Today, the term Pomade is popularly used in the beauty industry, and it’s interchangeable with hair products. The products that promise to deliver shine, hold with a matte finish, will read pomade. You can apply pomade on dry or recently towel-dried hair to get varying results. Therefore, when you read the word pomade, it refers to a wide range of products, and it’s mainly applied on dump hair that you can easily style with a comb.
The History of Hair Pomade
Although hair pomade is now a popular beauty product, it’s been around for centuries. The name is borrowed from a French word that means ointment, which was initially used before becoming a hair product. Back in the 19th century, pomade was made from bear fat before replacing it with petroleum, lard, and beeswax a century later.
Types of Pomade
Over time, barbers and hairstylists are using pomade products differently to meet clients’ needs. Therefore, you need to choose the suitable pomade for different hairstyles. For instance, men’s pomade choice will depend on the hair texture, style, and customer needs. Here are the different types of pomade.
Oil-Based Pomade
The oil-based pomade will have an effect depending on how much you use. It’s made from petroleum jelly, which gives your hair a shiny look. Petroleum jelly doesn’t moisturize your hair, but it creates a protective coating that locks in moisture and the exposure of split ends. You can use this pomade to straighten curly hair while adding a healthy radiance to your mane. Oil-based pomade is ideal for men to restyle their hair as it doesn’t dry up, and you can comb it anytime for a fresh look. The only downside is that it requires several washes to get off your hair.
Water-Based Pomade
If stickiness holds you back from using oil-based pomade, this option will serve you well, as it’s water-soluble. The water-based pomade washes out in a single wash and dries up fast. If you don’t like the style that remains after washing, restyle it to what you love. While the water-based pomade holds your hair firmly, you can comb it anyhow throughout the day, but the inflexibility can be troubling on windy days. Forget styling your hair on a rainy day if you’re wearing water-based pomade.
Wax-Based Pomade
Get a matte finish, a medium hold from a wax-based pomade, and a high shine. The presence of wax makes your hair appear natural while improving the texture. It provides a firmer grip than oil-based pomade, but your hair doesn’t feel crunchy. It doesn’t dry up like water-based options; if you want more shine, increase the amount you apply. This option will serve you well if you love the casual, messy look.
Clay Pomade
It’s also called putty and is a hybrid of pomade and gel. Clay-based hair pomade holds your hair firmly to the point of feeling tacky. Use it to add texture to unruly hair and a matte finish akin to wax. It feels bumpy and is more challenging to wash out than other options.
Fiber Pomade
Unlike others, fiber pomade is like the water-based option, but it’s thicker in this case and includes longer fibers that add texture and flexibility with less weight. Men looking for the bedhead look can use fiber pomade for a matte and stronghold, and it isn’t ideal for those who love running fingers through the hair.
Gel Pomade
This option is a mix of water-based pomade and hair gel, but it turns out smoother. On application, it’s light and smooth, but it dries up faster than hair gel and then stiffens.
Conclusion
Pomade is great for styling your hair. The question is, which one is the best option for you? As mentioned earlier, the pomade you use depends on your desired outcome and your hair texture, then step out and rock that perfect hairstyle.