Pomade is one of those products that’s been around for quite some time, and probably isn’t going anywhere.
Seriously, people have been using pomade since the early 1900’s, and for good reason. Pomade is an amazing option for many different hair styles out there.
Did you know old school pomade was made from lard or bear grease? What’s even crazier is that men have been using bear’s grease for hundreds of years as a hair loss supplement.
While it’s likely this method of hair loss prevention is entirely ineffective, it’s still interesting nonetheless to see where pomade has evolved from.
So, how does pomade work, why does it work, and do you need it? First, let’s figure out exactly what pomade is today, and why people use it.
What Is Pomade?
There are many different kinds of pomade, but one thing most traditional pomades have in common is their greasy nature. This was done intentionally, because the added greasy feeling gives a certain style to hair that you wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. Modern, water-based pomades can achieve the same result without being overly greasy, however.
Furthermore, even matte-finish, non-greasy products nowadays call themselves pomades. This illustrates the fact that there is no specific formulation that makes a pomade a pomade. It’s actually just a universal term used to describe a hair styling product.
What actually goes into a modern pomade though? Surely modern pomades aren’t made from bear grease anymore!
You’d be right, the highest quality pomades are water-based solutions that are easier to get out of your hair. There are pomades out there that still use petroleum based ingredients, but you’ll find that you probably don’t need the extra grease unless you are going for difficult hairstyles like the pompadour, famously re-introduced by Elvis Presley. Even then, we don’t recommend using these types of pomades.
Why Should You Use Pomade?
Pomade isn’t the end all for hair products. There are plenty of other hair products that do different things. Good pomades should be pliable, meaning they provide hold but allow you to move your hair. If you prefer a stiffer hold that doesn’t move as much, a top quality men’s hair gel works best.
Typically, old school pomades are high hold, greasy, and extremely high shine. Whereas newer, higher-quality pomades for men gear more towards a pliable hold and a natural, healthy shine.
If shininess isn’t your style, and you’re looking for something with a pliable and firm hold that doesn’t look quite so formal and shiny, texture paste matte pomade might be right up your alley.
For that ultra confident, old school or modern look that you want to show off, pomade might be just the thing you need. Here’s how you use it.
How to Use Pomade
So, you’ve finally made it here. Now that you’ve learned about the different types of pomade, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s how you use pomade, the right way.
Choose Your Pomade Type
Are you going for a more formal style pomade with a nice sheen, or a more casual and versatile pomade with a matte finish? Avoid the greasy, overly-shiny products. Those are usually lower-quality and difficult to work with.
Go with a water-based pomade with plenty of natural ingredients, it’s just not worth the struggle of showering multiple times to rinse out low-quality pomades. Not to mention the damage those products do to your hair and scalp. The top tier men’s pomades not only help you create a style, they can actually improve the health of your hair and scalp.
Choose Your Pomade Hold
Now it’s time to close in on the type of pomade you want. In the hair styling industry, factors like hold and shine are great indicators of what a product can provide for you. These are usually presented on a scale of 1-10. So, for example, a hold of 7 would be classified as a mid-high hold.
Matte pomade (sometimes called texture paste) is going to be a safe choice for some guys with short hair, because it creates a natural and casual look. That said, however, a nice sheen on a short cut looks clean, sharp and formal.
Most products on the market are a mix of both, offering variations of low hold and medium shine, high hold and high shine, and other variations.
Wash Your Hair Before You Use Pomade
Get dirt, grime, and old styling products out of your hair before you begin. Usually this involves taking a shower and using a shampoo that can naturally remove excess oils from your hair without completely stripping your hair of necessary oils.
Many shampoos will completely strip your hair of all of its oil, which will lead to problems when you try to style your hair. To combat this, use a conditioner. Even better, a leave-in conditioner
Just make sure your hair isn’t too oily. If your nickname was “oil slick” or “oil field”, or if someone has recently asked if you’ve combed your hair with buttered toast, your hair may be too greasy.
In this case, wash your hair thoroughly every day, and use a conditioner with Tea Tree Oil, a natural ingredient proven to absorb excess oil.
Applying Your Favorite Pomade
Now that you’ve found the pomade you want to use, and have washed your hair, it’s time to apply your pomade.
