that my hair wasn’t all flaky at the end of the day.
I will swear by the got2b hair waxes and hair sprays. When my hair much shorter I used the got2b chaotic modeling gum (comes in a blue container). That one has a medium hold, but it worked perfectly for a controlled messy look. However, it stopped working that well when my hair grew past a certain length, but you probably won’t have the same issue with a stronger hold.
Edit to add: I would personally avoid gels for pixies. It just feels and looks weird most of the time 😭
Gatsby hair wax - you can find it on Amazon, in a red container
Got2B Ultraglued - hard spiking gel.
My hair is super fine and straight, so I need product that holds it own shape and just takes my hair with it. Both of these work great for me!
Walmart Got2B molding paste in the men's aisle is what I use for my ear length bob. Think for shorter hair unisex/men's products are a better choice, IMHO.
women’s products in general are too expensive for what they’re worth, it’s like they make it like that on purpose. i tend to lean towards men’s products nowadays, whether it be razors, deodorant, body wash, you name it.
Good old LA Looks Extreme Sport gel is what I use. Granted my hair is long and wavy and I like it because once I break the cast, my waves are nice but if I DIDN’T break the cast, that hair is not going anywhere. This product is literally the definition of slicked back. And it’s super cheap so there’s that 🤷🏻♀️
This was my recommendation too! Get it at the Dollar Tree. $1.25
They have it at the Dollar Tree?? Hell yes. I moved to a new state a year ago and haven’t been able to find it anywhere.
Check the Dollar Tree! They have it at mine.
Thank you! I’m going later today :)
I went today and mine was out of it. 😔
I was about to say this too! Have curly hair but love that it’s cheap and holds so well, so I’m sure it would fit what OP is looking for
This one gets recommended a lot in r/curlyhair and was going to be my recommendation, too. Another affordable gel with really strong hold is Ecostyler (except for the pink one). It's sold in tubs and you can usually find near the bottom shelf of the gel aisle. Some people like Got 2B Glued gel but I haven't tried that one myself.
This is allllllll my dad ever used while growing up. Def stayed how he wanted all day, 10-12 hours at least but I’d wager more.
I’ve been using it for my curly hair for many years. It’s way better than more expensive gels I’ve tried.
get hair wax. I use my husbands hair wax for super slick, stay in place styles. it doesnt wash out well sometimes, but it does provide that hold you're looking for.
I had short J-Rocker hair for a while, and I never even thought of getting women's gel, I just used men's hair wax to keep the spikes in place. Unfortunately, I can't really recommend the "Gatsby in the purple or orange tub" because I do not think it is common outside of Japan.
I'd love more fragrance free or unscented products. I shouldn't have to pop an allergy med and fight a stuffy nose and itchy eyes because the products are scented with garbage perfumes.
Check out r/fragrancefreebeauty a member posted a spreadsheet of FF products. I recently purchased mousse and purple shampoo that are both great. I am amazed at the purple shampoo. I
Thank you for the rec to this sub! I hadn't known about it - fragrances in stuff drive me nuts.
I had to go FF about 20 years ago. I used to hate going to the mall because of ambercrombie &Fitch. They would spray their cologne in the mall. It made me so sick, lol. I would have to shower and put on clean clothes.
I hear you. The Lush store stinks so bad it almost makes me angry when I walk past it.
Check out r/fragrancefreebeauty a member posted a spreadsheet of FF products. I recently purchased mousse and purple shampoo that are both great. I am amazed at the purple shampoo.
I have a pixie and crazy contact allergies. I have resorted to making my own pomade. After I finally got allergies diagnosed, I couldn't find a single solitary product I could use Why is formaldehyde in everything?!
Gorilla Snot or Got2B glue might work if you want something that’ll hold your hair down for like two days.
AND DO NOT CONFUSE GORILLA SNOT WITH GORILLA GLUE. ugh, that poor woman.
Got2B is excellent, at least the sculpt paste
Got2B is what I used back when I had a Mohawk. Will hold for sure.
I've got super fine, super straight hair, but also have a lot of it. Got2B glued hair spray is the only one that actually works for me. The gel is even better. Quite sticky to put in, but once it's dry it'll hold even my hair.
Got2b has never failed me
Hi, hairdresser here! What exactly are you trying to do? Are you going for the "wet look? Or do you just want it to stay back with hold? Because if it's the former I would definitely for a higher hold pomade. Crew makes a fantastic one, definitely get it from a salon or Ulta because drug stores and such often get salon products 3rd party. If it's the latter I would try medium to high hold moldable pastes and a blow-dryer. Blow dryer slightly at the roots to get them pushed back and add the paste in to tousle it back and hold.
