Everything About Hair Pomade

Hair Pomades – Hair pomade is back | HairMaker.Gr

Introduction to Hair Pomade

Hair pomade is not just a simple styling product; it's a symbol with a history that spans over a century. It has been used by generations of men to give their hair shine, control, and stability. From the classic looks of the 1920s and 1950s to more modern versions, pomade has left an indelible mark on the world of men's fashion.

Unlike gels or waxes, pomade is characterized by its unique hold and the shiny appearance it provides. Older formulas were based on animal fats and petroleum jelly, while today's modern pomades have evolved into lighter water-soluble versions that offer the same feel but wash out easily with shampoo.

What's interesting about pomade is that it's not limited to just one specific style. Whether you want a slick back hairstyle, the popular pompadour, or a more natural look with some control and texture, pomade gives you the flexibility to create the result you desire. This adaptability is what makes it so timeless and beloved by men of all ages.

Today in the market, we encounter two basic categories of pomade:

  • Oil-based pomades – Offer intense shine and very strong hold. They don't wash out easily, but they give hair that authentic vintage feel.
  • Water-based pomades – Ideal for daily use because they wash out easily with water. They combine hold with a greater sense of lightness.

The choice between these two versions depends mainly on your lifestyle and the effect you want your hairstyle to have. If you love the old-school aesthetic and don't mind using extra shampoo when washing, then a classic oil-based pomade is for you. If you want practicality and easy application, then water-based is the way to go.

It's no coincidence that even today, in barbershops around the world, pomade remains the product that professionals recommend for well-groomed and shiny hair. With proper use, you can achieve perfect symmetry, control frizz, and durability that lasts all day. ✨

Types of Pomade & How to Choose the Right One

When we talk about hair pomade, it's important to know that there isn't one unique formula. Companies have created different types to cover the needs of every man. The right type of pomade can upgrade your hairstyle, while the wrong choice often leads to heavy or stiff results.

The most basic categories are:

  • Oil-based pomades: The most classic form. Provides high shine and long-lasting hold. Downside? It's hard to remove with regular shampoo, so it usually requires more washes.
  • Water-based pomades: The modern version. Offers similar hold to oil-based but washes out easily. Ideal for those who want a quick and practical solution in daily life.
  • Hybrid pomades: Combine elements from both categories, providing balance between shine, hold, and easy washing.
  • Matte pomades: For those who don't want any shine. Offer natural results, as if you have no product, but with stable hold.

Choosing the right pomade depends on three basic factors:

  1. Hair type – If you have fine hair, prefer a water-based or matte pomade to avoid heavy results. For thick or curly hair, an oil-based will give better control.
  2. Desired style – For vintage hairstyles like pompadour or slick back, a shiny oil-based is ideal. If you want a more natural look, a matte or hybrid pomade is more suitable.
  3. Lifestyle – If you exercise frequently or want to wash your hair daily, a water-based pomade will suit you better. ⚠️

Beyond the above, the hold you're looking for also plays a role. Most pomades indicate on their packaging whether they are light, medium or strong hold. A medium hold pomade is the golden mean for daily use, as it provides enough control without hardening the hair.

Another element is the scent. Traditional pomades like Murray's or Royal Crown have characteristic smells that remind of barbershops of another era, while modern versions give fresher, more discreet scents. The scent may seem like a detail, but it affects the user experience and often becomes part of your daily routine.

Finally, don't forget that pomade is an investment in your personal style. The right choice will help you achieve the look you want, whether it's for a professional environment or for a night out. With a little experimentation, you'll find the formula that best fits your character and will accompany you daily. ✅

Famous Pomades – Brief Reference

For a quick overview of the "classic trio" in the world of pomade:

  • Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade: classic oil-based with very strong hold and timeless, vintage aesthetic.
  • Royal Crown Pomade: softer feel, medium hold and characteristic shine — ideal for slick looks.
  • DAX Wave & Groom (Red DAX): strong hold for demanding hair or styles that need great durability.

