I’ll cut to the chase: if you’re hunting for a pomade that delivers a polished look without the grease bomb vibe, American Crew Pomade is calling your name.
Trust me, I’ve been there—skeptical about hair products, wondering if they’re worth the hype. But after slathering this stuff through my locks, I’m hooked.
It’s got that medium hold and high shine that screams “I’ve got my life together,” and it’s versatile enough for slicked-back styles or taming wild curls. So, do yourself a favor—snag a jar from Walmart or Amazon, and thank me later when you’re turning heads.
My Journey With American Crew Pomade
Picture this: I’m standing in front of the mirror, hair a chaotic mess, and I’ve got an interview in an hour.
I’d never been a “product guy” before—my routine was shampoo, maybe a quick comb if I was feeling fancy.
But desperation kicked in, and I grabbed a jar of American Crew Pomade after a buddy swore by it.
That first scoop felt like a revelation—smooth, not too sticky, with a subtle masculine scent that didn’t punch me in the face.
I worked it through my damp hair, slicked it back, and suddenly, I looked like I belonged in a boardroom instead of a barbershop reject pile.
Over the next few weeks, I played around with it. My hair’s thick and wavy, so I wasn’t sure it’d hold up. But it did—better than I expected. I tried a pompadour one day, and with a little blow-drying and a spritz of hairspray, it stayed put through a windy afternoon.
Another time, I brushed it through after curling my hair (yes, I experimented—don’t judge), and it brought back definition without that waxy, overdone shine I’d feared. It wasn’t perfect—on breezy days, the hold felt more “meh” than mighty—but it washed out so easily, leaving my hair soft and healthy, that I couldn’t complain much.
The scent threw me off at first. It’s got that typical “guy fragrance”—clean, musky, nothing groundbreaking. I wished it had a little more pizzazz, but once it settled into my hair, it faded into the background, which was fine by me.
After three years of using it (yeah, I’m loyal now), I’ve noticed my hair doesn’t just look good—it feels healthier, less dry, and more manageable. Maybe it’s the water-based formula or the lanolin, but something’s working. This jar’s become my go-to, and I’m not looking back.
What Makes American Crew Pomade Stand Out?
Let’s talk about why I keep reaching for this pomade. It’s not just habit—there’s some real magic in that little jar, and I’ve got the details to back it up.
- Medium Hold That Actually Works (Most of the Time)
I love that this pomade gives me control without turning my hair into a helmet.
It’s billed as medium hold, and for my thick, wavy hair, it delivers—usually.
I can slick it back for a sharp look or brush it through for something more relaxed, and it holds the style through meetings, coffee runs, and even a quick gym session if I’m not sweating buckets.
It’s not bulletproof—gusty winds can mess it up—but for everyday life, it’s solid. If you’ve got afro-textured hair like one user I read about, it keeps things neat without stiffness, which is a huge win.
- High Shine Without the Grease Trap
Here’s where it shines—pun intended. The high-shine finish is legit, but it doesn’t leave me looking like I dipped my head in an oil slick. It’s got lanolin in there, which gives that glossy vibe, yet somehow, it still feels light.
I’ve used it after brushing out curls to bring back definition, and it adds just enough polish to make me feel put-together. It’s not Elvis-level gloss (unless you want it to be), but it’s enough to catch the light and make your hair look healthy.
- Washes Out Like a Dream
You know what I hate? That sticky residue some products leave behind, forcing me to scrub my scalp raw. Not with this. It’s water-based, so it rinses out with a quick shampoo—no fuss, no leftover gunk.
My hair feels silky after, not weighed down or dried out, which is a game-changer. I’ve even skipped a day of washing just to test it, and it didn’t build up into a greasy mess. That’s a big plus in my book.
- Subtle Scent That Doesn’t Overwhelm
The fragrance isn’t my favorite—it’s a standard masculine musk, nothing to write home about—but it’s not a dealbreaker. When I first scoop it out, it’s noticeable, but as I work it in, it mellows out.
By the time I’m out the door, it’s barely there, which I actually prefer over those overpowering cologne-like products. It’s a small thing, but it keeps the focus on the style, not the smell.