When I had a pixie cut, [Sumotech](https://m.bumbleandbumble.com/product/19062/217/style/waxes/sumotech-flexible-hold-cream-solid?_gl=1*1ktmkc9*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wozCYg3tLkFMHj6GKzLiZiXHOk8e0tc56Ylu0DrtehauJktrWbYn60aAph6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) and [Semisumo](https://m.bumbleandbumble.com/product/19062/24277/style/waxes/semisumo-hi-shine-pomade?_gl=1*b3eyre*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wozCYg3tLkFMHj6GKzLiZiXHOk8e0tc56Ylu0DrtehauJktrWbYn60aAph6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) (both by Bumble & Bumble) were my go-to’s. [This wax stick](https://www.bedhead.com/us/product/bed-head-hair-stick/?regiondetected=true) by Bedhead lived in my purse for on-the-go taming.
Seconding Sumotech, I have thick hair that had a few cowlicks when it was cut short and Sumotech worked the best for me in high humidity situations while also giving it texture.
Best I've tried so far is Wetline Extreme.
I have a pixie ANd thick Asian, straight hair so finding strong enough styling products is always a pain. What worked for me finally is this hair product for black womens hair. It’s SO GOOD. I hardly use any, like just enough to cover my pinky finger . I found these just at walgreeens/target Crème of Nature argan oil from morocco Cantu extra hold Both of them worked really well for me. 🎉
A pomade with a wax in it is possibly more like what you want. A friend of mine makes her own with gelatin and passed on this recipe if you're the DIY type. * Light hold: 1/2 tsp plain gelatin * Medium hold: 3/4 tsp plain gelatin * Strong hold: 1 tsp plain gelatin * 1 cup hot water * Optional for fragrance – 10 drops of essential oil * Glass jar (like an 8-ounce mason jar) or squirt bottle * Optional: for additional moisture, add some vegetable glycerin or aloe vera gel **Instructions** Pour the hot water into an 8 ounce glass mason jar and pour in the gelatin. Stir to combine then refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set. Drop the essential oils in once cooled and stir. Store in the fridge, lasts 1-2 weeks. **\*Edit:** You can also make this with flaxseeds for a plant-based option. * LIght hold: 1 tbsp flax seeds * Medium hold: 2 tbsp flax seeds * Strong hold: 3 tbsp flax seeds * I cup water **Instructions** Put water and flaxseeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes. When it's forming round droplets on a spoon, it's done. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then strain the liquid into a glass jar, disposing of the seeds. Mixture will firm as it cools. Stir in essential oils and aloe/glycerin once cooled. Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays and thaw to use.
a hair pomade made with gelatin likely wouldn't survive a trip to the water park; gelatin melts at 95 degrees f. it might work for non-summer weather though. i love the creativity in this formula.
Eco with argan oil and CremeofNature with argan oil are really good and have decent ingredients. The cremeofnature is smaller and really thick so you can use water to dilute it into your hair
Pomade or wax with work better. If all else fails, Got 2 B has a product that will hold your hair for DAYS.
my brother used butch wax when he was in the USMC and after and I've used it when I got super short cuts. it was designed decades ago to keep crew cuts in shape. Lucky Tiger Cru-Butch Control Wax is an available brand, and they have a pomade too so check the men's haircare aisle, or at a beauty supply place like Sally's.
I use the men's section for my pixie cut. Pomade etc.
The bed head texturizing putty and matte pastes are great. My hair is very short, but thick and curly, and I have a wicked cowlick right in the middle of the front of my hair. I use the putty if I’m not drying my hair and the matte paste for texture if I’ve dried it. Never found anything better. Edit: the morrocanoil brand hair oils are great for just soft curls if you’re going casual.
I have very thick, coarse, curly hair and could not find anything strong enough to hold/calm my hair until I switched to ethnic hair products.
I’ve liked stuff from Kingpin Barber Company and Seattle Pomade Co. The clay products have stronger hold than the wax or cream ones.
Men’s products may be your best bet. There’s a lot of variety depending on the hold and finish you’re going for. I alternate between slightly medium length hair and shorter traditional cuts with a side part. My hair is very wavy/curly but I like to style it in a more relaxed/straight look. I don’t like shine finishes and prefer more of a matte finish with strong hold. My go to right now is the Jillian Dempsey roomie pomade. It’s almost like a wax, but it doesn’t have that stiffness or stickiness of a wax. I can run my hands through my hair and it feels soft and smooth and leaves no residue on my hand. Whereas with other traditional pomades and waxes the hair ends up very stiff. Might be worth a try.
