Alright, let me tell you straight up: if you’re hunting for a pomade that delivers hold, texture, and a no-fuss vibe, Duke Cannon’s News Anchor Pomade deserves a spot in your bathroom. I’m not here to waste your time with fluff—this stuff works, and it’s worth every penny.
Whether you’re taming a wild mane or just want something reliable for your daily look, this product’s got your back. Trust me, I’ve been through the hair product ringer, and this one stands out.
So, let’s get into my journey with it and why you should snag it for yourself.
My Experience With Duke Cannon Pomade
I’ll never forget the day I cracked open that hefty jar of Duke Cannon News Anchor Pomade.
It was a random Tuesday, and I’d just had it with my old go-to product—it was discontinued, leaving me stranded like a ship without a sail.
I needed something new, something that could handle my thick, wavy hair without turning it into a greasy mess.
So, on a whim, I grabbed this pomade from the shelf, drawn in by the rugged branding and promises of a “stronger hold” with a natural matte finish.
I mean, who doesn’t want to look like they’ve got their act together without trying too hard?
The first thing that hit me was the texture. It’s creamy, almost like a thick paste, but it scoops out easily with a finger. I rubbed a small dollop between my palms—less than a dime-sized amount, mind you—and worked it into my towel-dried hair.
My hair’s on the shorter side, about two inches, with a tendency to stick out in every direction if I don’t wrangle it. As I massaged the pomade in, I could feel it gripping my strands, giving me control without that stiff, helmet-head feel I’ve hated from gels in the past. It was like my hair said, “Alright, I’ll behave now.”
What surprised me most was how little I needed. I’m talking a tiny smear, and it held strong for hours—through a windy walk to the coffee shop and a sweaty afternoon running errands.
By evening, my style was still intact, no flyaways in sight. Washing it out was a breeze too—just water and a quick rinse, no greasy residue clinging to my hands or scalp. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the price at first—it’s not the cheapest option out there—but that jar lasted me months.
Months! I’ve been hooked ever since, and it’s become my ride-or-die for keeping my hair in check.
The scent?
That’s where things get interesting. It’s billed as “clean and woodsy” with cedar and sandalwood notes, but to me, it’s got this subtle, masculine edge—like a hint of aftershave or a fresh bar of soap.
It’s not overpowering, which I love, because I don’t want my hair screaming for attention over my cologne. Honestly, it’s the kind of smell that makes you feel put-together without trying too hard. My wife even commented that it’s “not bad for a guy product,” which is high praise from her.
Pros of Duke Cannon Pomade
- Impressive Hold Without the Crunch
Let’s talk about the hold first, because that’s where Duke Cannon really shines.
This pomade grabs your hair and doesn’t let go, but it’s not like those old-school gels that turn your head into a rock.
I’ve got thick, wavy hair that loves to rebel, and this stuff keeps it in line all day.
Whether I’m going for a slick side part or a messy, textured look, it delivers.
The best part?
It’s reworkable. If a gust of wind messes up my style, I can run my fingers through it and fix it without starting over. For me, that’s a game-changer—no more carrying a comb around like some 1950s greaser.
- Natural Matte Finish That Looks Effortless
I’m not a fan of shiny hair. Never have been. That high-gloss pompadour vibe? Not my thing. Duke Cannon gets that. The matte finish on this pomade gives my hair a natural look—like I just rolled out of bed looking this good.
It’s got a bit of texture too, which adds some character without making me look like I’m trying to impress anyone. I’ve had friends ask what I’m using because it doesn’t scream “product”—it just makes my hair look better, plain and simple.
- Easy Application and Cleanup
You know what I hate? Products that feel like a chore to use. This isn’t one of them. Scooping it out is a breeze, and it spreads through my hair like butter. I don’t need to wrestle with it or warm it up for ages—it’s ready to go.
And when the day’s done, it washes out with just water. No shampoo marathons required. My hands don’t feel slimy afterward either, which is a huge plus—I’ve used pomades before that left me wiping my palms on my jeans like a caveman.
