12 Best Wave Grease for Black Hair | Reviews and Buying Guide 2023

Wave grease also known as wave pomade or cream is made from natural ingredients and designed to help keep your hair moisturized and soft. Considered to be an important hair styling product for black men, using wave grease can help you get 360 waves fast.

No matter the pattern, waves have always been known to be a classic look for black men and not only does it make your hair look neat, but it’s rather easy to maintain if you got the right tools for the job.

So, what is the best wave grease for black hair?

The best wave grease for black hair is the As I Am: Double Butter Cream. It is an all natural product that’s light, easy to use and keeps your scalp nourished throughout the day. The natural ingredients will hydrate your scalp and lock in the moisture, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To help you pick the right natural grease to use for waves, I’ve put together this review of the top 12 best wave grease for black hair that you can buy today. They are:

Top 12 Wave Grease for Black Hair	Best for
As I Am: Double Butter Cream	Popular choice for black hair
Murray’s Wave Pomade for Black Hair	Oil-based wave grease
Softsheen Carson Sportin’ Waves	Provides a strong hold
WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Wave Butter Revitalizer	Non-greasy pomade
Cantu Shea Butter Cream Pomade	Hemp based
Jovinno Natural Pomade	All natural ingredients
Murray’s Nu Nile Hair Slick Dressing Pomade	Impressive moisturizing capabilities
Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax	Solid medium hold
WaveBuilder Natural Wave Pomade	For men with thick and coarse locks
Cold Label Wolfin Pomade	A wolfers dream product
Ocean View Hair Pomade	For the ideal waves
Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold	Produces soft and firm waves

Recommended Read: Best Hair Moisturizers for Black Men

What is a Pomade?

Quite like Wave Grease, Pomade is a waxy, greasy water-based solution that you can use to style your hair with. It originated from the French word which means Ointment and can be dated back to somewhere around the 1st century BC.

Originally, Pomades were used as soap products but over time and with the change in practices and ingredients, people of the 21st century are using the same product to style hair and to keep waves in place.

These great hair styling products can not only keep your hair in place but they even help improve the overall look of your hair by providing your hair with a slick and shiny appearance.

How I tested the best wave grease for black hair?

I was able to round up the top 10 best wave grease for black hair after putting over 50 different products through various tests to see if they work well with black hair. These products were then rated on a scale of 5 to showcase their level of efficiency.

• Hold test – You will need a wave grease that offers medium-strong hold and can keep your waves kept in place. We used a bunch of different products on our hair and checked just how long each was able to keep our hair in place.

• Moisturizing test – This test involved finding the right products that work well on coarse or dry black hair. It should be able to moisturize your hair and soften the strands with ease.

• Texture – Another test we performed was the texture test which meant checking if the grease is too watery or too thick. You need a grease that’s easy to apply and is not difficult to extract from the tub.

• Build-up test – Another important thing to keep an eye out for is if the wave grease leaves behind build-up on your scalp. The grease should be easily removable and not result in flakes or dry skin.

12 Best Wave Grease for Black Hair

As I Am: Double Butter Cream

The Double Butter Rich daily Moisturizer from As I Am is one of the best products out there for waves. You should definitely try this product if you want the best waves around.

The first thing this product does is it softens your hair making it easier to comb and handle. Even if you have dull hair, this moisturizer will help make your hair shine thanks to the cocoa butter, Shea and castor oil which are the main ingredients here.

While using the As I Am: Double Butter Cream, I noticed that it helps lock moisture in your hair making it look healthier than before and not dry like how it tends to get during colder and hotter seasons.

Another thing I experienced while using this product is that after applying it on your hair, you’re left with a faint scent of vanilla that lasts quite some time. So not only are you able to use this product to get sweet waves, your hair smells sweet and it lasts for a really long time. 

Pros

• Nourishing with natural ingredients
• Easy to use and wash off
• Ideal for all types of black hair

Cons

• Not meant for men with sensitive scalp

Rating – 5/5

Murray’s Wave Pomade for Black Hair

Murray’s wave pomade is an all natural product that gives you that stronghold look.This brand first developed this oil-based product back in the 1920’s and it has been flying off the shelves ever since.