Tip: start with a small amount and "build" gradually according to the density and texture of your hair.

How to Apply Pomade Correctly

Proper application of hair pomade is equally important as choosing the right product. Even the best formula, if applied incorrectly, can leave hair sticky, greasy, or lifeless. On the contrary, with the right techniques, you can showcase your hairstyle to the maximum.

Before you start, remember the basic rule: the amount. Less is more. Always start with a small dose and add if needed. ✔️

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Pomade works best on clean and slightly damp hair. After washing, towel dry your hair until it's almost dry but not completely. If it's too dry, the product may not spread properly; if it's too wet, it will dilute and lose its strength.

Step 2: Warm the Pomade

Take a small amount, about the size of a pea. Rub it between your palms until it melts and acquires a uniform texture. This way it spreads better and avoids lumps.

Step 3: Apply Correctly

Start by spreading the pomade from the back of the head towards the front. This way you avoid concentrating excessive amounts at the front. Work with your fingers so the product reaches all strands, from root to tip.

Step 4: Give Shape

After the pomade is spread, use a comb to create the style you want. For a slick back, pull the hair backwards with a fine comb. For a more natural look, work with your fingers for more texture.

Step 5: Setting

If you need extra hold, you can add a little more pomade. For hairstyles that want volume, like pompadour, you can combine pomade with a blow dryer for a more stable result. ✨

Small tips that make the difference:

  • For extra shine, prefer oil-based pomade and apply it to slightly more damp hair.
  • For matte results, use matte or hybrid pomade on dry hair.
  • Don't constantly touch your hair during the day; the heat from your hands can alter the styling.
  • If you put too much, use dry shampoo to absorb the greasiness.

With a little practice, applying pomade will become second nature. The secret is to adapt the technique to your hair type and the look you want to achieve. This way, every day you can have a hairstyle with professional finish, as if you just came out of a barbershop. ✅

Pomade Comparison: Water-based vs Oil-based

Water-based Pomade

✔️ Rinses out easily with water — ideal for daily use.

✅ Hold: Medium–Strong, with controlled shine.

✨ Texture: Lightweight, no build-up.

  • Best for fine/medium hair
  • Re-style with a little water during the day
  • Clean finish, no greasiness

⚠️ Dries faster; work quickly for even distribution.

Oil-based Pomade

✔️ Classic shine and long-lasting stability.

✅ Hold: Medium–High, vintage gloss finish.

✨ Ideal for slick-back, pompadour, side-part.

  • Re-style easily with a comb all day
  • Best for thick/curly hair
  • Long-lasting even in humidity

⚠️ Hard to rinse out; use pre-shampoo conditioner or cleansing shampoo.

History of Pomade & Its Place in Men's Styling

Hair pomade is not just a simple styling product; it's a piece of men's culture. Its roots go back centuries, when people sought ways to keep their hair well-groomed and shiny. The word "pomade" comes from the French "pommade" meaning apple-based ointment, as the first recipes contained apple pulp mixed with fats and oils.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pomade became the trademark of the elegant man. It was used by Hollywood actors, jazz artists, and professionals who always wanted a groomed appearance. The "slick back" and "side part" hairstyles became classics, and pomade was the secret behind their glossy, smooth texture.

The Golden Age of Pomade

The 1950s is considered the golden age. Iconic figures like Elvis Presley and James Dean established the "pompadour" and "ducktail" as looks that defined a generation. Pomade gave men the confidence to stand out, connecting the product with the notion of rebellion, charm, and personal expression.

At that time oil-based pomades dominated, providing excellent shine and hold, but were difficult to wash out. They required special shampoos or multiple washes to remove. But this was also part of their charm: the look lasted for days.

The Decline and Return

After the 1970s, pomade lost ground as natural and more "free" hairstyles became fashionable. Gels and hairsprays took its place, offering easier washing and different finishes. But the image of the vintage gentleman was never lost. In the early 2000s, the barbershop culture brought pomade back to the forefront, this time with new formulas (water-based) that combine hold and easy washing.

