How pomade works
Modern pomade is made using a base and a wide range of additions. The hold supplied by pomade is dependent on the bases used. Most pomades have a base of lanolin, petroleum jelly, or beeswax. These materials hold your hair in place because the base attaches to your hair molecules and each other. That allows for the hold, styling, and hair shaping you know and love.
The first pomades were actually made out of lard or bear fat. Thankfully, a modern Don Juan doesn’t have to hunt a bear to achieve the look they want. Thicker pomades with wax or clay bases hold your hair more firmly but are much more difficult to wash out. The properties of the pomade base determine the type of hold and whether or not it can be reactivated.
Water-based pomades like Don Juan’s dry quickly in order to keep your hair secure. They reactivate with water, though, which makes them easy to restyle or wash out.
What pomade to use
There are two categories you’ll want to pay attention to:
Hold – This tells you how firm the hold of the pomade will be. The same pomade base can provide a different hold by adjusting the base levels. That’s how a water-based pomade can provide a medium hold in one tin and a super-strong hold in another.
You’ll want to pay attention to the base-type. Glycerin will typically provide a lower-hold level (Which can still be extremely strong). Water-based clay will provide an extreme hold while still washing out easily. Wax delivers a strong hold and will take multiple washes to remove.
Shine – Shine determines how the pomade will affect the color/reflectivity of your hair. Most glycerin-based pomades will provide a medium-high shine. Clay and wax-based options are more often labeled as “matte.” Matte won’t have a shine to it.
That doesn’t mean matte is dull. In a pomade it just means your natural hair color will come through without the typical glisten, or shine, you’ll get with a non-matte option.
Which pomade is right for your hair type?
- Curly or Wavy Hair – If you want to tame your curls, the best option is a strong hold. Our hair grease can be applied to dry hair, and will deliver a water-resistant hold capable of mastering the most unruly hair. Our meteor clay pomade provides an even stronger hold but maintains the ability to restyle, and easily washes out with water.
- Thick Hair – Thick hair needs a tight-hold if you’re going for a shaped look. Small spikes can be achieved with a medium-hold, but people with thicker hair should stay away from light-hold pomades. These just can’t hold longer or thicker hair together once they dry.
- Long Hair – Longer hair can be difficult to master, especially when you want a sleek pulled-back look. We recommend a medium-hold. Thicker pomades can turn long hair into a solid, completely eliminating natural bounce. Of course, if you’re creating spikes then a clay-based pomade is the only way to go.
- Short Hair – Short hair benefits from a light or medium hold. Stick with glycerin water-based pomades unless you want extremely tight spikes. Because there is less pull as shorter hair naturally sticks up straighter, you won’t need as much pomade to achieve the look you want.
- Fine Hair – You’ll want to keep your hair as light as possible. Weighing down hair with waxes will keep your fine hair from achieving the volume you want. Stick with water-based pomades. Our hybrid pomade provides the best of both worlds, delivering a strong hold without the weight associated with clay or wax.
How to use pomade
- Wet your hair. You don’t want soaking wet hair. Dampen a comb and run it through your hair. You want just enough dampness to be able to properly work in the pomade—about 5 minutes from being fully dry. (If you have water droplets running down your face or neck, your hair is too wet.)
Just the right amount of pomade. How much pomade do you use? That depends on how much of a hold the pomade delivers, and how you are styling your hair. We recommend a teaspoon sized amount to start. You can always add more if it isn’t enough, but washing out excess pomade and restarting the process isn’t fun.
Massage the pomade between your hands, evenly coating your palms. You want an even coat in order to avoid clumps. If you don’t have that even coating, you’ll quickly end up with one section of hair that has too much and wants to sit completely differently from the rest.
- Massage your hair. There are different schools of thought. Some people go from the sides or bangs first, but traditionalists always start at the back and work their way forwards. You’ll want to evenly apply the pomade so work from the root of the hair upwards. This will keep your hair from clumping.
- Style accordingly. Your style is eternal, and how you proceed is entirely up to you. If you’re having trouble with specific sections of hair misbehaving (like the hair around a part), then work a little more pomade into the trouble areas. This can add the extra grip you need to keep the rebels in line.
How to wash out pomade
Water-based pomade: This one is easy. Water-based pomades are water-soluble. That means you can wash them out with nothing but warm water and your favorite shampoo. This can keep you from stripping natural oils from your hair.
Wax/Clay/Oil-based pomade: How do you wash out the tough-stuff? You can skip the expensive shampoo all day long with this little tip.
Start with olive oil: You’ll want to rub olive oil into your hair. Go all the way to the root and make sure the hair follicles are thoroughly covered. Do not wash it out until the olive oil is evenly distributed throughout your hair.
Rinse: Rinse all of the olive oil out of your hair using warm water. Run your fingers through your hair in order to thoroughly rinse.
