Matte Pomade
Uppercut Deluxe · 100g · Water-based
~£12–£14
Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade is the go-to for anyone who wants texture and structure without shine. Australian brand, water-based formula, easy wash-out — it does exactly what it says on the tin.
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On short hair (2–4 cm) this paste gives a workable medium hold: enough to structure a messy crop, fringe or textured quiff without turning hair crispy. It’s forgiving — reworkable during the day with a tiny bit of water — and doesn’t flake or leave residue.
On thicker or longer hair you may want a stronger clay, but for the majority of blokes after a natural, lived-in look it’s very reliable. Not stiff, not greasy, just clean texture.
The paste itself is soft and easy to scoop — it emulsifies quickly with fingertips. The scent is a clean barbershop-style aroma: faint, not overpowering, and it fades within 30 minutes of application. If you’re fragrance-sensitive this is far from aggressive, though it’s not unscented.
The 100 g tub typically lands between £8–£14 on Amazon UK depending on offers. For a dependable, easy-to-use matte paste that competes well against boutique styling clays charging a premium for the name, Uppercut Deluxe represents solid value. The 70 g tin is portable and refillable-friendly.
If you want a fuss-free, texture-first product for short-to-mid length hair, Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade is worth the money. Honest hold, matte finish, easy rework, easy wash. It’s the kind of product you reach for every morning without thinking about it — and that’s exactly the point. Rating: 4.0/5.
How It Compares to Other Styling Pastes
vs American Crew Fiber: Both are medium-hold matte products but they behave differently. American Crew Fiber has a slightly grittier texture that some find harder to work through longer hair. Uppercut feels smoother, emulsifies faster, and is marginally easier to wash out. For most blokes, Uppercut wins on usability; American Crew Fiber wins on hold strength for thicker hair.
vs Layrite Natural Matte Cream: Layrite is softer and lighter — more of a cream than a paste. If you have fine hair and want minimal hold with a natural look, Layrite edges it. For textured crops and more structured styles, Uppercut’s paste consistency gives better control.
vs Wahl Matte Paste: The Wahl is a budget option around £6 that delivers surprisingly similar results on short hair. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth trying. But Uppercut’s consistency is more reliable across hair types and the formula holds up better in humid conditions.
Who Should Buy This?
Uppercut Deluxe Matte Pomade is ideal for men with short to medium hair (roughly 2–6cm) who want a natural, textured finish without any shine or crunchiness. It suits most hair types including fine, normal and moderately thick hair, though very coarse or thick hair may need a stronger clay for adequate hold.
It’s particularly well-suited to textured crops, modern quiffs, and messy side parts — the styles that dominate barbershop request boards in 2026. If your barber is doing scissor-over-comb textured cuts, this is what pairs with the result.
Not ideal for: very long hair (over 6cm with any thickness), styles requiring high shine (use a pomade instead), or anyone wanting a very firm hold for slicked-back styles (use a strong gel or hard wax).
Pros & Cons
Pros: Clean matte finish with no greasiness, reworkable throughout the day, washes out easily with just water, pleasant fading barbershop scent, good value at £12–14, reliable Australian brand with strong reputation in barbering.
Cons: Not suitable for thick or long hair at medium hold, scent is present (not fragrance-free), not the strongest hold for structured styles, 100g tub means you go through it quickly with twice-daily styling.
Barber's Perspective
We spoke to two UK-based barbers who stock Uppercut Deluxe products. Both confirmed it's among their most-requested retail recommendations, particularly for clients with textured crops and scissor-finish styles. One barber noted that its reworkability is its standout quality: "Clients can fix their style at 6pm without washing and reapplying — they just need a tiny bit of water on their hands."
The consensus among both was that Uppercut Deluxe sits in a sweet spot between budget drugstore pastes and premium barbershop exclusives. At £12–14, it's accessible without feeling cheap, and the formula has remained consistent across the years they've been stocking it — no reformulation issues that have plagued some competitors.
© 2026 GroomVault.uk — As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.
© 2026 GroomVault.uk — As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.
© 2026 GroomVault.uk — As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.
© 2026 GroomVault.uk — As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.