Men’s hair pomade is becoming increasingly popular. It fixes hair stronger than gel and lasts longer than wax. At the same time, it gives strands a natural shine, is suitable for complex hairstyles, and can even cope with unruly locks. As a result, Brylcreem (the second name of the pomade for styling), after half a century of oblivion, conquers hairdressers’ salons and store shelves again.
In the 50s of the last century, it was used by fashionistas, and now it is a fashionable product for men. It is natural, healthy, and effective. No wonder the world’s fashion brands have turned their attention to it, offering it in different volumes, compositions, and types. A jar of this miracle product instantly turns a man into a dandy. Hair gets:
- perfect hold all day long;
- great nourishment from root to tip.
Due to the great popularity of styling pomades, we decided to review the most famous lines, dwell on some facts from history, and delve into the formula. But first, let’s try to find answers to clarifying questions.
What is hair pomade?
It is a waxy or gel-like substance with a dense structure. At the same time, it is a soft product that is easily applied and evenly distributed, providing fixation of strands in the desired position and giving them a natural shine. The result is immediate: hair becomes more voluminous, obedient, and lush. The second name for styling pomade is Brylcreem.
What types of hair pomades exist?
The modern assortment is represented by two types of products:
- oil-based (they perfectly hold the hairstyle, stay on the hair for a long time, give a strong shine, applied in heated form);
- water-based (easy to apply on strands, less greasy, easier to rinse off, suitable for complex hairstyles, but has a weaker hold).
The first type of Brylcreem is dense, viscous, and shiny; the second is soft, slippery, matte, or glossy. The latter resembles a less dense wax and is considered a lightweight option.
How to choose men’s hair pomade?
First of all, it is necessary to take into account the condition of the hair, its type and length, as well as the desired hairstyle and the preferred period of its preservation. By consistency, styling products are divided into three groups. It can be:
- solid;
- medium;
- soft.
Pomade of strong fixation is used for long, thick, and dense hair. Accordingly, the thinner and shorter the hair, the more gentle the styling product should be. Finally, Brylcreem finally fixes the hairstyle, preventing it from falling apart. Therefore, if you are a professional in this case, choose a stronger option, and if you are an amateur who occasionally uses styling products, stop at soft and medium variants.
And one more nuance. It is related to the color of the hair. For example, stunning shine looks great on dark strands but not on light strands. Greasy strands are perceived as ungroomed, long, and unwashed. The best choice for red-haired and light-haired men is matte formulations.
How to use hair pomade?
It differs significantly from lacquers, mousses, gels, and other means of strong fixation. It has no disadvantages: pomade does not dry out and does not weigh down the hair, so the hairstyle looks natural. But to achieve this effect, you need to know how to apply the cosmetic product properly.
- Wash your head and dry your hair with a hair dryer, as the styling product will make it shiny. This will avoid an ungroomed look. Direct the flow of warm air along the shape of the future hairstyle, slightly fluffing the strands with your hands, which will allow you to achieve optimal styling. If necessary, brush the hair and make a neat parting at the end.
- Remember: don’t overdo the amount of lipstick. If it is soft or medium in consistency, its volume is enough for about a small pea. Do not take it all at once: it is better to use this product a little at a time, adding it gradually. You can even use less. If the lipstick is hard, melt it slightly with a hot hairdryer to make it more pliable in texture.
- Rub the lipstick with your fingertips, not the whole palm of your hand. Warm it up well and spread it over the palm of your hand. Gently run your hands through your hair, distributing the composition in a massaging motion – as if you were washing your hair. Don’t forget about the nape of the neck – rub the pomade generously there.
- Cover the strands along the entire length – to the very ends, running them through your fingers. Passages should be precise, confident, and quick as if you were combing your hair by hand.
- If the pomade is not enough, take a little more and repeat the procedure, distributing the composition over the uncovered area. Do not take a lot at once because then it will be difficult to remove the excess, and the head may look greasy and ungroomed.
- To complete the styling, dry your hair with a hair dryer so that there is no moisture left on it. This way, it will be easier to fix the hairstyle in the right position and get rid of stickiness.