Finish with dishwashing liquid: Dish soap contains surfactants that will remove any olive oil that is left behind. These same surfactants also remove leftover wax, oil, and clay. Just like we did with the olive oil, massage the dish soap in thoroughly and make sure you get the roots of your hair. You may have to perform this step several times to wash all of the pomade out of your hair.
Rinse and Condition: When you’ve rinsed out your hair for the final time, feel it to ensure the grease is entirely gone. Dish soap is effective, but just like the over-the-counter degreasing shampoos, it can strip the natural oil from your hair.
Make sure to condition afterward with a conditioner designed to replenish your hair’s natural oils. You may also consider rubbing in some beard oil. Beard oil is designed for thinner, more delicate hair and can provide protection without the weight or greasy feeling that comes with some conditioners.
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.
We don’t recommend de-greasing regularly. Whether you use degreasing shampoo or the old olive oil and dish soap trick, you’ll dry out and damage your hair if you do this too often.
Does Pomade cause hair loss?
The short answer? No, pomade does not cause hair loss. You lose between 100 and 200 hairs on a daily basis. This is completely natural. Pomade can cause these hairs to pull out and stick to your hands, making it seem like you’re losing an abnormal amount of hair when you aren’t. What are the actual culprits?
Avoid products that dry out your hair: Products that contain alcohol are one of the most drying. If you over-shampoo you can also strip off the oils that your scalp naturally produces in order to protect your hair.
Avoid treatments: Chemical treatments are not good for your hair. Straighteners are one of the leading causes of hair damage. They break bonds that cause hair to curl. That means you get straighter hair, but it is also structurally weaker. Dye, especially over the counter dye, can also weaken and thin your hair. It is a known cause of scalp irritation.
Can pomade damage your hair?
Once again, you don’t have to worry. Hair is not alive, so there is no way that a leave-in product can actively damage it. Next to genetics, scalp irritation is the biggest factor when it comes to hair loss due to damage. This is impacted by your overall hair-care regime, so avoid over-washing your hair and drying it out unnecessarily.
FAQs
Is it OK to sleep with pomade in your hair? ›
Can I go to sleep with pomade in my hair? Yes, you can, especially when you want to build up a style by adding a small amount of product the next day. You may be one of those blokes who can get away with degreasing once or twice a week and not have any problems (like clogged pores).
Should I wash my hair everyday if I use pomade? ›Yes, you should wash your hair if you're using pomade.
You do not need to wash your hair every single day if you aren't using any products. But if you style your hair with pomade, you should wash your hair before you go to bed. Pomade is thick, and cleaning it out of your hair will keep your locks healthy and soft.
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.
Should you apply pomade to wet 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.
Fortunately, pomade does not cause hair loss. Some people who use a lot of hair products worry that they may be causing their hair to fall out, but there is no research that directly links the use of pomade to excess hair loss.
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.
Does pomade thicken hair? ›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.
What hairstyles 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.
Can you wash out pomade with just water? ›Water-based pomades don't contain petroleum, so they wash out easily with water.
Is pomade better than gel? ›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.
What does pomade do for black hair? ›
Hair pomades are an amazing way to provide a hold and improve overall hair health, without any drying effects that gels and hairsprays tend to cause. Pomades are great for taming flyaways, defining edges and holding your hair in the position they are styled in.
How much pomade is enough? ›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.
Does pomade get rid of frizz? ›Just apply a little bit of pomade to your hands and stroke very light amount through the hair. Pat the hair down, brush through it and you'll notice how the pomade calms the frizzes and flyaways, and leaves hair silky and shiny looking.
How long does pomade last in hair? ›How long will Hair Pomade last? A 2 oz Hair Pomade will last for approximately 50-60 uses.
Does pomade help hair grow? ›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 make your hair 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.
Do you use a comb with pomade? ›To start, rub a small amount of pomade between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to spread throughout your hair. Then, use a comb or brush to evenly distribute the pomade throughout your hair. You can also apply it directly onto the ends of your hair to make sure you get a nice even application.
What are the disadvantages of pomade? ›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.
Is pomade good for receding hairline? ›"A high-hold product is essential for giving shape to thinning hair, but avoid heavy, oil-based products like pomade, which can weigh hair down — and give it a sticky texture to boot.
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.
Does sweat ruin pomade? ›
The reason why washing is a good idea is because the sweat in the hair can interfere with the pomade's ability to permeate the strands, causing it to sit on the surface rather than do its job. Washing your hair after working out gives you a fresh and clean canvas to work on, where the pomade is more likely to stick.
Is pomade better than 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 many days a week should I use pomade? ›You Can Use Wave Pomades or Wave Grease As Often As You Like Considering Your Hair Type And Personal Everday Hair Needs. For beginners, always consider that less is sometimes better so ease up on the wax it clogs the pores and causes heavy build-up which could become a bad situation.
