Men’s hair pomade is becoming increasingly popular. It fixes hair more strongly than gel and lasts longer than wax. At the same time, it gives strands a natural shine, suits complex hairstyles, and can even handle unruly locks. As a result, Brylcreem (the pomade’s second name) is back in hairdressers’ salons and on store shelves after half a century of being forgotten.
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 answer a few 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 easy to apply and evenly distributes, securing 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 hold the hairstyle perfectly, stay on the hair for a long time, give a strong shine, and are applied in heated form);
- water-based (easy to apply to strands, less greasy, easier to rinse off, suitable for complex hairstyles, but with 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, consider your hair condition, type, and length, as well as the desired hairstyle and how long you want it to last. By consistency, styling products are divided into three groups. They can be:
- solid;
- medium;
- soft.
Use a strong-fixation pomade for long, thick, and dense hair. Accordingly, the thinner and shorter the hair, the gentler the styling product should be. Finally, Brylcreem holds the hairstyle in place and keeps it from falling apart. So, if you are a professional, choose a stronger option; if you are an amateur who uses styling products only occasionally, stick to 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 long, unwashed, and ungroomed. 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 strong-fixation products. It has no disadvantages: pomade doesn’t dry out or weigh down your hair, so your 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 warm air along the desired 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, a small pea-sized amount is enough. Don’t use it all at once; add it gradually. You can even use less. If the lipstick is hard, gently melt it with a hot hairdryer.
- Rub the lipstick with your fingertips, not your whole palm. Warm it well and spread it over your palm. Gently run your hands through your hair, distributing the product with a massaging motion as if you were washing it. Don’t forget the nape of your neck; rub the pomade in generously there.
- Run your fingers through the strands from end to end. Passages should be precise, confident, and quick, as if you were combing your hair by hand.
- If the pomade isn’t enough, take a little more and repeat the process, distributing the product over the uncovered area. Don’t use too much at once, as it will be hard to remove the excess, and your hair may look greasy and ungroomed.
- To finish styling, dry your hair with a hair dryer until it is completely dry. This makes it easier to style your hair into place and remove stickiness.
History of hair Pomade
Pomade is an ancient hair-styling method. It appeared at the end of the XVIII century and used special ingredients that looked good on the hair but smelled disgusting. These included animal fats, such as bear and pig fat. It was believed that such ingredients strengthened hair follicles, promoted healthy hair, and accelerated its growth. Naturally, they had a rich shine and held the hairstyle’s shape perfectly.
However, the odor overshadowed their merits, so in the first half of the XX century, such pomades were reformulated. Vaseline and beeswax, which were widely available, became common bases. Since then, styling pomade has been a leading men’s hair styling product. Production moved to an industrial scale, which helped popularize it. 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 mid-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 let people express themselves more freely; at this time, 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 and 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 popularity as other formulations entered the market. As fashion favored long and medium-length hairstyles, hair sprays and gels took center stage. Cosmetic innovations displaced outdated products. The 2000s also brought no change. Slicked-back, shiny hair became associated with grandparents’ old-fashioned, vintage styles.
Is it OK to use pomade every day?
The debate over daily use often centers on its impact on hair health. Pomades can add texture and volume, making hair look fuller and more dynamic, but make sure the product doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. 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, interest in hair pomade is surging 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 pomade options, and we will introduce the most popular ones.
Hairkov Ranrous
Hairkov Runrous hair styling pomade delivers super-strong hold, letting you create creative, trendy hairstyles. This variant is red but is also available in green. The pomade acts as a temporary hair dye, washes off easily, and doesn’t 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 your palm, rub it in, apply it to the curls, and distribute it with light strokes. For a quality effect and a flawless look, comb the curls through at the end and set 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 curls, adding texture. The pomade highlights texture by laying down an even, thin layer and making it manageable.
In essence, it controls frizz while maintaining the natural look of curly strands and adding volume. That is, the hair is neatly styled and no longer sticks out in all directions. It is less tangled, holds well, and stays 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 strong hold. Apply it once at the beginning of the day, and you won’t have to constantly comb and fix your hair. It dries quickly on hair of any length and doesn’t need adjusting. 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 only a small amount is needed for styling. It works well on dry hair, not just wet hair. For a voluminous, lush hairstyle, pre-dry your hair with a hair dryer. To keep the pomade in place longer and prevent it from falling apart, avoid moisture when applying it.
Manly Crystal Pomade
Manly Crystal Pomade is a great choice for moderate-hold styling. It lets you adjust your hairstyle throughout the day and set it as you like. 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 up by wetting your hair in your palm and running a comb through it.
After these steps, the strands stay elastic and don’t stick together. Pomade works on thick and thin hair of any length. It gently binds them, keeping the strands movable. A natural, well-groomed look is guaranteed after this procedure. The product has a subtle, delicate caramel fragrance. It suits those who prefer a matte finish.