Today, pomade is more relevant than ever. It's not just a product, but an element of identity. Whether we're talking about classic retro looks or modern variations with matte texture, pomade remains the ultimate styling tool for men who want to stand out. ✨

Its Significance in Modern Styling

The return of pomade is not accidental. It represents a trend that honors tradition but adapts to today's needs. Men now seek products that give flexibility: from the slick professional look to the lighter casual hairstyle. With water-based and hybrid options, pomade became accessible to all hair types.

The history of pomade shows that styling is not just about appearance, but a way to express your character. From the classic barbershops of the '50s to modern salons, pomade remains a timeless symbol of care and style. ✅

Types of Pomade – Oil-based, Water-based & Hybrid

Pomade is never a one-size-fits-all option. In reality, we can find it in three basic categories: oil-based, water-based and hybrid. Each type offers different feel, duration, and level of shine, covering different styling needs.

Oil-based pomades: The most classic type, with greasy composition that gives excellent hold and characteristic shine. Ideal for vintage hairstyles like slick-back, pompadour or side-part. The downside is that it's hard to clean and often requires 2-3 washes to remove completely. ✅

Water-based pomades: The modern version, lighter and easier to wash out. Provides similar results in shine and hold, but dries faster and allows the user to have greater flexibility during the day. Preferred by those who want clean hair without product buildup. ✨

Hybrid pomades: A combination of the two previous types. They provide balance between strength and ease of washing. Often preferred by professional barbers who want to offer the client both stability and easy maintenance at home.

The choice between these types depends on your personal goal: if you're looking for old-school shine and duration, then oil-based is the solution. If you want ease and a more "clean" feel, then water-based is ideal. If you want the best of both worlds, the hybrid formula will cover you completely.

How to Choose the Right Pomade for Your Hair Type

Choosing the right pomade always starts with your hair type. There's no one product that fits everyone; the texture, density, and shape of your hair determine which composition will give you the best result.

Fine hair: If you have fine hair, avoid heavy oil-based pomades that might "weigh down" the hairstyle. Prefer water-based formulas with medium hold and light shine, so your hair looks fuller. ✨

Thick and coarse hair: For hair that "resists" styling, you need strong hold. Oil-based or hybrid pomades with strong hold will help you maintain the shape all day. ✅

Wavy or curly hair: In this case, choose pomades that give flexibility without "freezing" the movement. A product with medium hold and natural finish is ideal for enhancing your natural wave.

Short hair: For quick and sturdy hairstyles, a water-based pomade with strong hold is sufficient. It will give structure without creating a sticky feeling.

Long hair: Although pomade isn't the most common product for lengths, hybrid compositions with light hold can add shine and discipline without removing freedom of movement.

Overall, your choice should be based on the combination of hold – shine – ease of cleaning. This way, your pomade will function as a real styling tool adapted to your needs.

Application Tips & Styling with Pomade

Pomade is one of the most versatile styling products. With proper technique and small adjustments, you can achieve everything from classic slick back to natural, matte results. Here are practical tips for perfect finish and all-day duration.

1) Small amount – gradual addition

Start with a pea-sized amount. Warm it well in your palms and distribute from the neck towards the forehead. If needed, add a second "pass". This way you avoid "patches" and greasy zones.

2) Hair moisture = result control

  • Slightly damp → more shine, more even distribution.
  • Dry → stronger hold, more "clean" texture (ideal for matte/hybrid).

3) Tools: fingers, brush, comb

Fingers for natural texture, brush for volume at the root, fine comb for precision parting or slick back. Combine them: first fingers for distribution, then comb for lines.

4) Blow-dry technique for duration

Shape with blow dryer before pomade (pre-styling) or after the first small dose. Low temperature, medium flow, direction from root to tip. Finish with cool air for "locking".