Before you begin, there are a few schools of thought as to when you should apply pomade. While your hair is still damp from the shower? What about completely dry hair?
In our experience, the most common and effective time to apply pomade is after you’ve towel dried your hair and when it is barely damp. You should have enough moisture to apply a healthy dose of pomade without overdoing it.
Certain styles will require applying to dry hair, however. Generally speaking, applying to dry hair will increase the hold of the product (since there is less water present to dilute it).
Begin by rubbing the product between both of your hands.
Take both your hands, and begin rubbing in the pomade near the roots of your hair. Start from your scalp and slowly work it into the ends of your hair. The reason you want to start near the roots is because that is where the direction of your hair comes from. The roots decide where that strand of hair goes, so if you can manipulate the roots, the rest of your hair will surely follow.
Styling Your Hair
Once your pomade is applied, start shifting hair in the direction you want it to go. For a clean-cut, formal look, use a higher-shine pomade and comb or brush your hair in the desired direction.
For slicked back hair, play to the strengths of your hair line. One option, for example, is to style the sides of your hair downward and the top of your hair backwards. This may take an extra dose of pomade, so don’t be afraid to grab more if you’re not achieving enough hold.
For a more casual look, comb or brush your hair first, then style with your hands and fingers. This method works very well with a matte finish, pliable texture paste pomade. Using your fingers after the comb or brush will allow your hair to lay more naturally.
Everyone’s hair is different, so styling is going to be unique to your specific head of hair and desired look. If you apply product correctly to the roots of your hair, you can usually get your hair to do whatever you want. At the end of the day, however, it’s usually best to consult a Barbetologist.
Blow Dry Your Hair (Optional)
Sometimes, you won’t have time to actually blow dry your hair after you’ve just styled with pomade, but if you do, we recommend blow drying afterwards as a grooming tip.
Think about what you’ve just done to your hair. The product that is now in your hair is currently weighing your hair down. A great way to lift your hair back up is with a hair dryer.
In addition to lifting your hair back up, it also helps lock in the style you just created. If you blow dry your hair, it will stay in its current style for longer because the hold will be much stronger. This could be especially useful if you’re using a pomade with lower hold.
Depending on your style, blow drying may or may not be necessary. For instance, if you like patted down and slicked back hair with a strong hold, a blow dry doesn’t fit into the equation.
But, if you’re using a water based pomade, have a slightly slicked hairstyle that needs some lift, and want an even stronger hold, blow drying may be perfect for you. Another added benefit to blow drying your hair after applying pomade is that it will make your hair appear thicker.
Pomade Can Be Ridiculously Awesome
Ideally, you’ve now got pomade in your hair, and you’re ready for your next date, family outing, work party, or other excursion.
Pomade is one of the best tools to look like a spiffy, well kempt individual. If you’ve showered, applied deodorant, put on snazzy clothes, and slapped some cologne on, the cherry on top is your pomade. Everything combined makes for the perfect look, for that important occasion.
Takeaway
We hope you enjoyed our guy’s guide to pomade. If you run into trouble, refer back to this guide to see where you may be going wrong. If you have any more questions about other types of men’s grooming products, we’d love to educate you more to become the ultimate groomed man.
FAQs
How do you use pomade on men's hair? ›
When applying pomade, you will want to rub a small amount (dime-sized) between your palms until the pomade warms up and melts. Once melted, you simply spread it evenly through your hair, and then style your hair with either a comb or by just using your fingers.>
Do you put pomade in wet or dry hair? ›Towel-dry your hair (and leave it slightly wet)
There are a few exceptions, but generally pomade is best applied to towel-dried hair. That's because pomade is activated by water, which differentiates it from dry-application products like waxes and fibers.
Use a knuckle or two size amount: Rub the pomade between your palms to soften it. Remember, a little goes a long way and you can always add more, if needed. Once your hands have an equal coating of pomade, you're ready for application.
What hairstyle is pomade good for? ›Made from grease, wax, or sometimes water-based, pomade is a long-lasting styling tool that is used by men the world over to achieve sleek and intricate hairstyles, such as the pompadour and faux hawk. Unlike spray and gel hairstyles, pomade does not dry.
