9 Best Wave Grease In 2023 | Products For Black Hair

Want to get a wave grease for black hair? I’ve got the reviews for the perfect wave greases for making 360 waves on straight and curly hair. Check it out!

Getting 360 waves or 180 waves on your hair is fun. But to make this hairstyle look perfect you’ll need the best wave grease.

This grease or pomade helps add moisture to coarse, curly hair before you start brushing. 

Some of these products provide a firm hold to your waves and prevent your durag from messing them up.

Using the right styling products is necessary for black men’s hair. If you want clean, long-lasting waves, a good wave grease is indispensable.

So I’ve put together a list of reviews for the best wave grease and pomades for black hair. Read on to know which is the right product for you.

Wave Grease	Best For	Chief Ingredients
WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Wave Butter	Dry Scalp	Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter
Cantu Shea Butter Cream Pomade	Thinning Hair	Hemp seed oil, Shea butter and Coconut oil
Suavecito Pomade	Type 3 Curls	Glycerin, Beeswax, Castor Oil
Luster’s S-Curl 360 Wave Control Pomade	Coarse, Frizzy Hair	Mineral Oil, Shea Butter, Lanolin
Murray’s Wave Pomade	Type 4c Hair	Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Fragrance
Roller Coaster Waves Hair Pomade	Oily Scalp	Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Olive Oil, And Aloe Vera

How I tested the best wave grease and pomades?

After looking at several wave grease, pomades, and gels in the market, I rounded up the top rated ones. I then used some expert help to test them on the following factors. Next, I rated them on a scale of 1-5.

1. Hold: The most important factor. You should select a wave grease that offers a medium to strong hold and keeps your 360 waves in place.

2. Moisturizing Power: Waves are usually an African American hairstyle. This hair texture (type 4b or 4c) can get really coarse and dry. So you need a grease or pomade that will soften the strands. 

3. Texture: The texture of the wave grease matters. It shouldn’t be too thick and viscous. The grease should be able to slip through curly hair with ease.

4. Build-up: A wave grease shouldn’t leave build-up on your hair. It should be easy to wash off and not cause crusts or flakes on your locks. 

Top Wave Grease 2023

How to choose the best wave grease?

Choosing the best wave grease for achieving 360 and 180 waves on natural type 4 hair requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:

1. Formula: Look for a wave grease with a non-greasy formula that won’t weigh down your hair or leave a heavy residue. Water-based or light oil-based formulas are usually suitable for natural type 4 hair.
2. Ingredients: Check the ingredient list to ensure the wave grease contains nourishing components like natural oils (coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil) and shea butter. These ingredients will help moisturize and condition your hair, promoting healthy wave formation.
3. Hold Strength: Determine the amount of hold required based on your hair’s texture and the desired wave pattern. For coarse or thick type 4 hair, a stronger hold is generally needed to achieve defined waves.
4. Non-Flaking: Ensure that the wave grease is non-flaking to maintain a neat and polished appearance throughout the day.
5. Ease of Application: Choose a wave grease that is easy to apply and distribute through your hair. A smooth texture will help you evenly distribute the product, aiding in wave formation.
6. Residue-Free: Opt for a wave grease that washes out easily without leaving any build-up. This will allow you to apply the product regularly without worrying about product build-up on your scalp.
7. User Reviews: Look for reviews from others with type 4 hair who have achieved successful waves using the specific wave grease you are considering. Real-life experiences can give you valuable insights.
8. Scent: Consider the scent of the product. Some wave greases come with pleasant fragrances, while others may have a mild or no scent at all.
9. Packaging: Check the packaging of the wave grease to ensure it is hygienic and easy to use.

Ultimately, the best wave grease for you will depend on your individual hair needs and preferences. Experiment with different brands and formulas to find the one that works best for your natural type 4 hair and helps you achieve the desired 360 and 180 waves.

WaveBuilder Cocoa & Shea Wave Butter

If you want a wave grease that will give you shine without leaving your hair too greasy, the WaveBuilder is the one for you.

I loved how it has a super nourishing formula which helps soften coarse hair. Yes even the kinky coily 4c variety of hair.

It’s a great wave grease if you want something to moisturize your 360 waves or 180 waves. The constant brushing for waves can leave hair dry, this wave butter is the perfect solution for this issue.

You can apply right after a shower on wet hair or on dry hair after using a blow dryer, the choice is yours.