- Long-Lasting Value
Sure, it’s a bit pricier upfront—around $15-$20 for a 4.6-ounce jar depending on where you grab it—but hear me out. A little goes a long way. I’ve been using the same jar for over three months now, and I’m nowhere near the bottom.
Compare that to cheaper stuff I’ve tried that ran out in weeks, and this feels like a steal. It’s not just a product; it’s an investment in looking good without constant re-ups.
Cons of Duke Cannon Pomade
- Scent Might Not Be Everyone’s Cup of Tea
Okay, I’ll level with you—the scent isn’t perfect for everyone. I dig the woodsy, clean vibe, but my sister tried it once (yeah, she raided my stash) and said it smelled too much like “guy deodorant.”
She’s not wrong—it’s got that masculine edge, which makes sense since Duke Cannon markets this to men. If you’re sensitive to smells or prefer something neutral, it might clash with your vibe. I don’t mind it, but I can see how it could bug someone else.
- Not Ideal for Super Thin Hair
Here’s where I’ve got to be real: if your hair’s on the thinner side, this might not be your holy grail. I’ve got a buddy with fine, straight hair, and he said it weighed his locks down a bit too much. For me, with thicker strands, it’s perfect—it tames without flattening.
But if you’re working with less volume, it could leave you looking a little droopy. Duke Cannon’s got a lighter hold option, but this “stronger hold” version might be overkill for some.
- Price Could Sting at First
I won’t sugarcoat it—the initial cost made me hesitate. When you’re used to grabbing $5 drugstore gels, dropping $20 feels like a leap. I get it; not everyone’s ready to shell out that much on hair stuff.
But once I saw how long it lasted, I stopped sweating the price tag. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, that first hit might make you pause.
Tips For Duke Cannon Pomade
- Start Small and Build Up: Here’s a pro tip from my trial-and-error days: less is more with this pomade. I started with a pea-sized amount, and that was plenty for my short hair. Rub it between your palms until it’s smooth, then work it in from roots to tips. If you feel like you need more hold, add a tiny bit more—but don’t go overboard, or you’ll end up with a heavy mess. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not cute.
- Keep Your Hair Damp for Best Results: I’ve found this stuff works best on towel-dried hair. Not sopping wet, but just damp enough to give it some grip. If my hair’s bone-dry, it doesn’t spread as evenly, and I end up fighting clumps. After a shower, I pat my hair down with a towel, then go in with the pomade. It glides on smooth, and the hold kicks in as it dries. Simple, but it makes a difference.
- Store It Right to Keep It Fresh: You don’t want this jar turning into a science experiment, right? Keep it sealed tight and stash it somewhere cool and dry—my bathroom counter works fine, but avoid steamy spots near the shower. I’ve had mine for months, and it’s still as creamy as day one. Heat can mess with the texture, so don’t let it bake in the sun either.
- Wash It Out Regularly: Even though it’s water-based and easy to rinse, don’t skip washing it out at night if you can help it. I’ve noticed that leaving it in for days can make my scalp feel a bit gunky—not terrible, but not ideal. A quick rinse before bed keeps my hair fresh and ready for the next round. Plus, it’s so easy to clean out, it’s not even a hassle.
Comparison of Duke Cannon Pomade With Other Brands
Let me walk you through how Duke Cannon News Anchor Pomade stacks up against some heavy hitters in the pomade world—Reuzel, American Crew, and Suavecito. I’ve tried them all, and each has its own personality.
Here’s my take on how they compare, straight from my own messy hair adventures.
- Duke Cannon Vs. Reuzel Pomade
Reuzel’s High Sheen Pomade was a wild ride for me.
It’s got this slick, glossy finish that screams old-school barber vibes—perfect if you’re channeling a rockabilly look.
I loved how it smoothed my waves into submission, but that shine?
Not my style. Duke Cannon’s matte finish feels more me—natural, understated, like I didn’t spend 20 minutes in front of the mirror.
