Dump Your Gel – Get a Pomade Instead

When it comes to hair, we understand the importance of style. Pomade is a greasy or waxy balm that is used to help keep your hair in place. Generally, pomade makes hair shiny and helps give it style. It’s not as greasy as a gel, yet it still holds your hair in place and typically takes a few washes to remove completely. Whether you have thick, thin, or curly hair – you’ve come to the right place. Here we break down important factors to consider when looking for which pomade will work best for you.

Before You Buy: Things to Consider When Purchasing Pomade

So you’re in the market for a good pomade? Great. We’re here to help. Let’s break down what you need to look for when purchasing a pomade that is a good fit for your hair.  

Pomade Base

Pomade primarily comes in two types: oil-based or water-based.

Oil-Based

Pomades made with mineral oil bases have been around for a long time. They help achieve a nice shine in the hair and typically have a firm hold. Oil-based pomades are generally less expensive than water-based pomades. Depending on your skin and hair type, they do have the potential to block pores and strip your hair of its natural oil. Due to the oil content, they typically take a few more washes to get out than water-based pomades.

Water-Based

Water-based pomades are generally easier to wash out of your hair. They are helpful in the sense that their hold is not usually as strong as an oil-based pomade so that you can re-style your hair throughout the day. They give hair less of a shiny look, and typically cost more than your average oil-based pomade.

What Kind of Hold Is Best for Your Hair?

Pomades offer a broad scope of holds.

Strong-Hold

Pomades with a strong-hold are typically oil-based and keep your hair in place all day – they also might give your hair a sort of crunchy texture.

Medium-to-Low Hold

Pomades with a medium-to-low hold enable you to restyle your hair throughout the day as you see fit. They will not typically keep hold all day and are generally water based.  

Medium-to-High Hold

A medium to high hold is probably the most common when it comes to pomades. This type of hold keeps hair in place, yet doesn’t leave it feeling crunchy or hardened.

What Makes A Good Pomade?

Aside from the hold, there are many other variables to consider when looking for the right pomade.

Reshaping: How well are you able to reshape your hair? Water-based pomades enable you to reshape your hair throughout the day. Oil-based pomades keep your hair in the same place throughout the day.

Shine: Pomades will add a certain level of shine to your hair. Some pomades will give a very shiny look (almost wet looking), while others will provide hair with a more natural looking day-to-day shine. This is a significant factor to consider when looking at which pomade is right for you.

Scent: Are you looking for a more masculine scent from your pomade or maybe just a more fresh and clean smelling pomade? Take into consideration that pomades can have very distinct smells – you’ll need to find what works best for you.

Texture: Take into consideration how you’d like your hair to feel and what kind of volume you’d like. Some pomades can give your hair an extra boost, while others leave your hair more controlled and soft. Maybe you’ll want to look into a pomade that incorporates dirt or wax depending on the style you’re trying to achieve.

Washability – It’s important to note that oil-based pomades take longer to wash out while water-based pomades generally come out within the first wash. Depending on how frequently you like to wash your hair, this is something to take into consideration.