Pacinos Pomade
The American Line Pacinos Pomade works on all hair types, from straight to curly. Its water-based formula makes it easy to apply and rinse out quickly, with minimal shampoo needed. It holds strong yet keeps hair flexible, making it suitable for classic cuts with or without a part.
The shine level is medium, closer to matte than glossy. Another key feature of this series is its versatility: it works on both dry and wet hair (in the latter case, styling is softer and more elastic). The pomade has a subtle, cologne-like fragrance.
Layrite Original Pomade
This classic water-based men’s pomade comes from an American manufacturer. It is used for everyday styling, with strong hold and a spectacular shine. Best suited for medium- and short-length hair, it works well even on fine hair. The texture is soft and gel-like, making it easier to apply than competitors’. The pomade is environmentally friendly and safe, made with charcoal and Brazilian palm leaf, which help preserve the hair’s natural structure.
Layrite Original Pomade lets you create elegant, understated, and rebellious looks with quick, easy shaping. It doesn’t weigh hair down and leaves no residue when you wash it off with regular shampoo. However, it isn’t recommended for long hair. You can apply it 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, damaged hair because it nourishes and restores moisture. To achieve this effect, the manufacturer chose an original, balanced formula. As a result, the hairstyle looks great while rejuvenating each strand.
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade also comes in an innovative jar. 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 thick, coarse hair that needs a strong hold. This type of pomade also lends a natural shine, elevating the overall look. It’s a popular choice for those who want to refine their hairstyle without looking overly styled.
- Cream Pomade: An all-rounder, cream pomades suit a broad range of hair types, from straight to curly, short to long. Cream pomades add volume and hydration without weighing hair down. The finish is often matte, making it suitable for those who prefer a more understated look.
Perfomen Wild Series Champion Pomade
This styling product line is designed for hair of any length, making it versatile. American specialists have created a formula that perfectly matches men’s hairstyles. It provides strong hold, moisturizes strands, and adds shine.
Wild Series Champion Pomade doesn’t weigh hair down: it contains caring ingredients that support the roots. The result is beautiful, voluminous, and thick hair. It forms a protective layer around each strand, supporting the hair. 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 because it does not harm hair or the scalp.
The styling formula contains only five ingredients that provide hold, enhance shine, rejuvenate hair, 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, unmanageable hair, the Dear Barber Pomade line is 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. It gives hair a mirror-like shine, helping men look dazzling in women’s eyes.
The brand specializes in producing professional styling products. It makes products for managing stiff hair. Specialized formulas turn ordinary cosmetic products into powerful styling tools. Its main job is to keep the hairstyle in place all day, and it does it perfectly.
Redken Brews High Hold Pomade
This line is geared toward powerful hold, specifically designed for tough men’s hair. It handles any task and works 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. Rub a small amount between your fingers, then run it through your hair, working it 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. It also 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 modeling pomade’s base is water, so it’s easy to apply and rinse out with any shampoo. The hair care product gives hair a discreet shine and natural movement. It holds even the curliest, waggiest hairstyles well.
Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade
This product also provides a good hold for men’s hair. Its wax-based formula helps preserve each strand from root to tip. In addition, this composition binds the hair together, keeping it in place.
With Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade, you can style any length or complexity while improving your hair’s health. 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 suits men and women alike. It is ideal for short, split-end, wavy, and porous hair. This styling product is ideal for shaping and holding hair. With it, you can achieve spectacular “tails” and wet, curly curls. This pomade excels at sleek, classic hairstyles.
REF Pomade N°550 is characterized by a long-lasting, firm hold that won’t break in any unforeseen situation. It leaves hair strong and shiny, with a glossy finish. This coating restores and nourishes hair with beneficial ingredients.
Is pomade good for hair styling?
When crafting an impeccable hairstyle, pomade is a formidable tool. Its ability to hold a style while delivering a matte or glossy finish makes it popular. A wide range of formulas offers a pomade for every look, from the classic slick-back to the modern textured style.
Captain Fawcett Hair Pomade Classic
This versatile product suits a range of styles, from sharply defined strands to elegantly slicked-back hair. Captain Fawcett Hair Pomade Classic works well on medium-length hair. It does not weigh hair down, leaving it light, shiny, and silky. It works well on 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. It delivers rich shine and easy application. Take a small amount, rub it between your palms, and massage it into your hair. Then comb and style as desired.
Tenax Hair Pomade Strong Hold
The name says it all: it is a strong-hold product. The Italian company produces a water-based pomade for hair of any texture, from fine and silky to coarse and springy. However, the product specializes in unruly men’s hair and handles it without problems.
Tenax Hair Pomade Strong Hold works on both wet and dry strands. The paste is easy and convenient to use and requires little prep time. Thanks to its natural ingredients, it doesn’t weigh hair down and rinses out easily.