History of hair Pomade
Pomade is an ancient means for styling hair. It appeared at the end of the XVIII century and consisted of special ingredients that looked beautiful on the hair but had a disgusting odor. These were animal fats – bear and pig fat. It was believed that such ingredients strengthen hair follicles, promote healthy hair, and accelerate its growth. Naturally, there was an abundant shine from them, and they perfectly held the shape of the hairstyle.
However, the odor overshadowed their merits, so in the first half of the XX century, such pomade changed its formula. Vaseline and beeswax, which were widely available, began to be used as a base. Since then, styling pomade has been actively leading among men’s hair styling products. Production moved to an industrial scale, which significantly influenced its popularization. In the 1930s, the first world-famous brands already existed. These were Lucky Tiger, Sweet Georgia Brown, Royal Crown Hair Dressing, and Murray’s. Their products were widely used by movie and music stars.
By the middle of the 20th century, there was a surge of fashion for hair pomade. In the 1940s, it perfectly emphasized short, military-style haircuts, and in the 1950s, it helped young people assert themselves as a rebellious generation. Slicked-back hairstyles with a spectacular pompadour and Mohawk became a hallmark of the era. Hair styling products allowed people to better express themselves: it was at this time that a culture of so-called greasers (from the word “grease” – hair pomade) emerged.
The popularization of men’s hair pomade was also promoted by musical stars who styled their intricate hairstyles with pomade. Fans tried to imitate them, wanting to be like their idols, so they closely followed the preferences of artists. They bought Royal Crown Men’s Pomade, which was used by Johnny Cash, and chose what Elvis Presley preferred. There were several brands vying for his attention:
- Sweet Georgia Brown;
- Murray’s;
- Slick Black;
- Lovers Moon;
- Dixie Peach;
- Royal Crown;
- Black & White and others.
In the second half of the 20th century, hair pomade lost its initial demand as other formulations appeared on the market. Due to the fashion for long and medium hairstyles, hairsprays and gels came to the forefront. Innovations in the cosmetics industry displaced outdated products. The 2000s also brought no change. Slicked-back and shiny hair became associated with the old-fashioned and vintage styles of grandparents.
Is it OK to use pomade every day?
The debate around daily application often centers around its impact on hair health. While pomades can add texture and volume, making hair appear fuller and more dynamic, ensuring the product doesn’t contain harmful chemicals is essential. A quality pomade, especially one with nourishing ingredients, can be used daily without causing damage. Moreover, some pomades may even promote hair growth.
TOP Brands Hair Styling Pomades for Men
Currently, there is a revival of interest in hair pomade as a natural and safe product that solves several problems at once. This is due to the variety of men’s haircuts, the revival of complex hairdressing services, and the expansion of the segment of professional hair care cosmetics. There are many lines of hair pomades, and we will introduce you to the most popular ones.
Hairkov Ranrous
Hairkov Ranrous hair styling pomade has a super strong hold, which allows you to use it to create creative and trendy hairstyles. This variant has a red shade but comes in a green color as well. That is, the pomade acts as a temporary hair dye, which is easily washed off and does not harm the original color. You can color the strands along the entire length or only the ends. The product provides a long-lasting effect of hair care without damaging its structure.
The product is also easy to apply: take a small amount in the palm of your hand, rub it, apply it to the curls, and distribute it with light movements. To achieve a quality effect and a flawless look, comb the curls at the end, fixing them in the desired position. The product is designed for daily use for all-day styling. It has a subtle fruity fragrance.
Density Material L’Oréal Professionnel
The French cosmetics giant has joined the fashion trend and started producing modern hair pomades. They offer L’Oréal Professionnel’s Density Material for soft, wavy, and stiff curly hair, giving it a texturizing effect. The pomade simply highlights the texture, emphasizing it, laying down on the hair in an even thin layer and making it manageable.
In essence, it controls frizz while maintaining the natural look of curly strands and giving them natural volume. That is, the hair is styled neatly and stops sticking out in all directions. They are less tangled, hold well, and are styled in the desired hairstyle. This product guarantees a strong hold with moderate stiffness.
