What Is Hair Pomade? A Guide to Hair Styling Pomade for Men
Hair pomade is a versatile men's hair styling product designed to provide hold, control, definition and shine. From classic side parts and slick backs to modern styles with natural movement, pomade can help shape the hair while creating a polished finish. But what is pomade, how does it work and which type is right for your hair? Here’s everything you need to know about hair pomade for men, including how to use it and the styles you can create.
What Is Hair Pomade?
Hair pomade is a styling product used to shape, control and define the hair. Unlike products designed primarily for matte texture and volume, pomade is traditionally associated with smoother styles and a natural to high-shine finish. The level of hold and shine varies between formulas. Some pomades offer strong, long-lasting control, while others provide a more flexible hold that allows the hair to retain movement. Daimon Barber Original Pomade is a water-based hair pomade designed to provide medium hold, natural shine and smooth control, making it well-suited to classic, polished and flowing styles.
What Does Hair Pomade Do?
Hair pomade can be used to create structure and definition while keeping the hair controlled and manageable.
Provides Hold and Control
Pomade helps keep hair in shape throughout the day. The level of hold depends on the formulation, with medium-hold products offering greater flexibility and stronger formulas providing more control.
Adds Shine and Definition
One of the defining characteristics of pomade is its ability to create shine. Depending on the formula, this can range from a subtle natural sheen to a more polished finish.
Smooths and Controls Hair
Pomade can help smooth flyaways and create a cleaner, more refined appearance, particularly when styling the sides and back of the hair.
Allows Flexible Styling
A well-formulated pomade doesn't necessarily leave hair feeling stiff. Medium-hold formulas can provide control while allowing natural movement and the option to reshape the style.
What Are the Different Types of Hair Pomade?
The two main types of pomade are water-based and oil-based, with each offering different characteristics.
Water-Based Pomade
Water-based pomade is formulated to provide the styling benefits of traditional pomade while being easier to apply and wash out. The exact hold and finish vary between products, but water-based formulas are generally convenient for everyday styling. Daimon Barber Original Pomade is a water-based hair pomade with medium hold, natural shine and flexible control. It is easy to apply and wash out, making it a practical choice for everyday styling.
Oil-Based Pomade
Oil-based pomade is the more traditional formulation, typically combining oils and waxes to provide malleable, long-lasting control. It is particularly associated with classic, structured hairstyles. Daimon Barber Classic Pomade is an oil-based formula containing Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax and Micro Wax, creating strong, malleable control across a range of styles. Oil-based pomades can be more difficult to remove than water-based alternatives and may require more thorough cleansing.
Which Type of Pomade Should You Choose?
For everyday convenience and easy washout, a water-based pomade is a practical choice. Oil-based pomades can be better suited to those looking for a more traditional styling experience and persistent control. The right option ultimately depends on your preferred hold, finish, hairstyle and styling routine.
Is Pomade Good for Your Hair Type?
Pomade can work across different hair types, but the ideal formula and amount will depend on your hair's thickness, length and natural texture.
Pomade for Fine Hair
Use a smaller amount and build gradually to avoid weighing the hair down. A medium-hold pomade can provide control and definition without requiring a heavy application.
Pomade for Thick Hair
Thicker hair often benefits from a formula with sufficient hold to keep the style controlled. Work the product thoroughly through the hair for even distribution.
Pomade for Wavy or Curly Hair
Pomade can help smooth and define wavy or curly hair while maintaining natural movement. Apply gradually to avoid making the hair feel heavy.
Pomade for Short to Medium-Length Hair
Short and medium-length hair is particularly suited to pomade, especially for structured styles such as side parts, slick backs, quiffs and pompadours. Original Pomade is suitable for all hair types and provides medium hold with natural shine for controlled, refined styling.
How to Use Hair Pomade
Learning how to use pomade correctly can make a significant difference to the finished style.
1. Start With a Small Amount
Begin with a small amount and build gradually. Using too much at once can make the hair feel heavy or overly shiny.
2. Warm the Pomade Between Your Hands
Rub the pomade between your palms until evenly distributed. This helps make application smoother and prevents concentrated areas of product.
3. Apply to Dry or Slightly Damp Hair
Pomade can be applied to dry or slightly damp hair. Damp hair can make distribution easier, while dry hair generally provides greater control and definition.
4. Work From Roots to Ends
Distribute the product evenly through the hair, working from the roots towards the ends. Focus on areas that require additional control or definition.
5. Style With Your Fingers or a Comb
Use a comb for sharper, more structured styles such as a side part or slick back. For softer styles with more natural movement, use your fingers to shape and refine the hair.
What Hairstyles Can You Create With Pomade?