5) Re-styling during the day

  • Oil-based: just comb again; hand heat "awakens" the product.
  • Water-based: minimal water on fingers or mist to revitalize.

6) Product combinations (layering)

Pre-stabilization with light sea salt/tonic for volume, then pomade for hold. For gloss finish, a "touch" of oil-based over water-based. For matte, finish with very little matte clay/powdering at the root.

7) Preventing greasiness & build-up

Distribute the product from root to tip, avoiding over-concentration in the front section. If it "weighs down", use dry shampoo at the root and comb. For oil-based, a pre-shampoo with conditioner or oily cleansing before shampoo helps a lot.

8) Day-2 styling

The next day, spray lightly with water or tonic, comb to "break" the shape and add half dose of pomade only where needed. This way you keep fresh results without overloading.

9) Weather & activity adaptation

  • Heat/humidity: choose strong hold or hybrid; avoid excessive amount.
  • Gym: water-based for easy cleaning and re-style.

10) Common mistakes (and solutions)

  • Too much product: dab with tissue + comb, then blow-dry on low temperature.
  • Uneven distribution: warm better in palms, work in small sections.
  • Volume drops: pre-styling with tonic/sea salt and root direction with blow dryer before pomade.

11) Washing cleanup

For oil-based: emulsify with conditioner or a few drops of oil before shampoo (breaks the wax), then wash with hot water and repeat. For water-based: a good clarifying shampoo is enough. Finish with conditioner on the lengths.

With these steps, pomade becomes a real "multi-tool" for daily or more formal looks, with control, duration and healthy appearance for the hair. ✅

1. What is hair pomade?
Hair pomade is a styling product that provides control, shine and hold. It's mainly used for vintage hairstyles but also for modern looks, keeping hair flexible and elegant.
2. What's the difference between water-based and oil-based pomade?
Water-based pomade washes out easily and gives more natural hold, while oil-based pomade provides greater duration and more intense shine, but requires shampoo for removal.
3. Which hair type does pomade suit best?
It suits all hair types, but performs particularly well on short to medium length hair. Ideal for straight or wavy hair that needs control and elegant finish.
4. How is pomade applied correctly?
Take a small amount in your hand, rub it in your palms and apply to dry or slightly damp hair. Shape the hairstyle with your fingers or with a comb, depending on the look you want.
5. Can pomade be used daily?
Yes, pomade can be used daily. However, prefer water-based products if you want easy washing and lighter results.
6. What are the most well-known pomade brands?
Some of the most well-known brands are Murray's, Royal Crown, DAX, Suavecito and Reuzel, with different formulas and hold levels.

What our customers say ✨

"Amazing hold with clean results." My hair stays in place all day without stiffness. ✅

The texture spreads evenly, smells wonderful and washes out easily. Big ✔️ from me.

Alex P., Creative Director

Rating: ✨✨✨✨✨

"Barbershop results at home." Gives natural shine and control without greasiness. Styling time: cut in half. ✅

Perfect for daily use — no residue, no flakes. Just stable results. ✔️

Sarah L., Product Manager

Tip: start with a small amount, add only if needed ⚠️

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Giannis – Owner of HairMania Greece and Founder of HairMaker.Gr

Giannis – Owner of HairMania Greece & Founder of HairMaker.Gr

Professional hairstylist with 25 years of experience in men’s & women’s grooming. Owner of HairMania Greece and founder of HairMaker.Gr.

Together with the HairMaker.Gr team, we publish articles based on real salon tests, customer feedback, and daily experience.

Questions about hair or grooming? Email us at info@hairmaker.gr.

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Reviewed & fact-checked by Giannis – Professional hairstylist with 25 years of experience

Comments (1)

    • Κωστας
    • 2020-02-04 17:30:03
    Οι πομάδες Uppercut, Layrite και Reuzel που έχω δοκιμάσει είναι όντως πολύ καλές και σε κράτημα και σε ευκολία χρήσης.

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