Do you rinse out pomade? ›How often should you wash pomade out of your hair? There is no hard and fast rule, but regular hair shampooing recommendations are every three days or so. If you style your hair regularly you'll want to experiment. Many pomade users only de-grease once a week but may rinse and condition their hair every 1 to 3 days.
Are you supposed to wet pomade? ›Most pomades are best applied to damp hair.
Once your hair dries fully, the pomade will keep your luscious locks in place. Pomade often needs a little bit of water to “activate” and spread out, but too much water will thin it down.
Is Gel or Pomade Better? For a product that offers maximum hold and support and leaves a shiny finish, go with gel. For a product that's gentler on hair but still provides an adequate hold, pomade is a better option.
Is pomade good for daily use? ›Yes, but you will need to take a few precautions to keep your hair looking healthy. They include: Use pomade sparingly. Keep it away from the scalp and roots of your hair.
Should you comb pomade? ›The last thing you need to do is make sure you comb the back. You might need to add a little more pomade, but once you do comb through the hairs in the back. Once it's nice and combed, go ahead and take your hands to smooth everything down. The back is important because, even though you won't see it, other people will!
How long does pomade last in hair? ›As a general rule, water and clay-based pomades come out with a single wash, but oil-based products require two to three shampoo sessions.
How do you wash off pomade? ›
Douse your hair with a tablespoon of Ajax Super Degreaser Dish Liquid Detergent or Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and let it soak for a while. Then rinse out with warm water. Follow with a pomade shampoo (like Schmiere Rumble 59 Ex Shampoo 250ml) to get the last bit of slick out.
What happens if you use too much pomade? ›Too much pomade can leave your hair looking oily and weighed down, so it's better to layer the product in your hair until you have the desired result. Wet or dry application? It depends on the product and desired look. If your hair is wet, it can dilute a water-soluble pomade by reducing its hold level.
Do you apply pomade before or after brushing? ›For a more casual look, comb or brush your hair first, then style with your hands and fingers. This method works very well with a matte finish, pliable texture paste pomade. Using your fingers after the comb or brush will allow your hair to lay more naturally.
How long does 4 oz pomade last? ›How Long Does a 4 Oz Jar of Clay Pomade Last? With everyday use, a 4 oz jar of our Clay Pomade should last about two to three months.
Does pomade make hair look thicker? ›Pomade can actually give your hair a volumizing effect, making your hair look more thick and dense. Some pomade formulas actually include a thickening agent to support hair growth and prevent future hair loss, making it an ideal option for men with finer or thinner hair.
Should pomade be hard? ›Unlike gels, pomades do not dry out or leave your hair hard and crunchy allowing you to style your hair again and again throughout the day. Options for medium to high shine pomades are widely available. Pomades can be broken down into two major categories: Oil-based (the more traditional version)
What are the benefits of pomade? ›The benefits of pomade are focused on its superior strength to hold hair in place. Most hair stylists will use pomade to style curly or “out of control” hair. Beyond that, it gives your hair a stunning shine and wet-look. This is thanks to ingredients such as castor, coconut and olive oil, all natural ingredients.
Does pomade make your hair look shiny? ›Put simply, pomade adds a high shine but usually offers the least hold. Wax contributes less shine but provides a strong hold that keeps your hair in place throughout the day.
How many scoops of pomade? ›Use one scoop for a loose look, two scoops for a more refined look, and three scoops to slick it all back.
Does pomade look greasy? ›“Too much pomade on these hair types can make the hair look weighed down and greasy, so go sparingly.
Does pomade leave hair sticky? ›
Pomade is an excellent choice for styling your hair! While hair gels can leave your hair feeling sticky (or worse, hard as a rock!), pomades are designed to give your hair a more natural, touchable hold.
Who should use pomade? ›You should use a Cream Pomade, if: you have straight, curly, fine, coarse, long, or short hair (most hair types can use a cream), and you want to add volume, hydration, very light hold, and achieve a light shine (near matte) finish, with a natural look.
What is the purpose of hair pomade? ›Hair pomades are a type of hairstyling product that works to hold, shape, and provide your strands with shine. They also add texture to your hair for a fuller appearance. Most hair pomades are formulated with a gel-like or waxy formula, but they are also available in cream formulas.