The wave grease contains shea butter and cocoa butter as the chief ingredients. Now these are rich in amino acids and help nourish your hair.

But on the downside, they are also very rich. So if you have an oily scalp, this butter can make things work. 

If not, then it feels light on hair and leaves a high shine finish. 

I also liked how it’s non-sticky and doesn’t add much product build-up to your locks. 

Pros:

• Softens coarse hair as it contains shea butter
• Smells good thanks to the essential oils in it
• A little product goes a long way
• Good for African American hair as it’s very rich

Cons:

• Not for oily scalp types

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 5/5
• Texture – 4.5/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

Cantu Shea Butter Cream Pomade

The one side effect of getting 360 waves or even 180 waves is that the constant hair brushing can leave hair dry.

And if you have type 4b or 4c hair, this can worsen your problem. So it’s suggested that you use a bit of pomade before brushing your hair to maintain moisture levels.

The Cantu Shea Butter Cream Pomade is the best product for that! The chief ingredient is, you guessed it, shea butter!

There’s also hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and moringa oil to keep your strands soft and nourished.

But the ingredient that really excited me was caffeine. If you have problems with thinning hair or hair loss, caffeine is fantastic for you!

It stimulates the hair follicles to enter into the growth stage, leaving hair thicker and longer in the long run. 

The Cantu Shea Butter wave grease has a strong hold. So you can be assured that all your hard work brushing your waves won’t go to waste.

It keeps your 360 waves looking as good as new even after hours!

Pros:

• Good for coarse 4c hair as it contains nourishing shea butter
• Paraben and mineral oil-free so it’s safe for health
• Helps with hair growth thanks to peppermint oil in it
• Strong hold that won’t let hair get messy or frizzy

Cons:

• Leaves white flakes on hair

My Ratings:

• Hold – 5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 4.5/5
• Texture – 4.5/5
• Build-up – 3/5

• Related: Hair Grease Benefits
• Related: How To Get 180 Waves

Suavecito Pomade

Suavecito is a brand that’s becoming quite popular among men. But there has always been a doubt if their products are as effective for black men’s hair.

And the answer is yes! It’s a great product for all hair textures. If you have coarse, kinky hair this pomade helps keep it soft.

But it’s not rich or heavy enough to weigh down fine, thin hair. 

The product is water-based. So if you have an oily scalp, you should go for this product as it won’t cause build-up or clog your hair follicles.

Another thing I liked about this product is that you can wash it off very easily. You just need water.

The only drawback is that it dries to a medium hold. Which is actually a good thing if you don’t want to mess up your waves.

But unfortunately, it can leave hair feeling stiff and crunchy. But that’s a small price to pay.

And speaking of price, this Suavecito wave grease is actually one of the more affordable products on this list. So bonus points for that!

Pros:

• Easy to wash off
• Good for all hair textures
• Sweat proof formula
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Dries into a hard gel
• Fragrance too overpowering for some users

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 3.5/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

Luster’s S-Curl 360 Wave Control Pomade

I was curious about this product as it’s especially formulated for 360 waves, and I had mixed feelings about it. 

It’s an oil-based product and contains shea butter as the main ingredient. So if you want slick waves, this is the one. 

I liked the slip this product had. You can work it very easily into your hair, no matter how coarse and dry they feel. 

And a little product goes a long way. So you don’t have to replace this wave grease often.

The fragrance is also amazing, although it’s a result of the added perfume. 

I did, however, have a few complaints about the other ingredients in this pomade.

 There are few questionable stuff like mineral oil and petrolatum. And the plastic containers also come with BPA. 

So this is not something you want to use if you have sensitive skin.

I’d also recommend giving it a miss if you have oily scalps as its an oil-based pomade and can make greasiness worse. 

Pros:

• Lightweight so you can use it on wavy or thin, fine hair
• Smells good
• Washes out easily so there’s no buildup

Cons:

• Weak hold
• Not for sensitive scalp as it contains perfumes

My Ratings:

• Hold – 3/5
• Moisturizing Power – 3.5/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 5/5

Murray’s Wave Pomade

This wave grease was originally developed in the 1920s and you can still see some of the vintage roots in its tin can design.

The Murray’s wave pomade is great if you want a strong hold that will keep your 360 waves in place for hours.

It’s an oil-based pomade that helps nourish coarse African American hair and leaves a high shine look on your waves. 

On the downside, it’s not easy to wash off. And neither is it a good choice for oily, greasy scalps. 