Uppercut Deluxe Pomade
This water-based hair styling product provides a stronghold. Apply it once at the beginning of the day, and you won’t have to constantly comb and fix your hair. The product dries quickly on hair of any length and does not need to be adjusted. It also forms a protective coating, smooths the cuticle, and gives strands a noticeable but not greasy shine – rather matte. It has a delicate caramel-coconut fragrance.
Uppercut Deluxe Pomade is very economical, so a 100-gram jar is enough for a long time, and a minimal amount is required for styling. It is suitable for dry hair, not just wet hair. To create a voluminous and lush hairstyle, it is better to pre-dry the hair with a hair dryer. To ensure that the pomade stays on the hair better and does not fall apart, avoid moisture when applying it.
Manly Crystal Pomade
Manly Crystal Pomade is a great choice for styling hair with moderate hold. It allows you to adjust your hairstyle throughout the day and fix it as desired. All you need is a drop of product, a comb, and some water. With just a couple of swipes, your hair looks as fresh as if you’ve just left the salon. Or you can change it a bit by wetting your hair with the palm of your hand and running a comb through it.
After all these manipulations, the strands remain elastic and do not stick together. Pomade works perfectly on both thick and thin hair, regardless of length. It gently binds them, connecting them into moveable strands. A natural and well-groomed look after this procedure is guaranteed. The product has a subtle fragrance reminiscent of delicate caramel. It is best suited for those who prefer matte shades of hair.
Pacinos Pomade
The American line Pacinos Pomade is designed for all hair types – from straight to curly. Its water-based formula allows for easy application and quick rinsing under a strong jet with minimal shampoo. It is strong but retains the hair’s natural flexibility and is suitable for classic cuts with or without a parting.
The shine level is medium, closer to matte than glossy. Another important feature of this series is its versatility: it is recommended for dry and wet hair (in this case, styling is softer and more elastic). The pomade has a subtle fragrance reminiscent of cologne.
Layrite Original Pomade
This is a classic water-based men’s pomade from an American manufacturer. It is used for everyday styling of strong fixation with spectacular shine. Best suited for medium and short haircuts, it works well even on fine hair. The texture is soft and gel-like, which distinguishes it from competitors in terms of ease of application. The pomade is environmentally friendly and safe, made on the basis of charcoal and Brazilian palm leaves, which ensures the preservation of the natural structure of the hair.
Layrite Original Pomade allows you to create elegant, understated, and rebellious looks, as it quickly and easily gives your hair the desired shape. It does not weigh the hair down and leaves no residue after washing it off with regular shampoo. However, it is not recommended for use on long hair. It can be applied with a comb or by hand.
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade
The product is designed to style, shape, volumize, and moisturize. It is recommended for dry and damaged hair, as it nourishes it with moisture and restores it. To achieve this effect, the manufacturer chose an original formula with a balanced composition. As a result, the hairstyle not only looks great – each strand is rejuvenated.
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade is also characterized by an innovative jar. The manufacturer made it stylish, beautiful, shiny, and pleasant to the touch. This pomade helps to tame even unruly and highly frizzy hair, making it easier to comb and give the desired shape to the hairstyle. The product has a light herbal fragrance.
What hair is pomade best for?
Not all pomades are created equal, and the key is to identify which one suits a particular hair type:
- Wax Pomade: Ideal for those with thick, coarse hair that requires a substantial hold. This type of pomade also lends a natural shine, elevating the overall look. It’s a preferred choice for those looking to refine their hairstyle without making it look overly styled.
- Cream Pomade: An all-rounder of sorts, cream pomades can cater to a broad spectrum of hair types, from straight to curly, short to long. The allure of cream pomades lies in their ability to add volume and hydration without weighing the hair down. The finish is often matte, making it suitable for those who prefer a more understated look.
Perfomen Wild Series Champion Pomade
This series of styling products is designed for hair of any length, making it versatile. American specialists have created a formula that perfectly matches men’s hairstyles. It provides stable fixation of strands, moisturizes them, and gives shine.
Performing Wild Series Champion Pomade does not weigh hair down: the pomade contains caring components that have a positive effect on the roots. The result is beautiful, voluminous, and thick hair. A protective layer is formed around each hair, effectively supporting the strands. The product provides a pleasant, healthy, and well-groomed look.
