Although it seems simple, there\u2019s a lot more to pomade than just working it into your hair or whatever else you might\u2019ve heard. For starters, most pomades should be applied on slightly damp hair \u2014 not fully dry or wet hair. Take a look at our guide below so you can learn more tips on how to use pomade the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Pick a pomade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your first step is to pick a pomade that can help you pull off the look you want. You need to consider the hold, shine, and its base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pomade holds vary from light, medium, to high. Your hair type, desired look, and prior experience with pomade all factor into the hold you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Stronger holds<\/strong> are best if you have thick hair, want a structured look, and you\u2019re experienced with using pomade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lighter holds<\/strong> are best if you\u2019re new to using pomade or you want a softer look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Shine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can get pomades that have low, medium, or high shine. Some products may simply say they\u2019re matte or sheen. If you can\u2019t find what you want, you can combine pomades for the perfect level of shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Higher shine<\/strong> works well if you have dry hair and if you want a shiny finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lower shine <\/strong>works well with naturally oilier hair or if you don\u2019t want a lot of shine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Base<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understanding the differences between bases can also help you pick out the best pomade. Below, we\u2019ll go over oil-based and water-based pomades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"water](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/water-based-vs-oil-based-pomade.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOil-based<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oil-based pomades typically have stronger holds, look shinier, and are less expensive than water-based pomades. They\u2019re also more difficult to wash out since they\u2019re not water-soluble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll need special shampoo to wash it out to avoid washing your hair multiple times. Excess washing can dry out your hair. Improperly washing your hair can leave it dirty or lead to scalp acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should give oil-based pomade a try if you want a long-lasting classic look or a structured style. It\u2019s also a great option if you don\u2019t mind the extra care needed when washing it out of your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water-based pomades<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water-based pomades are easier to wash out than oil-based and are also easy to work into your hair. You can touch up your style throughout the day by wetting your fingers and fixing your hair with your hands. Water-based pomades tend to cost more than oil-based products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Picking a pomade sometimes requires you to try a few products before finding the right one. Ask around for recommendations from friends and family with similar hair types. You can also use tester sizes so you don\u2019t waste money on the full-size product. Your barber or hair stylist is another great resource for recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Wash hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clean hair is the best hair to work with when using pomade. Make sure you\u2019ve washed out any pomade and other styling products from your last hairstyle. Product buildup<\/a> will make your hair feel greasy and heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Towel-dry hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Towel-drying<\/a> is the best way to dry your hair before using pomade. You want your hair to retain a little moisture since most pomades activate with water. It\u2019s hard to spread most pomades with dry hair, especially pomades with high hold or low shine. But if your hair is too wet, the pomade won\u2019t have as strong of a hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the best way to work with pomade depends on the product\u2019s formula. Read the label for instructions if you\u2019re unsure of how you should prep your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Prep the pomade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each style requires different levels of product and each pomade has different instructions. If you\u2019re not sure where to start, kick off your styling session by adding a small pea-sized drop of pomade on one of your fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rub it evenly between your fingers to emulsify it and make it easier to spread. You may need to break out a hair-dryer or rub more vigorously if it’s hard. Applying the product on your fingers first makes it easier to apply to your roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting with a small amount is better than putting too much in your hair. When in doubt, follow the instructions on the label, watch a video if you\u2019re trying a new style, or call or see your barber or stylist for tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/pomade.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Apply to the roots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Always apply pomade first to your roots while avoiding your scalp. Your roots are the base of your style and should get the pomade first before the rest of your hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Apply throughout your hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The next step is to work the pomade throughout the rest of your hair. You can use the palm of your hands to apply and more evenly distribute the pomade throughout your hair. Don\u2019t forget to apply it to the sides and back of your head. Some styles may not need a lot of hold, but you may still want to have shine all over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re going for a neat and combed-through look, use a comb to get the product more consistently spread throughout your hair. You can also achieve a similar effect by combing the product through the rest