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.
Given the great popularity of styling pomades, we decided to review the most famous lines, highlight some historical facts, and delve into the formulas. 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?
Two types of products represent the modern assortment:
- 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, and either 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.
A strong-fixation pomade 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 fixes the hairstyle, preventing it from falling apart. Therefore, if you are a professional, choose a stronger option; if you are an amateur who occasionally uses styling products, stop at the soft and medium variants.
And one more nuance. It is related to hair color. 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 hair and dry it 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, gently fluffing the strands with your hands for 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 gradually, adding it little by little. You can even use less. If the lipstick is hard, gently melt it with a hot hairdryer to make it more pliable.
- 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 from end to end, 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 too much at once, as 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 until no moisture remains. This way, it will be easier to style the hair into the right position and remove stickiness.
History of hair Pomade
Pomade is an ancient means of 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, they had an abundant shine, 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 a leading men’s hair styling product. 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, hair pomade had surged in popularity. 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 spectacular pompadours and Mohawks, became a hallmark of the era. Hair-styling products allowed people to express themselves more freely: it was at this time that a culture of so-called greasers (from the word “grease,” referring to 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 artists’ preferences. They bought Royal Crown Men’s Pomade, which Johnny Cash used, and chose what Elvis Presley preferred. Several brands were 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-length hairstyles, hair sprays and gels came to the forefront. Innovations in the cosmetics industry displaced outdated products. The 2000s also brought no change. Slicked-back, shiny hair became associated with the old-fashioned, 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 resurgence of interest in hair pomade as a natural, 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 professional hair-care cosmetics segment. There are many lines of hair pomades, and we will introduce you to the most popular ones.
Hairkov Ranrous
Hairkov Runrous hair styling pomade has a super-strong hold, allowing you to create creative, trendy hairstyles. This variant has a red shade but is also available in green. That is, the pomade acts as a temporary hair dye, washes off easily, and does not alter the original color. You can color the strands along the entire length or only the ends. The product provides long-lasting 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 and fix 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 neatly styled and no longer sticks 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 adjustment. It also forms a protective coating, smooths the cuticle, and gives strands a noticeable, but not greasy, matte shine. It has a delicate caramel-coconut fragrance.
Uppercut Deluxe Pomade is very economical, so a 100-gram jar lasts 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 your palm 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, forming moveable strands. A natural, well-groomed look is guaranteed after this procedure. The product has a subtle fragrance reminiscent of delicate caramel. It is best suited for those who prefer matte hair shades.
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 with strong fixation and spectacular shine. Best suited for medium and short haircuts, it works well even on fine hair. The texture is soft and gel-like, which makes it easier to apply than competitors. The pomade is environmentally friendly and safe, made from charcoal and Brazilian palm leaves, which help preserve the hair’s natural structure.
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 and restores moisture. To achieve this effect, the manufacturer chose an original formula with a balanced composition. As a result, the hairstyle not only looks great, but each strand is rejuvenated.
An innovative jar also characterizes Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade. The manufacturer made it stylish, beautiful, shiny, and pleasant to the touch. This pomade helps tame even unruly, highly frizzy hair, making it easier to comb and style as desired. 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: it contains caring components that positively affect 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 are made from natural ingredients and have a positive effect on 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 helps tame unruly strands and keep your style perfect all day long. Hair gets a mirror-like shine, allowing men to look dazzling in women’s eyes.
The brand specializes in producing professional styling products. It produces products for caring for 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, which it does perfectly.
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 up all day, even in windy weather. Redken Brews High Hold Pomade also provides hair care, healthy shine, and a glossy finish.
The styling product’s maximum effectiveness is harmoniously combined with ease of use. It is enough to rub a small amount of the product between your fingers, then run it through the hair, working 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, so you don’t need to heat it 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 the curliest and waviest 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 it were 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 hair, split ends, wavy hair, 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 suitable for a variety of styles, from 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 massage it into the hair, covering it. Then, comb and style the hair as desired.
Tenax Hair Pomade Strong Hold
The name of the line speaks for itself: it is a stronghold product. The Italian company has produced a water-based pomade suitable for hair of any texture, 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
The British brand offers a versatile pomade for hair styling. Following the gentleman’s tradition, it perfectly lies down on the hair, creating a shiny look suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Gunslinger’s 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.
This brand’s pomade provides medium hold, 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
This Greek brand’s specialty is its pomade, which is suitable for styling hair and a beard. That is, it is exclusively for men’s grooming cosmetics designed for short, stiff hair. In addition, Lavish Care Brown Beard And Hair Shader Pomade is a color-correcting product that 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 hairstyle’s fixation throughout the day without causing hair to stick.
This pomade is recommended even for vegans, as it does not contain any animal-derived components. At the same time, this product gives hair a natural shine, protects it from the environment’s negative effects, does not dry it out, and effectively emphasizes its 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 clear separation of hair, light strands, and no clumps.
The formula is also enriched with polymer shine enhancers, giving the hair a flawless, glossy, smooth finish. 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 easier to manage, 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 “cascade” hairstyles with height transitions. 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, making it ideal for adding the finishing touches and fixing hairstyles of any complexity. Apply to towel-dried hair with your palms.
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 about potential damage from pomade largely center on 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 and moisturizes strands, adds shine and smoothness, and helps prevent damage. Johnny’s Chop Shop Original Sheen line also features stylish packaging that emphasizes the line’s originality.
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 a medium-firm fixation so 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 and created the Suavecito Original Hold Pomade 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, which 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, natural, unobtrusive shine. Chemical-free.
Gunslingers Clay Wax Pomade
The British cosmetics brand 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 bold hairstyles, and maintains medium fixation.
The product has a dense texture, so it lasts a long time if you just take a small amount 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 today that you can use to create creative, sophisticated hairstyles. Today, it is a top product, reaching 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 makes it easy to scoop 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 a special shampoo to wash the pomade out. Ordinary ones are not suitable in this case: it’s simply unthinkable to wash ultra-durable styling pomade out of them. However, water-based products are easily removed.