What is the best pomade for thin fine hair? ›The Best Pomade For Fine, Thin Hair
Living Proof Amp Texture Volumizer, 2 Oz. Living Proof Style Amp Texture Volumizer is the ideal product for those with fine, thin hair. The silicone-free formula helps to boost the volume of strands while simultaneously shaping and keeping them in place.
You Want Messy Textured Hair and No Shine – Texture Pomade
Sometimes a low-maintenance, grungy hairstyle means no shine at all. To give hair a matte finish, try using a texture pomade. Use your fingertips to apply it all over damp or dry 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.>
Does pomade add texture to hair? ›Pomade creates dramatic texture and is a favorite for styling short hair. Make sure to choose a water-based pomade-- greasy oil-based products are almost impossible to wash out! Styling paste is preferred for braiding and upstyling because it provides pliable movement and a stronger hold.
Does pomade look greasy? ›“Too much pomade on these hair types can make the hair look weighed down and greasy, so go sparingly.
What type of pomade is best? ›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.
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.
Why oil based pomade is better? ›
The advantages of oil based pomades are that it contains fewer chemicals than the more modern water based pomade, typically oil based pomades never dry, allowing the user to restyle the hair. Another advantage is the variety in which oil based pomades come, some can give off high shine down to a more matte finish.
What happens if you use pomade everyday? ›Using pomade every day may cause clogging of the pores plus the follicles leading to heavy buildup on the scalp. For some people, it may even cause forehead and hairline acne.
Does pomade make your hair darker? ›Pomade Can Make Hair Appear Darker
Even regular pomades give hair a slightly darker appearance, because the oils saturate the strands in a way that changes their shade.
Apply pomade generously and scrunch through curls, twisting any loose ends together to minimise frizz. Leave to dry fully before touching the hair again. For finger waves, after applying the pomade use a combination of your hands and a comb to achieve the desired look.
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 add volume? ›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.
How long does a tub of pomade last? ›A 2 oz Hair Pomade will last for approximately 50-60 uses. Was this article helpful?
Will pomade hold curls? ›No matter what kind of hold you use, pomades soften your hair, add texture, and define waves and curls. And no, you don't need to have super short hair in order to use pomade – in fact, pomade works on any hair length and hair type (really).
How can you tell if pomade is bad? ›You will know your men's hair product has gone bad when you can smell the scent of it. Other signs include discoloration to both container and product, dark-colored liquid, or a layer of solidified material on top where the oil should be. The pomade will also feel oily or waxy when you try to use it.
Is it OK to leave product 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.
Can you keep product in your hair overnight? ›
Product data
Hair gel won't cause hair loss, whether it's left in overnight or washed out before bed. On the other hand, excessive use may dehydrate the hair and scalp which can cause damage to hair.
Water-based pomades don't contain petroleum, so they wash out easily with water.
What happens if you put too much pomade in your hair? ›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.
How often should you wash your hair? ›When to wash. Rossi generally tells his patients they should wash their hair once or twice per week. But if you've had chemical treatments that can make your hair drier — such as bleach, perms or relaxers — you might want to wash it less than once weekly to avoid breaking or brittle hair or split ends, he said.
Is it good to sleep with your hair wet? ›Sleeping with completely wet hair damages the follicle and causes breakage, so you'll want to blast it with the hairdryer to dry out 70 per cent of your hair, or let it naturally dry till it's just a little damp,” says Sabanayagam. She also advises changing up your bedding if you're planning to sleep with wet hair.
Is Leaving hair unwashed good for it? ›Prolonged periods of not washing can cause cause buildup on the scalp, damaging hair and even impeding its ability to grow, Lamb said. Grime from dirt, oil and hair product can show up within four to six days for people with finer, straighter hair.
Is it better to sleep with your hair up or down? ›It is best to sleep with your hair down if your hair length is short. This also lets the air flow freely through your hair, which makes you sleep more comfortably. On the other hand, if you have long hair, it is recommended to tie your hair loosely to prevent knots and breakage.
What is the healthiest way to put your hair up? ›The low bun is an absolute classic hairstyle for healthy hair. With that bun sitting nicely on the nape of your neck, gravity won't be tugging on your hair follicles anytime soon. If you've done a low bun before, you might like to create a ponytail before twisting your hair around itself.
How to make hair look good in the morning when you shower at night? ›- Wash hair using natural hair products. ...
- Apply a serum or hair oil. ...
- Brush and detangle hair. ...
- Tie hair back or cover it. ...
- Heat-free styling methods. ...
- Apply an intensive, overnight hair treatment weekly. ...
- Always ensure hair is dry. ...
- Tie your hair back with a silk scrunchie or silk scarf.
Fine or thinner hair: “On finer and thinner hair, dry application is best so you can see the effect of the amount of product you use,” Niko says. “Too much pomade on these hair types can make the hair look weighed down and greasy, so go sparingly. You can always go back for more.”
Does pomade give wet look? ›
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.