As expected, this particular pomade has a thick consistency and it’s ideal to be kept in room temperature conditions to maintain the thickness. If the temperature gets too cold, you may find it difficult to scoop the pomade from the tin.

In order to use the Murray’s wave pomade the right way you will need to first warm up your hands and spread it evenly making sure to use the right quantity. Once it’s applied, your hair stays in place and the only thing that can get it off from your hair is a nice warm shower. 

It smells pleasantly nice and easily lasts throughout the whole day. The only issue I faced while using this product was that the hold of this product lessens on hot or humid days.

Pros

• All natural scent

Cons

• Not meant for oily hair or sunny days
• Thick and not easy to apply
• Storing temperature should be perfect

Rating – 4.5/5

Softsheen Carson Sportin’ Waves

If this is your first time setting your waves, then the Softsheen Carson is the one to go with. Ideal for those with short, cropped haircuts, this product makes sure that your hair is left shiny and moisturized with every use.

Unlike the other pomades on this list, this particular product does not have any distinctive smell and seems neutral. It’s something you would use if you don’t want your hair to move around in the wind. 

Since the Softsheen Carson is not water-based, it may take a couple of washes before you get it all off. As a maximum hold product, you can expect to keep even the most unruly of hairstyles in place as it provides a solid hold for hours on end.

Ultimately, when you use the Softsheen Carson Sportin’ Waves Pomade on your hair, the end result is always the same – softer, shinier and a tangle-free hairstyle that lasts for hours.

Pros

• Great moisturizing benefits
• Can untangle your hair
• Offers strong hold regardless of the temp

Cons

• Slightly thick and not easy to wash off

Rating – 4.5/5

WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Wave Butter Revitalizer

Another popular product in the market to consider is the WaveBuilder wave butter. This non-greasy product uses a formula that will not leave any residue behind. It uses two primary ingredients, Shea butter and natural cocoa butter to moisturize and promote healthy hair.

The WaveBuilder wave butter not only moisturizes your hair but it even locks in the moisture for up to 24 hours at a stretch. This keeps your hair looking shiny and healthy even after standing out in the sun for a long time.

An important point to note if you buy this product is that you will receive the best results only if it’s applied on wet hair and not dry hair.

Whereas, for those with thicker hair, the only way you can successfully apply this wave grease is by mixing  a combination of water and the grease, together it will soften your coarse hair and make it easier to brush.

Pros

• Great for coarse hair and dry hair
• Pleasant scent
• A little grease is more than enough for a full head of hair

Cons

• Not ideal for men with oily skin

Rating – 4.5/5

Cantu Shea Butter Cream Pomade

The Cantu Shea butter pomade is an excellent hair styling product that keeps your black hair styled, soft and moisturized throughout the day. It’s made from Hemp seed oil, Shea butter and coconut oil and contains absolutely no sulfates, parabens or mineral oils allowing it to work well on sensitive skin and a range of hair types.

Another brilliant ingredient is caffeine that’s known to help increase blood circulation to your scalp and promotes healthy hair. If you’re someone who finds it hard to manage your hair, then the Cantu Shea butter cream pomade is the right choice for you. 

It’s designed to give you that perfect 260 wave look without the use of any harsh chemicals. Like other wave grease products, if you’re looking to set curls then add a little water to the mix. Whereas, if you’re looking for a more sculpted and defined look, apply the butter on towel-dried hair.

In terms of smell, you will receive a faint but pleasant scent of Shea butter and since it’s not oil-based, it’s easy to wash out after a long day of looking good.

Pros

• Ideal for black hair
• Free from parabens or harmful chemicals
• Offers a strong hold
• Beneficial for hair growth

Cons

• Results in a little build-up

Rating – 4.5/5

Also Read: Best Wave Brush for 360 Waves

Jovinno Natural Pomade

A great chemical-free natural pomade to consider is the Jovinno Natural Premium Hair Styling Wax. This brilliantly safe-to-use hair product is made from marshmallow root, calendula, beeswax, flax seed, hemp seed oil, rosemary extract, aloe vera, tea tree extract and essential oils making it one of the best natural black hair wave grease products you can find online.