Hair pomade works particularly well for classic and modern hairstyles that require control, definition and a polished finish.
Slick Back
Work pomade through the hair from front to back, using a comb for a smooth, structured finish or your fingers for a softer appearance.
Side Part
A side part is one of the classic pomade hairstyles. Use a comb to create a defined parting and distribute pomade evenly for controlled shape and natural shine.
Pompadour
Pompadours require volume through the front combined with control around the sides. Pomade helps maintain the shape while creating a refined finish.
Comb Over
Pomade provides the control needed to create a clean, defined comb over without sacrificing a natural-looking finish.
Flow Cut
For a more relaxed style, pomade can enhance movement while maintaining shape. Original Pomade's medium hold and natural shine make it particularly suited to flowing, medium-length styles such as the flow cut.
How Much Pomade Should You Use?
Start with a small amount and build gradually according to your hair length and thickness. Short or fine hair may only require a small application, while thicker or longer hair may need more. Always warm the product thoroughly between your hands before applying it. Using too much pomade can make the hair appear heavy or excessively shiny, so it is better to add a little more when needed.
How Do You Wash Pomade Out?
How easily pomade washes out depends largely on its formulation. Water-based pomade is generally easier to remove with water and shampoo because it is designed to be water-soluble. This makes it particularly convenient for everyday styling. Oil-based pomade contains oils and waxes that are less water-soluble, meaning it can require more thorough cleansing to remove completely. Daimon Barber Original Pomade is water-based and easy to wash out, making it a convenient option for regular styling.
How to Choose the Right Hair Pomade
Choosing the right pomade comes down to the finish, hold and style you want to achieve.
Consider the Hold
Choose a medium hold if you want control with natural movement, or a stronger formula if your style requires more structure.
Consider the Finish
If you want a subtle, polished appearance, look for a pomade with a natural shine. Higher-shine formulas are better suited to more traditional, slick styles.
Consider the Formulation
Water-based pomades are convenient and easy to wash out, while oil-based formulas offer a more traditional approach with persistent, malleable control.
Consider Your Hairstyle
Think about the style you want to create. Slick backs, side parts and pompadours typically benefit from pomade's smooth control and shine, while more relaxed flowing styles can work well with a flexible formula.
Daimon Barber Original Pomade: Medium Hold, Natural Shine
For everyday styling with polished control and natural movement, Daimon Barber Original Pomade combines a water-based formula with medium hold and natural shine. Formulated with Bee Propolis and Raspberry Seed Oil, it helps leave the hair feeling conditioned and manageable while providing smooth control and definition. Bee Propolis is known for its conditioning and scalp-supporting properties, while Raspberry Seed Oil helps maintain moisture and softness. The result is a refined finish without stiffness, making Original Pomade suitable for classic and modern styles including slick backs, side parts, pompadours, comb overs and flowing medium-length cuts. As a water-based hair pomade, it is also easy to apply and wash out, making it a practical choice for everyday grooming. Made in the UK, Original Pomade brings together considered ingredients and effortless styling in one versatile formula.
Pomade vs Clay, Wax and Gel
While these products can all provide hold, they are designed to create different results.
|
Pomade
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Natural to high shine | Polished, controlled styles |
|
Clay
|
Matte | Texture, volume and separation |
|
Wax
|
Natural to subtle shine | Flexible definition |
|
Gel
|
High shine and firm | Strong, fixed styles |
If you're deciding specifically between clay and pomade, read our Clay vs Pomade: Best Hair Styling Products for Men guide for a more detailed comparison.
Hair Pomade FAQs
What is hair pomade used for?
Hair pomade is used to provide hold, control, definition and shine. It is particularly effective for polished styles such as slick backs, side parts, pompadours and comb overs.
Is pomade good for your hair?
Pomade is primarily a styling product rather than a hair treatment. Choosing a suitable formula and using an appropriate amount can help achieve controlled styling without unnecessarily weighing down the hair.
Should you use pomade on wet or dry hair?
Pomade can be applied to either dry or slightly damp hair. Damp hair can make application easier, while dry hair generally provides greater control and definition.
Is water-based pomade better than oil-based pomade?
Neither is universally better. Water-based pomades are generally easier to apply and wash out, while oil-based formulas offer traditional, malleable control. The right choice depends on your styling preferences.
Does pomade wash out easily?
Water-based pomades are generally easier to wash out than oil-based formulas. Original Pomade is water-based and designed for easy washout.
Find Your Perfect Finish
From a classic side part to a relaxed flow, the right pomade can provide the hold, control and finish your style needs. For everyday styling with medium hold, natural shine and easy washout, discover Daimon Barber Original Pomade.
Explore our award-winning range of premium men's hair styling products to find your perfect finish.
