What Is Pomade? Men’s Hair Pomade Explained

Here’s everything you need to know about this essential hair product.

If you’ve ever read an article about men’s hairstyles, you’ve probably read about pomade. You might even have some pomade in your bathroom (whether you know it or not).

But even guys who use pomade every day may not know what the product actually does.

Since pomade is a popular type of hair product, lots of guys buy it without knowing whether it’s right for their hair types and goals.

However, pomade isn’t right for everyone, and not all pomades are the same. That’s why it’s crucial to understand exactly what pomade is, what it’s made from, and what it’s used for.

This guide will break all of that down for you (and even suggest a few of the best pomades you can buy) so you can determine if it’s right for you.

What Is Pomade?

Pomade is a hair product that generally holds hair in place and provides a noticeable shine.

Typically, pomade is used to create a slicked-back look. It’s commonly used to achieve midcentury hairstyles like the quiff and pompadour.

That said, the function of pomade varies slightly depending on what it’s made from and how it’s formulated.

Types of Pomade

Most pomades fall into one of three main categories:

Oil-based Pomade

This is the classic type of pomade associated with retro hairstyles. An oil-based pomade typically uses petroleum jelly (petrolatum) to create a high shine with a malleable hold.

This type of pomade doesn’t wash out with water — to remove it, you need a stronger product like dish soap, olive oil, or a degreasing shampoo. (Pomade diehards usually recommend Aussie 3 Minute Miracle conditioner).

Water-based Pomade

Today, it’s more common for pomades to be water-based. These pomades provide a stronger hold but make it harder to restyle hair throughout the day. Water-based pomade also washes out easily in the shower.

Wax-based Pomade

This less common type of pomade is set apart by the fact that it creates a matte finish instead of a shiny one.

Wax-based pomades typically offer a medium hold and take a little longer to dry than water-based pomades (which means restyling is slightly easier).

When To Use Hair Pomade

To the uninitiated, hair pomade is a do-it-all styling option that can work for every guy and every hairstyle. No such option exists — you should pick your hair products based on your hair type and style.

Pomade is best for a few specific use cases. You should use pomade for:

• Slicked back hairstyles. Pomade is a requirement for any hairstyle involving a shiny, almost wet look where the hair is combed back.
• High-shine hairstyles. Use pomade when you want your hair to have a reflective sheen that catches the light.
• Hairstyles that require a lasting hold. Many pomades can hold a hairstyle in place all day — water-based pomades are especially good for this.

How To Use Hair Pomade

Using pomade is similar to using any other type of hair product, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind depending on what kind of pomade you’re using and what kind of style you’re going for.

Overall, there are six main steps to applying hair pomade:

1. Towel Dry Your Hair

Apply your pomade right after you’ve washed your hair for best results. Squeeze or pat your hair dry with a soft, clean towel until it’s no longer dripping wet.

Your hair shouldn’t be completely dry, however. Applying pomade to dry hair is hard, so you want a bit of dampness.

2. Get the Right Amount

With pomade — and, really, with most hair products — it’s best to start small and add more later on if you need it.

Start by scooping out a small dollop of pomade about the size of a dime or a pinky fingernail.

3. Emulsify the pomade

An easy way to quickly distribute the product is to swab your pomade-tipped finger on your palm and then rub your hands together.

When you’re done, your hands should shine gently, and you should see that the pomade is evenly distributed across your palms, fingers, and fingertips. You added too much pomade if your hands are so shiny that you can see yourself in them.

4. Style Your Hair

This step will change based on the exact hairstyle you want. For example, a messy look will require a much looser approach than a slick ’50s pompadour.

In general, you should target the roots of your strands first and then move up to the tips to get the maximum amount of hold and coverage. 

If you need to add more support or cover more areas, add pomade in small amounts until your hair takes shape.

5. Comb it Through

Before you style your hair completely in place, run a comb through it to evenly distribute the pomade. Make sure you comb all over — front, back, and sides — without skipping any areas.

From here, you can continue using your comb or drop it and use your fingers to finish and set your style. Generally, combing is great for retro styles like pompadours and slicked side parts, while finger styling is better for modern styles like messy quiffs and bedhead looks.

6. Air or Blow Dry Your Hair

Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your hairstyle, either air dry or blow dry your hair.

Blow drying will add some lift and help lock your hair in place, so it’s a good choice if you’re going for a style that requires neatness, volume, or both.

Air drying, on the other hand, will keep your hair more or less as it is. This is typically best if you’re going for a more casual look.

Best Men’s Pomade: 6 Slick Options

Interested in using pomade but don’t know which one to pick? Here are a few pomades to consider:

Hanz de Fuko Modify Pomade

If you’re new to pomade or looking for something that works pretty well across the board, try Hanz de Fuko’s Modify Pomade.

This water-based formula channels classic pomades without all the greasiness. Made with ingredients like castor seed oil, shea butter, and honeysuckle extract, Modify Pomade will help keep your hair healthy and stylish at the same time.

Layrite Original Pomade

Layrite has been around since 1999 but could easily pass for a heritage company. The brand’s Original Pomade offers medium hold and shine and acts almost like wax.

It’s easy to apply and style, making it a great first pomade for guys looking to sport retro styles like side parts and pomps. (Pro tip: Start with the 1.5oz size to see how the product performs before committing to a full-size jar.)

Seven Potions Hair Styling Pomade

Finding a classic pomade made with clean ingredients is hard, but Seven Potions has pulled it off with the Hair Styling Pomade.

This natural, vegan, and cruelty-free pomade uses shea butter, candelilla, and apricot oil for a high hold and shine. The scent is a nice bonus — expect bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood notes. 

Horace Wax Pomade

If you’re interested in a less traditional pomade, check out Horace’s Wax Pomade. This pomade provides a high hold but a matte finish, so it’s a nice option for modern and casual hairstyles.

Carnauba wax and beeswax work to hold the hair in place, and other ingredients like coconut oil and virgin sapote oil help soften the hair.

Lockhart’s Authentic Goon Grease

Most guys are best off sticking to water-based pomade. That said, give Lockhart’s Goon Grease a look if you’re absolutely set on getting an oil-based pomade.

As its name suggests, Goon Grease is the type of product you reach for when you want a true greaser hairstyle in all its shiny glory. Petroleum jelly is the main ingredient here, but there’s also beeswax and avocado oil for a hold that won’t budge.

Pomade: Useful, But Not For Everyone

While pomade is a useful styling product, it’s not for everyone.

If you’re not going for a slick or shiny hairstyle, you might be better off with a product like hair clay, cream, wax, or gel. Also, if you have fine or thin hair, you might find that pomades don’t work for you.

It’ll take some experimentation to figure out if pomade is right for you — and if it is, which one works best — so don’t get discouraged if your initial attempts don’t do much.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!