What Is Pomade? Benefits, Uses & How to Apply It
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Pomade has been a staple of men's grooming for decades. Traditionally used to create smooth, controlled hairstyles with varying levels of shine, pomades remain one of the most popular styling products available today. However, modern pomades now come in a wide range of formulations, offering everything from lightweight, natural finishes to high-shine, strong-hold styling.
In this guide, we'll explain what pomade is, how it works, its benefits, how to apply it and whether it's the right styling product for your hair. If you're still comparing different styling products, start with our guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
What Is Pomade?
Pomade is a styling product designed to provide control, definition and flexible hold. Unlike products that focus on creating texture or volume, pomades help bring the hair together, making them ideal for smoother, more structured hairstyles. Modern pomades are commonly formulated using waxes, oils and conditioning ingredients to help style the hair while maintaining flexibility throughout the day.
Traditional pomades often produced a high-shine finish, whereas many modern formulations offer a more natural appearance.
What Does Pomade Do?
Pomade is commonly used to:
Improve control
Add definition
Reduce flyaways
Create smoother hairstyles
Provide flexible, reworkable hold
Unlike hairspray or styling gel, pomade usually allows the hair to be restyled throughout the day.
Who Is Pomade Best For?
Pomade is particularly well suited to:
Short to medium-length hair
Straight hair
Wavy hair
Thick hair
Hairstyles requiring control and definition
It is often chosen for:
Side parts
Slicked-back styles
Classic hairstyles
Neat everyday styling
How Is Pomade Different From Hair Clay?
Although both are styling products, they create very different results.
Hair clay focuses on:
Texture
Volume
Separation
Matte finish
Pomade focuses on:
Control
Definition
Flexible hold
Natural to shiny finis
Neither product is better. The right choice depends on the hairstyle you're trying to achieve.
Read next: Hair Clay vs Pomade
How To Apply Pomade
Step 1
Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair.
Step 2
Scoop a small amount of pomade into your hands.
Step 3
Rub the product between your palms until evenly distributed.
Step 4
Apply evenly throughout the hair, starting from the back and working forwards.
Step 5
Shape the hair into your desired style using your fingers or a comb.
Tip: Applying pomade to damp hair generally creates greater control, while applying it to dry hair often produces a softer, more natural finish.
Common Pomade Mistakes
Using Too Much
Pomade is highly concentrated.
Start with a small amount and build gradually if required.
Applying Only To The Surface
Working pomade evenly throughout the hair helps create more consistent styling.
Choosing The Wrong Finish
Some pomades provide significant shine, while others offer a more understated appearance.
Choosing the right finish is often just as important as choosing the right hold.
Read next: Matte vs Shine Hair Products
Is Pomade Better Than Hair Clay?
Neither product is objectively better.
Choose pomade if you want:
Greater control
More definition
Flexible styling
A neater finish
Choose hair clay if you want:
More texture
More volume
Greater separation
A matte finish
Read next: Hair Clay: Benefits, Uses & How to Apply It
A Natural Alternative To Traditional Pomade
Many traditional pomades rely on synthetic ingredients to achieve high shine and long-lasting hold.
For those looking for a more naturally derived approach, products such as Organic Hair Balm provide a modern alternative.Formulated with plant-based waxes and nourishing oils, Organic Hair Balm helps deliver:
Medium hold
Flexible styling
Natural definition
Soft, healthy-looking shine
Suitable for everyday grooming and a wide range of hairstyles.
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Final Thoughts
Pomade remains one of the most versatile styling products available. Its ability to create control, definition and flexible hold makes it suitable for a wide variety of hairstyles, particularly for those seeking a neat, well-groomed appearance. Whether you choose a traditional pomade or a naturally derived alternative depends on your styling goals, preferred finish and personal approach to grooming. If you're still unsure which styling product is right for you, explore our guide on How to Choose the Right Hair Product.
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