It uses the rosemary extract to stop dandruff, promote hair growth and reduce early ageing. Not only that, with Omega 3 fatty acids, your hair will never go dry again.

The calendula helps hydrate your scalp and improves blood flow to the roots of your hair leading to positive hair growth and the marshmallow root helps keep your hair in place and untangles it as you brush your hair.

As an all natural hair product, the Jovinno natural pomade is not too greasy on your hair and keeps it moisturized throughout the day, Trust me when I say that, “If you want a great look and to set your waves right, Jovinno natural pomade is the one for you.”

Pros

• All natural formulation
• Great choice for hydrating your scalp
• Does not leave behind residue and is easy to wash off
• Designed to untangle your coarse and dry hair

Cons

• N/A

Rating – 4.5/5

Murray’s Nu Nile Hair Slick Dressing Pomade

The second one of Murray’s to be featured here is the Nu Nile pomade that was designed for all hair types and can be used for all hairstyles. It helps provide you with a wet look by retaining the moisturization in your hair and is more than capable of keeping your hair in place.

It’s a strong hold pomade that gives you the perfect sheen when applied on your hair and is something you’re definitely going to consider when buying your wave products.

While it’s suggested that you can use the Murray’s Nu Nile pomade on dry hair, try and refrain from doing so. It tends to get a little messy when you apply it on dry hair and the outcome is different as compared to applying it on damp hair.

You can use the Nu Nile even if you have short, medium length hair and even works wonders for men who have thin and fine hair.

Pros

• Ideal for men with dry hair
• Offers a strong hold
• Works great on men with thin hair

Cons

• Different outcome if used with water

Rating – 4/5

Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax

Blind Barber 60 Proof Wax is a viable option that helps protect your scalp against dandruff. Another reason why i’d suggest this wave grease is that it helps promote hair growth for those with thin hair. 

It provides you with  medium hold strength that keeps your waves in place and is easy to shape your waves with your brush. For those with naturally greasy and oily hair, the Blind Barber will reduce the oil content and you wouldn’t have to worry about it getting worse.

This water-soluble  weave grease is easy to wash out from your hair as compared to other oil-based hair styling products.

One of the things I noticed while using the Blind Barber 60 wave grease is that when applied, your  hair gives off a sweet but subtle scent of vanilla. This is thanks to the Tonka beans that have been added to the formula to create this masterpiece.

Pros

• Formulated to promote hair growth
• Is water soluble and easy to reomove
• Great for oily hair

Cons

• Slight feminine scent

Rating – 4/5

WaveBuilder Natural Wave Pomade

Another hair styling product from WaveBuilder, the Natural wave pomade should not be confused with the Cocoa and Shea. Instead, this particular product is specifically curated for those who have coarse hair and find it hard to manage. 

Ideal for black men with curly hair, the WaveBuilder Natural is an all natural product that’s made from castor oil, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, carnauba wax, amino acids and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

It promotes healthy hair and offers a strong to medium hold allowing you to create, define and hold your waves throughout the day. I found that it sits well and gets absorbed evenly in your hair making it smoother than before.

As a result of using this wave pomade, you will not experience sticky hair, oily hair or find any residue when you wash the product out from your hair. You can apply it daily to get the best results and it has a subtle and sweet scent that is both light and refreshing.

Pros

• Natural formulation
• Well designed storage container
• Perfect for black hair that’s hair to manage
• Refreshes the scalp

Cons

• N/A

Rating – 4.5/5

Cold Label Wolfin Pomade

A common way to go about getting your waves is by a process called Wolfing. This is a method where you grow out your hair a bit before you start styling your waves in. If this is the method you’re interested in then the Cold Label Wolfin pomade is perfect for you.

Not only is it capable of providing you with easy to make waves, but it helps make your waves deeper and helps retain moisture. I suggest using the Cold Label pomade mainly because it is made from natural raw honey and castor oil to promote hair growth and keeps the hair shiny and soft.

Other important ingredients here are soy, jojoba, safflower oil, Shea butter and hemp seed oil that help soften hair and reduce dandruff. 