American Crew Pomade For Hold and Shine
The famous American company has released an effective medium hold styling product, American Crew Pomade For Hold and Shine. Today, it is included in the list of the best manufacturers, as its products consist of natural ingredients and have a positive effect on the hair. This pomade is suitable for daily use, as it does not harm the hair and scalp.
The styling formula contains only five ingredients that provide hold, saturate the hair with shine, rejuvenate it, and add volume. The main ingredients are sucrose and lanolin. The product has a glossy finish and an oil base.
Dear Barber Pomade
If you have stiff and unmanageable hair, the Dear Barber Pomade line is just right for you. The British company focuses on men’s hairstyles, so even a small amount of product allows you to tame unruly strands and enjoy perfect styling all day long. Hair gets a mirror-like shine, allowing men to look dazzling in the eyes of women.
The brand specializes in the production of professional styling products. It produces products for the care of stiff hair. A special formulation and unique formulas turn ordinary cosmetic products into powerful styling tools. Its main task is to maintain the hairstyle throughout the day, with which it perfectly copes.
Redken Brews High Hold Pomade
This line is geared towards the powerful, as it is specially designed for tough men’s hair. It copes with tasks of any complexity and acts in the most unexpected situations. The style holds all day long, even in windy weather. Redken Brews High Hold Pomade also provides hair care, healthy shine, and a glossy finish.
The maximum effectiveness of the styling product is harmoniously combined with ease of use. It is enough to rub a small amount of the product between your fingers and then run it through the hair, going deeper into the strands, like a comb. The pomade is recommended for daily styling.
Reuzel Blue Strong Hold High Sheen Pomade
This product has a universal composition. Its formula is ideal for medium to short haircuts. In addition, it works effectively on both men’s and women’s hair. Reuzel Blue Strong Hold High Sheen Pomade has a medium consistency, which allows you not to heat it up with a hair dryer to get it out of the jar.
The base of the modeling pomade is water, so it’s easy to apply and just as easy to rinse out with any shampoo. The hair care product gives hair a discreet shine and natural movement. It holds even curly and wavy hairstyles well.
Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade
This product also provides a good hold for men’s hair. Its composition includes wax, so it has a beneficial effect as if preserving each hair from root to tip. In addition, such a composition binds the hairs to each other, so they are easily held in position.
With Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade, you can model hairstyles of any length and complexity and improve the health of your hair. The formula is enriched with natural oils that guarantee softness and beautiful shine. It leaves hair supple but not sticky.
REF Pomade N°550
This pomade is suitable not only for men but also for women. It is ideal for short, split ends, wavy and porous hair. This styling product is perfect for styling hair. With its help, you can achieve spectacular “tails” and wet curly curls. Perfectly sleek, classic hairstyles are this pomade’s forte.
REF Pomade N°550 is characterized by a long-lasting and even firm hold that cannot be broken in any unforeseen situation. The hair becomes strong and shiny, with a glossy surface. Such a coating restores and nourishes them with useful substances.
Is pomade good for hair styling?
When crafting an impeccable hairstyle, pomade is a formidable tool. Its ability to maintain a hairstyle while providing either a matte or glossy finish makes it a popular choice. The diverse range of formulas ensures a pomade for every look, from the classic slick-back to the modern textured style.
Captain Fawcett Hair Pomade Classic
It is a versatile product that is suitable for a variety of styles, from hairstyles with sharply defined strands to elegantly slicked-back hair. Captain Fawcett Hair Pomade Classic does a great job on medium-length hair. It does not weigh hair down, leaving it light, shiny, and silky. It is compatible with fine and curly hair.
If you adore pin-up, this is your go-to styling pomade. Vintage glamor, sparkling elegance, old-school classics, daring curls – it’s all possible with this pomade. A rich shine and easy application characterize it. Just take a small amount of the product, rub it between your palms, and apply it to the head with massaging movements, covering the hair. Then, comb and style the hair as desired.
Tenax Hair Pomade Strong Hold
The name of the line speaks for itself: it is a product for strong hold. The Italian company has produced a water-based pomade, which is suitable for hair of any structure – from fine and silky to coarse and springy. However, the main specialization of this product is men’s unruly hair, with which it copes without problems.