of your hair with your fingers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Add any finishing touches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This second to last step is your opportunity to style your hair with your fingers or a comb to get the look you want. We\u2019ll go over styling tips later in the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Dry your hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Blow-drying your hair<\/a> secures your style, helps it last longer, and gives your hair some volume. A little lift can help if the pomade flattened or weighed down your hair. You can quickly blow-dry with cold air afterward to help lock in the style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not a fan of heat or not worried about your style holding throughout the day? Feel free to skip the blow-dryer and let your hair air-dry<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"blow](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/blow-dry-pomade-tip.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips for using pomade with short hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With short hair, you can easily style your hair with just your fingers or a comb. For example, you can get a textured and piecey look by pulling sections of your hair apart. You can use your fingers to comb the pomade through and push your hair in one direction for a tousled look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for using pomade with medium-length to long hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can still use pomade if you have longer locks. Use a light amount of pomade to slick back your hair when tying it up in a ponytail, bun, or any other updo. You can also work some pomade throughout your hair and your ends to tame frizz and split ends. If you have layers, you can lightly work some pomade into your layers for more texture and volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does pomade work with all hair types?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pomade can work with all hair types and hair textures \u2014 it all comes down to picking the right pomade for your hair. For example, if you have curly and dry hair, a pomade with strong hold and high shine may work best for you. A pomade with low shine and high hold can be the best choice for long and oily hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does pomade thicken hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some pomades are specially formulated to help hair look thicker and fuller. Many pomades also come packed with nutrients that are great for healthy hair. However, pomade alone isn\u2019t a quick fix for thicker hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to naturally grow and thicken your hair<\/a>, start with eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting regular haircuts. There are also many hairstyles that are flattering for men with thin hair<\/a> and women with thin hair<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I use pomade every day?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can use pomade every day if you\u2019re diligent about washing it out and keeping your scalp and hair healthy and clean. It also depends on the type of pomade you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using oil-based pomade every day can strain your hair\u2019s health if you\u2019re aggressively washing it out<\/a> each time. Water-based pomade isn\u2019t as hard to get out, but still needs to be washed out like any other product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/how-to-avoid-product-buildup.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nApplying the least amount of pomade possible and keeping it off of your scalp can make it easier to wash off. Clarifying shampoo and other hair cleansers are great for removing excess product from your hair and scalp. Deep conditioning<\/a> is a good idea if you notice your hair drying out from the excess product and washing routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If that sounds like a lot, give your scalp and hair a break every once in a while from pomade and other hair products. You\u2019ll still need to keep your hair and scalp clean, but you\u2019ll have less buildup since you\u2019re using less product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does pomade dry out hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Poorly formulated pomades can dry out your hair. Your hair may also become dry as a result of excessive washing. To avoid the woes of bad pomade, read reviews on pomade products and ask for recommendations. Switch to high-quality water-based pomade if you\u2019re having too much trouble washing oil-based pomade out of your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hairstyles using pomade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The beauty of pomade is that the different holds and shines available can help you achieve different styles. You can use pomade to create a slick comb over or a high-volume quiff. Below are just a few examples of these styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quiff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/pomade-quiff.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t confuse a quiff with a pompadour. The main difference is that quiffs have short backs and sides, but the top is long enough to create a pompadour-esque look. You can follow the same steps for getting a pompadour to give yourself a voluminous quiff. If pomps aren\u2019t your thing, you can also push your hair over to one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comb over<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/pomade-comb-over.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA classy comb over is a great choice if you\u2019re not a fan of high-volume looks. It also takes less steps to achieve. You just need to define your hair part and comb your hair over for a neat look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spiky<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/pomade-spiky.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n - Lower shine <\/strong>works well with naturally oilier hair or if you don\u2019t want a lot of shine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Lighter holds<\/strong> are best if you\u2019re new to using pomade or you want a softer look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/pomade-faux-hawk.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n