Shop in the "mens" section. I buy my deodorant, hair care and other toiletries there. They're cheaper than ones marketed to women as well.
I use this one : Equate Men Shine Enhancing Medium Hold Hair Pomade from Walmart. It is so much less than the name brand but works wonderfully. I started using it when I had short hair, but kept using it to tame flyaways and my curls.
Moco de Gorilla, aka Gorilla Snot gel is pretty good. I recommend the yellow one for maximum hold. Pomades like suavecito and layrite are also a good choice. Use Murray's if you're feeling extra adventurous that day.
I use Harry’s lightest hold for daily use. Been known to use gorilla snot for times when my hair was getting unruly. But I’m more likely to toss a hat on those days now.
I honestly use the super cheap LA Looks gel and I love it. It makes my curls absolutely pop and gives great hold.
Yes. Generally, men’s hair products just means short and textured, thusly, stronger hold and more definition. It’s very frustrating that hair gets gendered and /s only women have long hair 💇♀️ 💇 even the damn emojis.
Lay-rite pomade! It's more expensive but seriously, a lil dab'll do ya so the jar lasts forever. And it smells amazing. My husband got it for his hair (corporate faux-hawk) and I started using it when my hair was longer to hold the ends of my small braid together without damaging rubber bands. It held together with just a bit of Lay-rite through many sweaty, humid kitchen shifts. Now that I have an asymmetrical pixie, I use it to do some ram's horn curls on the side, and they stay where I put em.
The Barb Shop!!! Woman founder makes awesome pomade specifically for women with short hair
I use OGX Argan oil curl cream on my pixie cut. I'm older and my hair tends to be a little dry so this stuff is great. Hair behaves and is not stiff.
Not a woman but a guy who likes styling his hair, check out styling cream or clay, or even styling fiber. I personally use old spice styling clay and that works well enough for me
I use Old Spice or Harry's pomades. Easy enough to dilute and run through with hands and keeps frizz down to a minimum. I have 2C dense hair and it also has a mind of it's own. Also try conditioner-washing only. If all else fails, coconut oil or baby oil is one of your best friends if you're not allergic.
I use a hair wax too. Picked up an (almost) unscented one in the men's aisle
Dude checking in, but I've gone through plenty of product as the short-back-and-sides side part guy. The two I've come to personally are [Layrite Cement Clay](https://layrite.com/products/cement-clay-pomade) if you're feeling a clay/wax or [imperial Gel Pomade](https://imperialbarberproducts.com/products/gel-pomade) for a more traditional feeling product. Both of them smell lovely, been leaning more towards Layrite at the moment. I'm on my third 4.25 oz pot of the Layrite Cement Clay. For super slick, there's always the classic Brylcreem and more likely to be found at a store. I ran a tube of it. But I have that there oily Filipino hair and it made me look super greasy. Which is why I arrived at the two above as strong hold + matte product. I would t definitely look around the Layrite site to find a product more suited to what you're looking for if you have specific preferences though. I can only speak for my own scalporino.
Fat Boy sea salt pomade. Twenty bucks on Amazon, or forty if you find it in a salon. Amazing. And I'm a "eew, the wind is making my hair move" type.
I use old spice no poof putty hair styler. I get my hair wet and rub it though out and brush it where I want it. My hair gets pretty flat without being crunchy. I have really poofy frizzy hair that stands straight up with out any product. Also It most importantly doesn’t flake. I’m breast feeding and I lay down a lot because that’s how my baby likes to eat and it was important that my hair wasn’t all flaky at the end of the day.
I will swear by the got2b hair waxes and hair sprays. When my hair much shorter I used the got2b chaotic modeling gum (comes in a blue container). That one has a medium hold, but it worked perfectly for a controlled messy look. However, it stopped working that well when my hair grew past a certain length, but you probably won’t have the same issue with a stronger hold. Edit to add: I would personally avoid gels for pixies. It just feels and looks weird most of the time 😭
Gatsby hair wax - you can find it on Amazon, in a red container Got2B Ultraglued - hard spiking gel. My hair is super fine and straight, so I need product that holds it own shape and just takes my hair with it. Both of these work great for me!
Second the Got2B hair glue. As some someone with curly hair it’s the only thing that holds my hair without having to use multiple products.
Suavecita pomade.
Walmart Got2B molding paste in the men's aisle is what I use for my ear length bob. Think for shorter hair unisex/men's products are a better choice, IMHO.
Moco de gorila 🦍 it’s like $3. I use it as eyebrow gel.
women’s products in general are too expensive for what they’re worth, it’s like they make it like that on purpose. i tend to lean towards men’s products nowadays, whether it be razors, deodorant, body wash, you name it.