Does pomade make your hair look wet? ›Pomades are great for creating a wet look since they don't stiffen your hair much. A pomade will hold your hairstyle in a shape, useful for slicking back hair or creating a pompadour. Don't use too much though or your hair will look greasy.
Does pomade harden hair? ›What is Pomade? Pomade is an oil-based or water-based hair product designed for slick and tight hairstyles. Pomades differ from hairstyling gel as they do not harden, and they differ from waxes/pastes/clays as these products generally have a dry, thick consistency that is formulated for a messy/matte look.
Does pomade have side effects? ›Because pomade gives your hair a wet, oily look, it can also make multiple strands of your hair stick together. This may make your hair look thinner and any diffuse thinning on your scalp and crown easier to notice.
How long can you use pomade? ›If you're using a pomade made from petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and paraffin wax, it will start to spoil if stored for too long because the ingredients are light-sensitive and unstable. This type of pomade should be used within 18 months. Otherwise, it may not provide the same hold as when first purchased.
Does pomade help hair growth? ›Pomade products that are specifically formulated for thinning hair contain ingredients proven to promote hair health and growth. If you're looking to kick start your hair growth and get the styling benefits of pomade, keep an eye out for pomades that include biotin, caffeine, saw palmetto, and green tea.
Does pomade add volume to hair? ›On the other hand, pomade has a medium hold instead. It helps to thicken and add volume to your hair, but still leaves your hair flexible enough to readjust. For those who prefer hair that feels closer to natural product-free hair, pomade may be a better choice for you.
Should I use hairspray after pomade? ›Always apply hair product before using hairspray, be it wax, pomade or gel. You still need to style the hair the way you want it to look by using your product of choice.
Is pomade safer than gel? ›
Each has its pros and cons but overall, pomade is the healthier choice and offers more options compared to gel.
Is it OK to leave pomade in your hair overnight? ›Having some product in while you sleep is harmless, unless you have scalp issues. Sometimes though, there can be too much product in your hair or it can be in your hair for too long. The product can clog your pores on your scalp. This can cause the hair follicles to start growing weak and thinner hair strands.
When should I use hair pomade? ›Most pomades are best applied to damp hair.
Once your hair dries fully, the pomade will keep your luscious locks in place. Pomade often needs a little bit of water to “activate” and spread out, but too much water will thin it down.
Pomade is not bad for your hair, per se. Only the kind and way you use pomade made it a culprit. Poorly-formulated pomades that don't protect against dehydration and oil-based/wax-based pomades that clog hair follicles and don't get washed out regularly are bad for your hair.
Do you need to wash pomade out of hair? ›How often should you wash pomade out of your hair? There is no hard and fast rule, but regular hair shampooing recommendations are every three days or so. If you style your hair regularly you'll want to experiment. Many pomade users only de-grease once a week but may rinse and condition their hair every 1 to 3 days.
What are the benefits of using pomade? ›Pomade offers more flexibility and pliability to your hairstyle, making it perfect for those who want to touch up their hair or change their hairstyle slightly during the day. This also means that pomades make it easier for you to style your hair.
Is pomade just wax? ›Wax, although slightly similar to pomade in texture, typically offers much more hold. Unlike pomade, which stays pliable throughout the day, wax usually dries out after a few hours, which allows for a stronger hold and much more creativity when styling your hair.
How do I choose a pomade for men? ›- When it comes to perfecting your look, sometimes it all comes down to the right pomade. ...
- You Want The Look Of Thicker, Fuller Hair – Thickening Pomade. ...
- You Want Sleek Hair and High Shine – Wax Pomade. ...
- You Want Smooth Hair and Low Shine – Cream Pomade. ...
- You Want Messy Hair and Texture – Clay Pomade.
Without a doubt, water-based pomades are far superior because they're easy to wash out, and easy to re-activate by adding a touch of water throughout the day. Oil-based pomades are very difficult to wash out, they stick to your hair and make for a messy lifestyle.
Can you use too much pomade? ›Too much pomade can leave your hair looking oily and weighed down, so it's better to layer the product in your hair until you have the desired result. Wet or dry application? It depends on the product and desired look. If your hair is wet, it can dilute a water-soluble pomade by reducing its hold level.