Reuzel’s hold is solid, though, rivaling Duke Cannon’s grip, but it’s stickier to apply and harder to wash out.
Duke Cannon slides in easier and rinses clean with just water, which wins me over on lazy days. Scent-wise, Reuzel’s got a sweet, almost candy-like kick, while Duke Cannon keeps it woodsy and subtle—I lean toward the latter for everyday wear.
- Duke Cannon Vs. American Crew Pomade
American Crew Pomade used to be my trusty sidekick before I switched teams.
It’s lighter than Duke Cannon, with a medium hold that’s great for casual, loose styles.
I’d slap it on when I didn’t need my hair locked down tight, but by midday, my waves were staging a breakout.
Duke Cannon’s stronger hold keeps them in check longer—no contest there.
American Crew’s got a bit of sheen, less than Reuzel but more than Duke Cannon’s flat matte, so it’s a middle ground.
Application’s a toss-up—both are smooth to use—but Duke Cannon washes out easier, while American Crew sometimes clung to my strands. Scent? American Crew’s softer, almost neutral, which might appeal if Duke Cannon’s cedar vibe feels too bold for you.
- Duke Cannon Vs. Suavecito Pomade
Suavecito’s Firm Hold Pomade is a crowd-pleaser, and I get why.
It’s cheaper than Duke Cannon—usually $12-$15—and delivers a fierce hold with a slick, shiny finish.
I rocked it for a while, and it kept my hair polished through sweaty summer days.
But that glossiness doesn’t jive with my matte obsession—Duke Cannon’s natural look feels less “done.”
Suavecito’s pomade texture is thicker, almost waxy, and takes more effort to work in compared to Duke Cannon’s creamy ease.
Cleanup’s where they split too—Suavecito lingers a bit, needing shampoo, while Duke Cannon’s gone with a splash of water. Scent’s a big divide: Suavecito’s got this sweet, cologne-like punch that’s louder than Duke Cannon’s clean, woodsy whisper.
If you love a bold aroma, Suavecito might edge out; I prefer the low-key approach.
Each of these pomades has its charm, but Duke Cannon’s balance of hold, finish, and simplicity keeps me coming back. Reuzel’s too shiny, American Crew’s too light, and Suavecito’s too loud for my taste. Your hair, your call—but I know where my loyalty lies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Duke Cannon stands out with its no-nonsense approach—think strong hold, matte finish, and a water-based formula that’s easy to wash out. It’s got that rugged, masculine branding, but it’s the performance that hooks you. The creamy texture and long-lasting jar set it apart from flimsier drugstore options. Plus, it’s reworkable, so you’re not locked into one style all day.
The scent’s a clean, woodsy mix—cedar, fir needle, and a sandalwood base. To me, it’s like a fresh bar of soap or a light aftershave. It’s subtle, not in-your-face, but it’s definitely got a guy vibe. Some folks might find it too masculine or deodorant-like, but I think it’s just right for a low-key confidence boost.
Scoop out a small amount—start with less than you think you need—and rub it between your palms until it’s smooth. Work it into damp, towel-dried hair from roots to ends. Style it how you want with your fingers or a comb. Add more if you need extra hold, but don’t overdo it. Rinse it out with water when you’re done—it’s that easy.
Absolutely, it’s a champ on short hair. My two-inch mop stays in place all day with just a tiny bit. It tames flyaways and adds texture without weighing things down too much. If your hair’s super thin, though, you might want to test it—my buddy found it a bit heavy, but for most short styles, it’s spot-on.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves Duke Cannon Pomade
So, here’s the deal: Duke Cannon News Anchor Pomade is the real MVP for anyone who wants hold, texture, and zero drama.
I’ve put it through the wringer, and it’s never let me down—easy to use, long-lasting, and makes my hair look damn good. Sure, it’s not perfect for everyone, but for my money, it’s a must-have.
Grab a jar, give it a shot, and thank me later when you’re rocking a style that turns heads. You won’t regret it.