Gunslingers Clay Wax
The British brand offers a versatile hair styling pomade. Following the gentleman’s tradition, it lays down perfectly, 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 thanks to a special clay in its formula that, when exposed to water, forms a natural protective layer on 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 specializes in pomades suitable for styling hair and beard. It is designed exclusively for men’s grooming, focusing on 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. As a result, it protects both hair and beard from negative factors and rejuvenates each. The product has a pleasant fragrance and rinses off easily because it is water-based.
The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade
The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade line creates masculine, gentlemanly looks. The product is designed with every nuance in mind and suits all hair lengths and types. It has a safe formula and reliably holds the hairstyle all day without making hair sticky.
This pomade is recommended even for vegans, as it contains no animal-derived ingredients. It also adds natural shine, protects hair from environmental damage, doesn’t dry it out, and accentuates its texture.
Tigi Bed Head For Men Slick Trick
This gel pomade offers strong, professional hold 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. This combination provides clear separation and light strands without clumps.
The formula is also enriched with polymer shine enhancers, giving the hair a flawless, glossy, smooth finish. The Tigi Bed Head For Men Slick Trick provides long-lasting hold and protection from external factors. It becomes softer, more voluminous, and easier to manage, making it easier to achieve the desired shape.
Hairgum Classic Hair Styling Pomade
Styling with Hairgum’s flagship product, Classic Hair Styling Pomade, is convenient and easy to use. After all, men’s and women’s hair styling products contain ingredients that leave no residue, don’t dry out strands, and moisturize hair 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 adds shine and texture, making it ideal for finishing and holding hairstyles of any complexity. Apply with your palms to towel-dried hair.
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. Some pomades can flatten fine hair or make it look greasy. However, the concerns about potential damage from pomade largely center on its ingredients. Like any hair product, natural-ingredient products tend to be gentler on 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 water-based pomade formula works on 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 highlights its originality.
Davines More Inside Forming Pomade
Versatile and professional for sculpting, Davines More Inside Forming Pomade is a styling and hair care product. This Italian cosmetic product fixes hair while adding airiness and volume. It provides medium-firm hold, so the hairstyle stays mobile. At the same time, it isn’t sticky, as the pomade gently binds the hair.
It also gives the hair a “memory” effect. It keeps your hair in place for a long time. It is enough to run your hand over it and make slight corrections. This pomade suits both men and women.
Suavecito Pomade Original Hold
The American hair care brand created the Suavecito Original Hold Pomade line for hold, shine, and styling. 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 that hold their shape well. It keeps hair mobile, light, and bouncy at any length. After drying, it leaves a subtle, natural, unobtrusive shine. Chemical-free.
Gunslingers Clay Wax Pomade
The British cosmetics brand developed Gunslingers Clay Wax, a styling line based on natural clay. It keeps strands from looking “wooden” while retaining natural mobility and elasticity. It adds visual clarity, supports bold hairstyles, and delivers medium hold.
The product has a dense texture, so a small amount lasts a long time when you rub it between your fingers. It is easy to apply 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. Its professional water-based formula is gentle on hair and leaves no white residue, stickiness, brittleness, or dryness. Strands retain mobility thanks to special fibers formed between neighboring hairs.
Freshly applied pomade dries quickly as the water evaporates instantly. Despite its medium hold, it holds the hairstyle firmly while keeping 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
Today, many hair pomades can create creative, sophisticated hairstyles. Today, it is a top product, reaching peak popularity because of its undeniable benefits. Among its positive aspects:
- formula with natural ingredients;
- volume without weighing it down;
- universal application;
- easy rinsing;
- long-lasting effect;
- natural shine;
- easy application.
This product suits both casual, naturally curly styles and polished, classic looks with shine. Its ingredients transform even unruly strands into manageable ones while nourishing and strengthening the hair.
Unlike sprays, pastes, mousses, gels, and hairsprays, pomade does not weigh hair down, dry it out, or make it stick together. Its consistency sits between wax and cream: not as hard as wax, but not as liquid as cream. The soft consistency makes it easy to scoop the right amount with your fingers. It sculpts and styles hair, adds volume, and holds the style in place.
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 harsh products. However, don’t overuse pomade, as your hair needs to “rest” periodically.
How much pomade do I need for styling?
This depends on the hairstyle’s length and the hair’s condition. For a natural look with springy, light, voluminous hair, you’ll need about a pea-sized amount of pomade. The key is to distribute it along the entire length rather than rub 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 greasier the stains it leaves on the pillow. So choose a special shampoo to wash the pomade out. Ordinary shampoos aren’t suitable in this case: it’s simply unthinkable to wash ultra-durable styling pomade out of them. However, water-based products are easily removed.