Coldlabel Pomade vs Murray’s: Which Is Better?

Choosing between Coldlabel Pomade vs Murray’s Pomade means comparing two very different approaches to controlling textured hair. Both products are designed to provide hold, support defined styles, and help manage thick or coarse hair. However, their ingredient philosophies, application experiences, price points, and roles within a long-term grooming routine are notably different.

Murray’s Original Pomade is an established, highly accessible styling product built around petrolatum and a strong-hold tradition dating back to 1925. Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade is a plant-oil, butter, honey, and beeswax-based balm developed specifically for longer wave growth and wolfing.

This comparison is for people with waves, curls, coils, or thick hair who are deciding whether they primarily need maximum control at a low price or a more conditioning, petroleum-free styling experience. The products will be evaluated according to their disclosed ingredients, performance, scalp considerations, price, value, and suitability for different grooming priorities.

Product note: Formulas, prices, and packaging can change. This comparison uses product information and listed U.S. prices available in August 2026. Check the label on the product you receive before use.

Quick Comparison: Coldlabel Pomade vs Murray’s Pomade

Ingredient Philosophy

The most important difference between these pomades is not simply which one holds more firmly. It is what each product is designed to accomplish while providing that hold.

Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade

Coldlabel describes Premium Wolfin’ Pomade as an all-natural, oil-based balm made specifically for wolfing. Its published formula includes safflower, castor, olive and jojoba oils, organic beeswax, hydrogenated soy, raw shea butter, raw honey, soy lecithin, tea tree oil, lavender, grapefruit-seed extract, and fragrance.

This combination reflects a dual-purpose philosophy. Beeswax and hydrogenated soy help create structure, while the oils, shea butter, and honey contribute emollient or moisture-supporting properties. The intent is to control longer textured hair without separating styling from conditioning.

Coldlabel does disclose the complete ingredient list on its product page, including fragrance. That matters because “natural” does not automatically mean fragrance-free or appropriate for every sensitive scalp. The formula also includes beeswax and honey, so it should not be described as vegan.

No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or petrolatum appear on the currently published ingredient list. Sulfates are primarily cleansing agents and would not ordinarily be expected in an oil-based pomade, but their absence may still matter to shoppers evaluating an entire grooming routine. Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade

Murray’s Original Pomade

Murray’s represents the traditional petroleum-based approach. A current retailer ingredient disclosure lists petrolatum, fragrance, limonene, linalool, benzyl alcohol, and coumarin. Several of the latter ingredients may be components of the product’s fragrance rather than separate styling agents.

Petrolatum creates a durable, water-resistant coating that provides slip, shine, and substantial control. It does not supply water to the hair, but it can help reduce moisture loss by forming an occlusive layer. This makes it effective as a styling sealant, particularly on thick hair that resists lighter products.

No sulfates, parabens, or silicones appear on the ingredient list reviewed for this comparison. Murray’s is nevertheless not a natural, plant-centered formula. Its defining ingredient is petroleum-derived petrolatum, making its philosophy direct and functional: dependable hold through a simple, dense base. Murray’s ingredient disclosure at H-E-B

Performance on Natural Hair

Moisture retention

Neither pomade should replace water or a water-based moisturizer. Oils, waxes, butters, and petrolatum primarily help seal, soften, lubricate, or control hair rather than directly hydrate it.

Coldlabel has the broader conditioning profile. Jojoba, olive, castor, and safflower oils can help lubricate the hair and reduce the dry, rigid feeling associated with some strong styling products. Shea butter contributes richness, while honey functions as a humectant within the formulation. This may make Wolfin’ Pomade more suitable for someone who wants control without treating styling and conditioning as completely separate steps.

Murray’s petrolatum can be effective at sealing in moisture already present in the hair. Applied over properly moisturized hair, it may reduce moisture loss. Applied heavily to dry hair, however, it can create shine and control without correcting the underlying lack of hydration.

Wave and curl definition

Both products can support wave definition by controlling flyaways and helping brushed hair remain in position. Neither product creates waves independently. Wave development still depends on curl pattern, consistent brushing, suitable hair length, compression, and scalp care.

Murray’s is likely to appeal to users who prioritize dense, persistent hold. Its heavy consistency is particularly well known among people styling coarse hair or laying down resistant areas.

Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade is formulated for the wolfing stage, when additional length can make the pattern harder to control. Coldlabel recommends a marble-sized amount distributed evenly through the hair. Its wax-and-butter structure provides control while the oil phase allows the balm to soften as it warms in the hands.

For loose curls or styles requiring movement, either formula may feel too heavy if overapplied. Starting with a small amount is important.

Long-term hair health

A pomade should be evaluated as one part of a complete regimen. Brushing technique, cleansing frequency, moisture balance, friction, compression habits, and product quantity may influence hair condition more than the brand name alone.

Coldlabel offers ingredients that contribute more directly to softness and lubrication. This makes it the more comprehensive option for consumers who want their styling product to complement a natural-hair regimen.

Murray’s is more narrowly focused on hold. That is not automatically harmful, but users may need to obtain moisture and conditioning from separate products.

Scalp Health and Long-Term Impact

Buildup risk

Both products can accumulate because both contain ingredients designed to remain on the hair.

Murray’s petrolatum is not water-soluble and may require deliberate shampooing to remove fully. Reapplying it repeatedly without sufficient cleansing can leave hair feeling coated and can trap other product residue.

