Pomade/pəˈmeɪd/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Hair Styling Pomade is often used to style hair, providing a wet, sleek look. His hair was slicked back with pomade for the photoshoot. Pro Tip 2/3Hold Strength Pomades vary in strength; some provide a firm hold, others are lighter. She needed a strong pomade to maintain her hairstyle all day. Pro Tip 3/3Not Water-Based Traditional pomades aren't water-based and can be hard to wash out. Because the pomade wasn't water-based, he had to shampoo twice.