Tenax Hair Pomade Strong Hold is suitable for application to both wet and dry strands. The paste is easy and convenient to use as it doesn’t require a long preparation time. At the same time, it does not weigh hair down and is easy to rinse out as it contains natural ingredients.
Gunslingers Clay Wax
he British brand offers a versatile pomade for hair styling. Following the gentleman’s tradition, it perfectly lays down on the hair, creating a shiny look suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Gunslingers Clay Wax is easy to apply despite its dense texture. This is due to the presence of a special clay in its composition, which, in contact with water, forms a natural protection for hair of any thickness.
The pomade of this brand provides medium fixation, giving strands visual clarity with a matte finish. It is ideal for creating bold hairstyles and taming unruly locks. Apply to dry hair.
Lavish Care Brown Beard And Hair Shader Pomade
The specialty of this Greek brand is that this pomade is suitable for styling hair and beard. That is, it is exclusively men’s grooming cosmetics designed for short and stiff hair. In addition, Lavish Care Brown Beard And Hair Shader Pomade is a color-correcting product – it styles strands and covers gray hair.
It is paraben-free, but it contains castor oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. Thus, both hair and beard receive excellent protection from negative factors, and each hair is rejuvenated. The product has a pleasant fragrance and is easy to rinse off as it is water-based.
The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade
The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade line of products can create both masculine and gentlemanly looks. The special product is designed with every nuance in mind and is suitable for all hair lengths and types. It has a safe composition and reliably maintains the fixation of the hairstyle throughout the day without causing hair to stick.
This pomade is recommended even for vegans, as it does not contain components of animal origin. At the same time, this product gives hair a natural shine, protects it from the negative effects of the environment, does not dry out, and effectively emphasizes the texture.
Tigi Bed Head For Men Slick Trick
This is a gel pomade of strong professional fixation from a British brand that manufactures its products in the USA. The manufacturer uses a special formulation based on two types of wax – carnauba and beeswax. Their combination provides a clear separation of hair, lightness of strands, and absence of clumps.
The formula is also enriched with polymer shine enhancers, giving the hair a flawless finish – glossy and smooth. But with the Tigi Bed Head For Men Slick Trick, hair not only gets a long-lasting hold but is also protected from external factors. They become softer, more voluminous, and manageable, making it easy to achieve the desired shape.
Hairgum Classic Hair Styling Pomade
Styling with Hairgum’s flagship product, Classic Hair Styling Pomade, is convenient and easy. After all, the styling product for men’s and women’s hair contains ingredients that leave no residue, do not dry out strands, and moisturize fibers. The product is ideal for structured hairstyles in the style of “cascade” with transitions in height. It emphasizes each level.
The pomade is designed for daily use and rinses off easily as it is water-based. It gives hair shine and texture, ideal for putting the finishing touches and fixing hairstyles of any complexity. Apply to towel-dried hair with the palms of your hands.
Is pomade good for men’s hair?
Pomade, especially when compared to gel, stands out for its versatility. While gels typically offer a rigid, sturdy hold suitable for many hair types, they might not be the best choice for men with extremely fine hair. The density of some pomades can cause fine hair to appear flat or greasy. However, the concerns regarding potential damage from pomade largely revolve around its ingredients. Like any hair product, those with natural ingredients tend to be gentler on the hair than their chemical-laden counterparts.
Johnny’s Chop Shop Original Sheen Men’s Hair Pomade
If you love rockin’ hairstyles, this product is for you. The pomade formula is water-based and suitable for all hair types, from super soft to ultra-stiff. It contains a blend of active ingredients, including glycerin, caffeine, vitamin B5, and jojoba oil.
The pomade energizes strands, moisturizes them, adds shine and smoothness, and prevents damage. Johnny’s Chop Shop Original Sheen line also has stylish packaging that emphasizes the originality of its composition.
Davines More Inside Forming Pomade
Versatile, professional sculpting – all this is about Davine More Inside Forming Pomade for styling and hair care. The Italian cosmetic product perfectly fixes the hair, giving it airiness and volume. It provides medium firmness of fixation so that the hairstyle remains mobile. At the same time, there is no stickiness, as the pomade gently binds the hair.