- Versatile for All Hair Types
Whether your hair’s straight, curly, thick, or afro-textured, this pomade adapts. I’ve got wavy locks, and it tames them without a fight. I’ve heard from folks with different hair types who swear by it too—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of pomades.
You can go for a classic slick-back or just smooth out some frizz, and it’ll play along. That flexibility keeps me coming back.
The Flip Side: Cons You Should Know About
No product’s perfect, and American Crew Pomade has its quirks. Here’s where it stumbles, based on my experience and what I’ve pieced together from others.
- Hold Falters in the Wind
That medium hold? It’s great until Mother Nature decides to flex.
On breezy days, my slicked-back style starts unraveling faster than I’d like.
I’ve had to pair it with a light hairspray to lock it in, which works, but then my hair feels a bit crispier than I want.
Without that extra help, it’s more of a “suggestion” than a stronghold.
If you’re after something unshakeable, this might leave you wanting.
- Scent Could Be Bolder
I’m not asking for a fragrance that screams “look at me,” but the scent here is just… fine. It’s clean and musky, sure, but it doesn’t stand out.
I’d love a little more character—something that lingers subtly and makes me feel like I’m wearing more than just a styling product. It fades fast, which is good for some, but I wouldn’t mind a bit more personality.
- Jar Size Feels Stingy
Three ounces doesn’t sound small until you’re scooping it out daily. If you’ve got thicker or longer hair, you’ll burn through it quicker than you’d hope.
I wish they’d offer a bigger pot—maybe a six-ounce option—because at its price, I’m always eyeing the bottom of the jar with dread. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a nudge to stock up when it’s on sale.
- Tricky to Apply Evenly
The texture’s thick and a tad sticky, which can make it a pain to spread evenly. I’ve had moments where I end up with too much in one spot and not enough in another, leaving my hair looking patchy until I comb it out.
It takes some practice to get it right, especially if you’re new to pomade. Once you nail it, though, it’s smooth sailing.
How American Crew Pomade Stacks Up Against the Competition?
I’ve put American Crew Pomade through its paces, but how does it fare against other big names? Let’s break it down with some head-to-head matchups—me, my mirror, and a few jars of pomade. Spoiler: it’s a tight race, but I’ve got thoughts.
- American Crew Pomade Vs. Murray’s Pomade
When I first tried Murray’s, I felt like I’d stepped into a 1950s barber shop—it’s that classic.
This oil-based heavyweight locks my hair in place like cement; my pompadour didn’t flinch for days.
American Crew’s medium hold can’t compete with that staying power—windy days leave it scrambling while Murray’s laughs it off.
Shine-wise, Murray’s goes full grease-monkey, which isn’t my jam, whereas American Crew keeps it glossy but natural.
The catch?
Murray’s is a beast to wash out—I’m talking multiple shampoos—while American Crew rinses clean with one go. If you crave unbreakable hold and don’t mind the effort, Murray’s wins; I prefer American Crew’s lighter, healthier vibe.
- American Crew Pomade Vs. Reuzel Pomade
Reuzel’s got that Dutch cool factor, and I was curious to see if it’d outshine American Crew. It comes in different strengths, but their medium hold (Green) is a fair fight.
Reuzel’s got a stickier texture—takes some elbow grease to spread—but it grips my thick hair tighter than American Crew, especially on chaotic days. Shine’s a toss-up; Reuzel’s a touch glossier, almost wet-looking, while American Crew stays polished yet subtle.
Scent’s where Reuzel pulls ahead—its crisp apple-pie vibe beats American Crew’s basic musk hands down. Both wash out easy (Reuzel’s water-based too), but Reuzel’s premium feel nudges it ahead for bold styles. I stick with American Crew for everyday simplicity, though.
- American Crew Pomade Vs. Suavecito Pomade
Suavecito’s a TikTok darling, so I had to see what the fuss was about.
Its firme hold blows American Crew’s medium grip out of the water—my slick-back stayed sharp through a gusty afternoon, no hairspray needed.
