Buzz
Pomade has rightfully earned its place as a classic hair product. It provides a sleek, shiny finish and offers enough hold to maintain your hairstyle all day long. This makes pomade perfect for timeless styles like slicked-back looks, undercuts, side-parted hairstyles, and essentially any smooth, back-brushed style. However, pomade can be versatile, and results may vary depending on how your hair is prepped before application. That’s why we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions on this topic to help you achieve a flawless hairstyle!
Steps
Should you apply pomade to wet or dry hair?
Most pomades work best on damp hair. Many pomade enthusiasts start by shampooing and conditioning their hair, then towel-drying it until it’s slightly damp. Next, they rub a pea-sized amount of pomade between their hands and use their fingers and a comb to style their hair. As the hair dries, the pomade helps lock the style in place.
- You typically need a bit of water to “activate” and evenly distribute the pomade, but too much water can dilute its effectiveness.
- If you’re not applying pomade right after washing your hair, at least wet your hands slightly and run them through your hair a few times. Applying pomade to slightly damp hair makes the process much easier.
Can you apply pomade to wet hair?
Yes, if you want a glossy look, but it may leave your hair greasy. If you have dry hair and desire a shiny finish, you can apply pomade to wet hair, then let it air dry or use low heat. Unfortunately, most people find this method makes their hair overly greasy, and pomade can leave oily stains on hats, headrests, and pillows.
- This is a bad idea for water-based pomade, as it will dilute and not spread evenly. Additionally, it won’t hold your hairstyle effectively.
- The greasiness is more noticeable with oil-based pomade since it doesn’t mix well with water.
Can I use pomade on dry hair?
Yes, if you prioritize hold over an even texture. You can apply pomade to dry hair. In fact, this is a great option if you want to tame flyaways and keep your style intact in windy conditions. However, most pomade users avoid this method; pomade is thick, and your hair may clump or distribute unevenly if applied to dry hair. You also won’t achieve the classic sleek look most pomade users aim for.
- The thickness of pomade makes it hard to spread on dry hair without a lubricant, which can cause clumping and uneven drying.
How much pomade should you use?
Start with a pea-sized amount of pomade and add more as needed. Less is more when it comes to pomade. You can always apply more, but removing excess pomade requires washing your hair, so begin with a small amount and add gradually. Most people find a pea-sized portion sufficient.
- Pomade may harden slightly in cooler temperatures. If it feels too stiff, warm it between your palms. The heat from your hands will soften it for easy application.
Is daily use of pomade harmful?
Yes, especially if you want to keep your skin clear. Overusing pomade can lead to acne along the hairline. Its thick texture can clog pores with daily use. To maintain healthy, clear skin, use pomade sparingly and take breaks between applications to let your skin breathe.
- If daily use is necessary, opt for water-based pomade. Oil-based pomade offers stronger hold but tends to build up more on the hair.
Should I wash my hair daily when using pomade?
Yes, you should wash your hair when using pomade. While daily washing isn’t necessary without styling products, pomade’s thick consistency requires cleansing before bed to keep your hair soft and healthy. For water-based pomade, regular shampoo and conditioner will suffice. Oil-based pomade, however, requires extra steps since it doesn’t dissolve in water. Try one of these methods:
- Use a specialized pomade shampoo designed to remove oil-based products.
- Wash with a clarifying shampoo formulated for oily hair.
- Massage a tablespoon of olive oil into your hair to soften the pomade, then wash with dish soap to break down the grease.
Does pomade cause hair loss?
There’s no definitive evidence, but theoretically, it’s possible. Pomade is often heavy, and anything that weighs down the hair could potentially contribute to hair loss over time. However, there’s little scientific proof that pomade damages hair or leads to hair loss. Many people use pomade regularly without experiencing hair loss, suggesting it’s not a direct cause.
- Pomade might be blamed for hair loss because users often comb their hair after applying it. Weak hairs can break during combing, but that’s not the pomade’s fault!