Coldlabel is petroleum-free, but beeswax, shea butter, hydrogenated soy, and heavier oils can also create buildup when too much is used. “Natural” does not mean residue-free. Moderate application and a consistent cleansing schedule remain necessary.

A sustainable pomade routine should include:

• Applying the smallest quantity that provides adequate control
• Concentrating product on the hair rather than heavily coating the scalp
• Avoiding automatic daily layering when the existing application is sufficient
• Washing thoroughly according to actual buildup and scalp condition
• Following cleansing with appropriate moisture or conditioning

Irritation potential

Neither formula can be guaranteed suitable for every sensitive scalp. Both contain fragrance. Murray’s also discloses several fragrance components, while Coldlabel contains tea tree oil and lavender in addition to fragrance.

Botanical ingredients can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. Anyone with eczema, fragrance sensitivity, or a history of reacting to essential oils should patch-test the chosen product and discontinue use if burning, persistent itching, redness, or scaling develops.

Product buildup should also not be mistaken for dandruff or a medical scalp condition. Persistent inflammation or unexplained hair loss should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Clean formulation considerations

“Clean” has no single regulated definition for cosmetics. A more useful question is whether the formula aligns with the consumer’s stated priorities.

Coldlabel provides a petroleum-free formula centered on recognizable oils, butter, wax, and honey. Murray’s provides a shorter, traditional formula centered on petrolatum. Transparency allows the buyer to choose between those approaches without presenting every synthetic or petroleum-derived ingredient as inherently unsafe.

Price and Value

Price is one category in which Murray’s has a clear advantage. Murray’s lists its Original Pomade at $4 for a 3-ounce can, or approximately $1.33 per ounce. Retail prices vary; one major grocer listed it even lower at the time of research. Murray’s Original Pomade

Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade was listed at $19.99. Common product listings identify the jar as 4 ounces, producing an approximate cost of $5 per ounce. The Coldlabel product therefore carries a substantial premium.

That difference reflects two distinct value propositions:

• Murray’s offers economical, strong control with wide availability.
• Coldlabel combines styling agents with multiple botanical oils, shea butter, honey, essential oils, and small-brand formulation intent.

Murray’s may be the better monetary value for someone who only needs firm hold. Coldlabel may provide better personal value for someone willing to pay more for a petroleum-free product that brings conditioning ingredients into the styling step.

Cost per use may narrow the difference if either pomade is applied sparingly, but individual usage varies too much to make a universal claim.

Who Should Choose Each Brand?

Choose Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade if:

• You prefer a petroleum-free pomade.
• You want plant oils, shea butter, beeswax, and honey in your styling formula.
• You are managing longer hair during wolfing.
• You want hold accompanied by softness and lubrication.
• You view grooming as an intentional ritual that includes styling, conditioning, cleansing, and scalp care.
• Ingredient philosophy and handcrafted product character justify a higher price for you.

Choose Murray’s Original Pomade if:

• You prioritize strong pomade control.
• You want an inexpensive product that is widely available.
• Your thick or coarse hair responds well to dense petrolatum-based styling products.
• You prefer a relatively short ingredient list.
• You already have separate moisturizing and conditioning steps.
• You do not mind using a harsh cleansing process to manage residue.

Final Verdict: Coldlabel Pomade vs Murray’s Pomade

The Coldlabel Pomade vs Murray’s Pomade decision depends on whether the priority is basic hold at the lowest cost or an ingredient-conscious balance of control and conditioning.

Murray’s remains a practical choice for strong hold, accessibility, and affordability. It serves its core styling purpose directly.

Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade is the stronger match for consumers seeking a natural-ingredient, petroleum-free alternative designed around textured hair, wolfing, moisture retention, and long-term grooming discipline. Its higher price buys a more complex formula and a broader role within the grooming ritual.

Neither product eliminates the need for moisture, proper cleansing, consistent brushing, or careful scalp observation. The best pomade is ultimately the one whose hold, ingredient base, removal requirements, and price fit a routine that can be maintained consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coldlabel or Murray’s better for 360 waves?

Both can support 360-wave styling. Murray’s emphasizes dense, economical hold, while Coldlabel provides hold through a petroleum-free formula containing oils, shea butter, honey, and beeswax. Coldlabel may be preferable during wolfing or when conditioning ingredients are a priority.

Is Murray’s Pomade good for coarse hair?

Murray’s is marketed for holding hair in place and enhancing natural waves, and its dense petrolatum base can provide substantial control for coarse or thick hair. Use it sparingly and maintain an effective cleansing routine.

Does Coldlabel Pomade contain petroleum?

Petrolatum or mineral oil does not appear on Coldlabel Premium Wolfin’ Pomade’s published ingredient list. Its base instead includes botanical oils, organic beeswax, hydrogenated soy, shea butter, and honey.

Which pomade is better for a sensitive scalp?

Neither is automatically the better choice because both contain fragrance, and Coldlabel also contains tea tree oil and lavender. People with known sensitivities should review the complete label and patch-test before broader use.

Is natural pomade easier to wash out than petrolatum pomade?

Petrolatum is highly water-resistant, while natural waxes, butters, and heavy oils can also leave residue though in far lesser amounts. Product quantity, hair density, shampoo choice, and cleansing technique all affect removal.