Pomade may sound like the type of hair product your grandfather would have used, but the pomades made today are much different than those John Travolta sported in the 1970s.
Many are water-soluble rather than the traditional oil-based variety, and pomades are now less greasy while still giving you options regarding how much shine you desire.
You can make various stylish looks by adding a little pomade to your hair. However, if you’re starting, it’s reasonable that you may not even know how to use pomade. Fortunately, this is a straightforward product to use.
Read on to learn how to use pomade and discover the different hairstyles it can help you achieve.
How to Use Pomade
Using pomade is incredibly simple and makes styling entirely up to you. Here are some general instructions on how to use pomade:
- Start with either wet or dry hair. For the best results, you’ll want your hair just a little damp before applying the pomade, but this may vary based on what type of style you are trying to achieve.
As a general rule of thumb, if you want more shine and less hold, apply pomade to wet hair. Apply it to dry hair if you want less shine and more hold. If your hair is washed and you use a conditioner, make sure to apply that to your hair first. - Take a dime-sized amount of the pomade and warm it up by rubbing your palms together. If you have longer or thicker hair, you may need more, but it’s best to start with a smaller amount and gradually work your way up.
- Work the pomade through your hair, distribute it evenly, and gently massage it from the roots to tips—style as desired.
Hairstyles to Try with Pomade
If you’re looking for a hair product that will provide versatility, pomade may be your best option. There are many men’s hairstyle possibilities with pomade, often not needing more than a dime-sized amount of the product.
Discover how to use pomade to achieve the following three looks:
Messy Hair Look
This messy look is a popular hairstyle for a casual look or a night out. The best part about this look is its easy and versatile; you can make it work no matter what texture or length of your hair.
You can use an oil-based or water-soluble pomade to achieve this look, as long as it has a matte finish and provides medium hold.
You can either start with damp or dry hair and work a dime-sized amount into your scalp to add volume. Then, add some more pomade to the ends to add texture and complete the look.
Use Layrite Natural Matte Cream, a lightweight water-soluble matte pomade that provides medium hold with a matte finish. This pomade is especially effective for fine hair, adding texture and volume to help you achieve this messy look.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Con:
- Not ideal for men’s thick hair
Pompadour
The pompadour is a timeless, slicked-back look that has evolved through the years. It’s all about volume, but your hair does not need to be sky-high to achieve this look. You can personalize it in many ways to make it look sleek, edgy, casual, or sophisticated.
You’ll want to start with dry hair to give your pompadour the best hold. For the best results, after washing your hair, blow-dry it while brushing it with a round brush.
Once dry, grab a decent amount of pomade, warm it up in your hands, then use your fingers to work it through your hair, starting with the sides and then the top. Pay special attention to the top; that is where you will achieve the most volume.
Once you work the product in, use a comb to evenly distribute it to the roots and get a better hold. Then, comb the front of your hair and fold it over the hand that isn’t holding the comb, adjusting it to the height you want your pompadour to be. Comb your hair up once more, then pat it down.
To achieve this look, use Rocky Mountain Barber Company Pomade for Men. This water-soluble pomade provides a firm hold to help ensure that your pompadour remains in place while delivering maximum shine.
Pros:
- Tin is larger than most brands (5oz)
- High shine but easy to wash out
- Light, non-overpowering scent
Cons:
- Applying too much to dry hair may cause white residue
Side Comb Over
Also known as the quiff hairstyle, a side comb-over is a timeless, stylish, and classy option. It isn’t fully a side part, but the hair is smoothly swept to one side. This style takes just a few minutes to complete using a good-quality pomade.
To achieve this look, start with slightly damp hair and work about a dime-sized amount of the product through. Then, comb your hair toward one side, away from your part. If you want a little bit of volume, comb your hair upward as you swoop it to the side.
Suavecito Pomade Original Hold is a high-quality pomade that will help you achieve this look. It’s water-soluble with a moderate shine and will give your hair a medium hold. If you need a touchup in the middle of the day, all you need to do is add some water to your hair and style.
Pros:
- Combs easily
- Reactivates with water
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some describe the scent as too strong
Hair pomade will help your hair always look its best. After learning how to use pomade for the various hairstyles it can help you achieve, consider incorporating it into your styling routine to turn heads.