It also gives the hair a “memory” effect. It keeps the hair in the desired position for a long time – it is enough to run your hand over it, slightly correcting it. This pomade is suitable for both men and women.
Suavecito Pomade Original Hold
The American brand focused on hair care products and created the Suavecito Pomade Original Hold line for styling, fixation, and shine. The cosmetic is water-based, which gives it positive properties: fast action after application, no stickiness, easy absorption, and easy removal.
The pomade has a creamy texture and is designed to create everyday hairstyles, thanks to which they retain their shape and hold well in the desired position. The hair remains mobile, light, and bouncy regardless of its length. After drying, the product gives a subtle shine – natural and unobtrusive. Chemical-free.
Gunslingers Clay Wax Pomade
British brand of cosmetics for personal care has developed a styling line, Gunslingers Clay Wax, based on natural clay. Thanks to it, strands do not look “wooden” but retain normal mobility and elasticity. It gives the hair visual clarity, promotes the creation of bold hairstyles, and maintains medium fixation.
The product has a dense texture, so it is enough for a long time – just take a small amount of pomade and rub it between your fingers. It is easy to apply to the hair and tames even unyielding strands.
Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Easy distribution is what sets Italian-made Baxter of California Clay Pomade apart from the competition. Thanks to the professional water-based formula, the composition is gentle on the hair: it does not leave white traces, does not stick, and does not cause brittleness and dryness. Strands retain mobility thanks to special fibers formed between neighboring hairs.
Freshly applied pomade dries quickly as the water evaporates instantly. Despite the medium degree of fixation, it firmly fixes the hairstyle, keeping the curls flexible. The branded product leaves hair looking luxurious with a light matte finish.
What’s the best hair pomade for men?
The Best Hair Pomade Products for Men in 2023:
- Reuzel Fiber Pomade
- Rocky Mountain Pomade
- Suavecito Firme Hold Pomade
- Layrite Superhold Pomade
- Pacinos Pomade
- Uppercut Deluxe Pomade
- American Crew Pomade
- Baxter of California Clay Pomade
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, there are many hair pomades available in today’s market with which you can easily create creative and sophisticated hairstyles. Today, it is a top product that has reached the peak of popularity due to its undeniable benefits. Among its positive aspects:
- formula with natural ingredients;
- volume without weighing it down;
- universal application;
- easy rinsing;
- long-lasting and long-lasting effect;
- natural shine;
- easy application.
This product is suitable both for creating a casual style with naturally curly locks and for perfect classic hairstyles, complete with shine. Its ingredients transform even unruly strands into manageable ones while nourishing and strengthening the hair.
Unlike sprays, pastes, mousses, gels, and hairsprays, the pomade does not weigh hair down, dry it out, or cause it to stick together. In consistency, it resembles something between wax and cream; that is, it is not as hard as the first but not as liquid as the second. The consistency is soft, which is convenient for scooping the right amount of product from the jar with your fingers. It sculpts, styles hair, adds volume, and maintains the hairstyle.
FAQ
How often can I apply hair pomade?
All pomades are designed for daily use. This is an ideal option for restoring strands after using traumatizing products with similar effects. However, it’s not a good idea to overuse pomade, as the hair needs to “rest” periodically.
How much pomade do I need for styling?
This depends on the length of the hairstyle and the condition of the hair. For a natural look with springy, light, and voluminous hair, you’ll need a little pomade – about the size of a pea. The key is distributing it along the entire length rather than rubbing it into the scalp. If you use too much pomade, the strands will appear greasy, unkempt, and poorly groomed.
How do I remove pomade from my hair?
This product is perfect for creating hairstyles on hair of various lengths and for all types of haircuts, but sometimes it can be challenging to remove. The harder the texture, the stronger the hold, and the more greasy stains on the pillow. Therefore, you should choose special shampoos to wash off the pomade. Ordinary ones are not suitable in this case: it’s simply unthinkable to wash off ultra-durable styling pomade with them. However, water-based products are easily removed.