Another thing that bothered me was the thick, glue-like consistency of this pomade. It’s very easy to use a lot of product and it’s not so easy to slip it through your hair.

As it comes in an old-fashioned tin pack, this pomade also needs to be stored in the right place at the right temperature.

It can harden on colder days, making it harder to scoop the wave grease out. But on warmer days, it can get too slippery.

Pros:

• Pleasant natural scent

Cons:

• Not for oily scalps
• Thick consistency
• Needs to be stored in right conditions

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 5/5
• Texture – 3.5/5
• Build-up – 4.5/5

Roller Coaster Waves Hair Pomade

Most of the wave grease and pomades are oil-based. But these can get difficult to get out of your hair. It’s also a pain to use them on oily scalps. 

So if you want something that gives you shine, moisturizes your hair, and is also water-soluble, this Roller Coaster Waves Pomade is perfect.

As this is a water-based product, you can easily wash it off – no strong shampoo needed! 

But on the other hand, it contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, olive oil, and aloe vera that help soften coarse, type 4c hair.  

The product gives you a strong hold. So your 360 waves are held in place for a long time. 

There’s just one issue I had with this wave grease. I don’t think it’s very suitable for sensitive scalps.

It has petrolatum, artificial dyes, and even added perfume. So it can leave very sensitive skin irritated.  

Pros:

• Lightweight yet nourishing
• Easy to wash off
• Good for oily scalps
• Great for type 3 hair textures

Cons:

• Not for sensitive skin
• You might need another conditioner for very dry scalps

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 4/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

Goiple Natural Wave Pomade

I recently tried the “Goiple Natural Wave Pomade,” and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for my wave journey. As someone with natural type 4 hair, finding a pomade that enhances my waves without leaving my hair greasy has been a challenge. This product, however, has exceeded my expectations.

What I liked about the Goiple Natural Wave Pomade:

• The pomade’s formula is water-based, making it lightweight and easy to apply. It spreads smoothly through my hair without any heavy residue.
• It provides a medium hold, which is perfect for creating defined waves without making my hair feel stiff or crunchy.
• The natural ingredients in the pomade, like shea butter and coconut oil, nourish my hair, leaving it soft and moisturized.
• I appreciate that the pomade doesn’t flake or leave any product build-up, making it suitable for daily use.
• The pleasant scent of the pomade is not overwhelming and adds a nice touch to my styling routine.

However, there are a couple of things to note:

• For those with thicker or coarser hair, the medium hold may not be sufficient to keep waves intact for an extended period.
• The packaging could be improved for easier and more hygienic application.

In conclusion, the Goiple Natural Wave Pomade is a fantastic choice for individuals with natural type 4 hair seeking to enhance their waves. Its water-based formula, medium hold, and nourishing ingredients make it stand out among other pomades I’ve tried. However, for those with thicker hair or in need of a stronger hold, additional styling products may be required.

Pros:

• Water-based formula, lightweight and non-greasy
• Medium hold for defined waves without stiffness
• Nourishing ingredients for soft and moisturized hair
• No flaking or product build-up
• Pleasant scent

Cons:

• Medium hold may not be sufficient for thicker or coarser hair
• Packaging could be improved for easier application.

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 4/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

Veeta Superior Wave Butter

I think the Veeta Superior Wave Butter is an impressive product for enhancing waves on my natural type 4 hair. As someone on a wave journey, finding the right wave butter can be a challenge, but this one has definitely made a positive impact on my styling routine.

What I liked about the Veeta Superior Wave Butter:

• The texture of the wave butter is smooth and creamy, making it easy to apply and distribute through my hair.
• It provides a strong hold, which is perfect for creating and maintaining defined waves throughout the day.
• The wave butter contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil, leaving my hair feeling soft, moisturized, and healthier.
• I appreciate that it doesn’t leave any greasy residue, keeping my hair looking clean and polished.
• The pleasant fragrance of the wave butter adds a nice touch to my hair styling experience.

However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks:

• For those with fine or less textured hair, the strong hold may make the waves look too stiff or unnatural.
• The jar packaging could be improved to make it easier to scoop out the product.

In conclusion, the Veeta Superior Wave Butter is a fantastic choice for individuals with natural type 4 hair looking to enhance their waves. Its smooth texture, strong hold, and nourishing ingredients make it a standout wave butter in the market. However, those with fine hair may want to use a smaller amount of product to avoid an overly stiff appearance.