Shine’s close, but Suavecito leans heavier, almost too slick, while American Crew keeps it refined.
Application’s a breeze with both, though Suavecito’s thicker feel needs more warming up.
Scent-wise, Suavecito’s cologne-like punch outlasts American Crew’s fading musk, which I actually enjoy more. Washout’s a tie—both rinse clean, no residue. Suavecito’s your pick for rock-solid control; I lean toward American Crew when I want flexibility without the weight.
Tips To Get the Most Out of American Crew Pomade
You’ve got the jar—now let’s make it work for you. Here’s how I keep my hair on point with this stuff, based on trial, error, and a lot of mirror time.
- Start with the Right Hair Condition: I’ve found damp hair is your best bet. Not soaking wet—towel-dry it first—so the pomade spreads evenly without clumping. If your hair’s bone-dry, it’s harder to work in, and the hold weakens. I’ll run a comb through after a shower, then scoop out a dime-sized amount. Rub it between your palms until it’s warm and pliable, then go to town. It’s all about that sweet spot of moisture.
- Less Is More (Until It Isn’t): Don’t glob it on—start small. I made that mistake early on and ended up with a shiny mess. A little goes a long way for shorter hair; if yours is longer or thicker, add a bit more, but build up gradually. Work it from roots to tips with your fingers, then use a comb for precision. You can always add more if it’s not holding, but you can’t take it back without washing.
- Lock It In with Heat or Spray: For extra staying power, I hit my hair with a blow-dryer after styling. Point the heat downward to set the shape—five minutes tops—and it holds better through the day. On windy days, I’ll finish with a light hairspray. It adds that crispness I sometimes miss, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the soft, natural feel that makes this pomade special.
- Wash It Out Properly: Even though it’s water-based, don’t skimp on the rinse. I use a gentle shampoo once a day—nothing harsh—and massage it in to break down the pomade. Rinse thoroughly, and if I’m feeling extra, I’ll follow with a conditioner to keep my hair from drying out. Skipping this step can leave buildup, so stay consistent. My hair thanks me with that silky post-wash vibe.
- Store It Smart: Keep the jar in a cool, dry spot—bathroom counters work, but not near a steamy shower. Heat can mess with the texture, making it too runny. I’ve left mine in a hot car once, and it wasn’t pretty. Screw the lid tight after each use, too; it’ll last longer without drying out. A three-ounce jar can stretch months if you’re smart about it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers—straight from my experience and a little digging.
Yeah, it can be—especially water-based ones like American Crew. It’s not drying like gels, and the lanolin in this pomade keeps my hair moisturized and healthy-looking. Oil-based pomades might clog pores if you overdo it, but this one washes out clean, so my scalp stays happy. Just don’t slather it on every day without washing—give your hair a breather.
They didn’t, really—it just faded from the spotlight for a bit. Back in the day, heavy, oil-based pomades ruled, but gels and mousses took over in the ‘80s and ‘90s for that stiff, spiky look. People got tired of the grease and hard-to-wash-out vibe. Now, with water-based options like this one, pomade’s back—lighter, easier, and way more user-friendly.
It’s water-based, hands down. That’s why it rinses out so effortlessly and doesn’t leave my hair feeling like an oil slick. Oil-based pomades have their fans for insane hold and buildup, but this one’s all about flexibility and a clean finish. You get the shine without the hassle.
Easy—scoop out a small amount (dime-sized for short hair, nickel-sized for longer). Rub it between your palms until it’s warm, then work it through damp or towel-dried hair from roots to ends. Style with your fingers or a comb—slick it back, shape a pompadour, whatever you’re feeling. Blow-dry to set it, or add a spritz of hairspray if you need extra hold. Done.
Wrap-Up: Why American Crew Pomade Deserves A Spot On Your Shelf?
After years of trial and error, I can say American Crew Pomade’s worth every penny. It’s not flawless—windy days test its limits, and the scent’s just okay—but the medium hold, high shine, and easy washout make it a staple for me.
Whether you’re taming curls or rocking a slick-back, it delivers without the grease. Head to Walmart, grab a jar, and see for yourself—you won’t regret it.