Ultimately, your hair will be left with a wonderful scent and would look naturally appealing. This pomade guarantees a solid hold for your hair and can be used in hot and humid temperature zones.

Pros

• Designed specifically for wolfing
• Uses raw castor oil and honey
• Helps retain moisture

Cons

• Not ideal for hot climates

Rating – 4/5

Ocean View Hair Pomade

Hair pomades like the Ocean View are great for beginners who are just getting into waves. The product has a great texture that kind of resembles a hard gel like substance and this allows you to wolf or form waves rather easily.

I loved using Ocean View for how easy it is to apply. Simply take a tiny scoop with your finger and go on applying it yo your hair. The formula contains beeswax that gives it the strong hold and all the ingredients used are water-based, so it’s a lot easier to wash out and it doesn’t leave behind any residue.

Pros

• Water based and doesn’t leave behind any residue
• Offers a strong hold that can last an entire day
• Gel based texture

Cons

• Should not use too much as it can block pores

Rating – 4.5/5

Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold

Suavecito pomade is a decent product that’s designed to provide the right amount of hold without turning your hair rock hard. It’s also one of the easiest to wash out and you wouldn’t have to worry about getting rid of any residue or clogging of your pores on the scalp.

A plus point of the Suavecito pomade is that it’s water-based so at the end of a long day if you want to get your waves back in shape then simply spray a little water and style it up again.

Pros

• Provides a strong grip and smells amazing
• Very easy to wash out
• Can last an entire day

Cons

• Not ideal for hot climates

Rating – 4/5

What is the difference between water-based and oil-based wave grease?

Pomades or wave grease is available in two specific variants, water-based and oil-based. Originally, pomade was made from petroleum jelly and was initially extremely popular as these ingredients were what gave your hair the extra shiny look and strong hold.

Unfortunately, oil-based grease has its disadvantages. It’s harder to wash out from your hair and tends to clog your pores leading to heavy product buildup that is not good for your scalp and hair.

Water-based wave grease does not provide you with a sticky feeling when you run your fingers through your hair. Also it’s a lot easier to wash and there’s almost next to no residue left behind after your shower.  Your pores won’t get clogged and on the long run, your hair is way more healthier with water-based pomade.

What ingredients to look for in a wave grease for black hair?

You will need to buy a wave grease that’s made from natural oils and minerals which are beneficial to your hair growth and can prevent your scalp from drying out.

Ingredients like Argan oil, Hemp seed oil, Aloe Vera, Olive Oil, Jojoba and Biotin are perfect for promoting hair growth and will help strengthen the roots and follicles.

Another key ingredient in a good wave grease is coconut oil which moisturizes your hair and helps boost the shine.

You can also opt for a wave grease that contains avocado oil or orange peel oil as these will help rejuvenate your scalp and remove any dead skin cells.

Recommended Read: Best Wave Brush for Coarse Hair

How much wave grease is safe to use?

While there are many answers floating around on the internet about what the safe quantity of wave grease to use is, the answer is never so simple. 

In order to determine how much wave grease or pomade you should use then there are some things you need to think about and consider  before using wave grease. 

• First, you should check whether the product you’re going to use is water-based or oil-based.

• Then you will need to understand that oil-based products will lead to clogged pores so you need to use it sparingly.

• Now if you’re using a thick pomade, you would have to use a little more than a dab along with some water to soften it and make it easier to spread evenly on your head. 

• If you’re someone who uses only water-based hair grease, you should remember that you should apply the product only once or twice a week on your hair and not everyday.

This is because you’re going to have a shower and wash your hair out in a couple of days and if you keep applying the grease to your hair when you haven’t washed your hair since the last time you applied the grease, then chances are you may actually damage your hair.

Takeaway

After trying out these wave grease products on my hair, it’s pretty evident that the Double Butter Cream from As I Am  is the best wave grease for all types of hair. It’s available in a range of sizes and can be bought on Amazon for under $50. 

However, if you’re on a budget and can’t spend more than $10, then the Murray’s Wave Pomade for Black Hair will do the trick for you.

Also Read:

• Best Wave Brush for 360 Waves
• Best Oil for 360 Waves
• Best Natural Shampoo for 360 Waves