Pros:

• Smooth and creamy texture for easy application
• Strong hold for long-lasting defined waves
• Nourishing ingredients for soft and moisturized hair
• Non-greasy and clean finish
• Pleasant fragrance

Cons:

• Strong hold may be too stiff for fine hair
• Jar packaging could be improved for easier scooping.

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 4/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

DAX Wave & Groom

The Veeta Superior Wave Butte has been a game-changer for my wave journey. As someone with natural type 4 hair, finding a product that helps define and hold my waves while keeping my hair moisturized has been a challenge. This wave butter, however, exceeded my expectations.

What I liked about Veeta Superior Wave Butter:

• The texture of the wave butter is creamy and smooth, making it easy to apply and distribute evenly through my hair.
• It provides a strong hold, which is perfect for creating well-defined waves that last all day.
• The wave butter is enriched with natural oils like jojoba oil and argan oil, which leave my hair feeling nourished and soft.
• I appreciate that it doesn’t leave any greasy residue or build-up on my scalp and hair.
• The light and refreshing scent of the product adds a pleasant touch to my styling routine.

However, there are a couple of things to consider:

• The strong hold may not be suitable for those looking for a more flexible, natural-looking wave style.
• The container size could be larger for those who need to use the product regularly.

In conclusion, Veeta Superior Wave Butter is an excellent choice for individuals with natural type 4 hair who want defined and long-lasting waves. Its creamy texture, strong hold, and nourishing ingredients make it stand out among other wave products I’ve tried. However, if you prefer a more flexible hold or need a larger quantity of product, it’s essential to take these factors into account.

Pros:

• Creamy and smooth texture for easy application
• Strong hold for defined and long-lasting waves
• Enriched with nourishing natural oils
• No greasy residue or build-up
• Pleasant and refreshing scent

Cons:

• Strong hold may not be suitable for those seeking a more flexible style
• Container size could be larger for regular users.

My Ratings:

• Hold – 4.5/5
• Moisturizing Power – 4/5
• Texture – 4/5
• Build-up – 3.5/5

What is a 360 wave grease and does it actually create waves on hair?

360 wave grease, also known as wave pomade or hair pomade, is a grooming product specifically designed to help individuals create and maintain “waves” in their hair. Waves are a popular and distinctive hairstyle where the hair appears to form a series of smooth, rounded ripples or waves that travel around the head, typically in a circular or 360-degree pattern. This style is particularly common among African American men but can be achieved by people of various hair types and textures.

Here’s how 360 wave grease works and whether it can actually create waves in the hair:

1. Hold and Definition: 360 wave grease is formulated to provide a firm hold on the hair, helping to shape and define the waves. It’s often used in conjunction with a wave brush to help lay down the hair and encourage the wave pattern.
2. Moisture and Shine: These products often contain ingredients like oils and moisturizers to keep the hair hydrated and add a healthy shine. This helps to prevent dryness and keep the waves looking smooth and well-defined.
3. Training the Hair: Creating 360 waves is not just about applying grease; it’s also about training the hair over time. To achieve waves, individuals typically brush their hair in a specific pattern, usually in the direction they want the waves to form. The grease helps in this process by providing the necessary hold and lubrication for the brushing.
4. Maintenance: Maintaining 360 waves requires regular brushing, moisturizing, and reapplying wave grease. Over time, the consistent brushing and product application help train the hair to take on the wave pattern.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of 360 wave grease can vary from person to person based on their hair type, texture, and individual grooming practices. Additionally, achieving and maintaining 360 waves can be time-consuming and require dedication and patience.

While wave grease can be a helpful tool in creating and maintaining this hairstyle, it’s not a magic solution. Achieving 360 waves also depends on the natural texture of your hair and the effort you put into brushing and training your hair over time. Some people may find it easier to achieve waves than others based on their hair type and genetics.

Using a wave grease is important to get the perfect 360 waves. It not only adds a bit of shine to your hair, but it also keeps your hairstyle in place.

Some of these pomades are also super nourishing and act as a leave-in conditioner for coarse, type 4 hair.  

You can apply a bit of pomade right before brushing your hair. It should make brushing wave patterns easier. 

I also suggest wearing a durag right afterwards to add extra protection for your waves.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Also Read:

Best men’s hair gels

Best beard butters for African American men

Best beard oil for black men