Pomade. The word itself conjures images of classic Hollywood icons and effortlessly cool modern styles. But achieving that perfect pompadour or slick back isn’t just about the product itself; it’s about the application. Knowing how to apply pomade correctly can be the difference between a stylish success and a sticky, greasy mess. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of pomade application, covering everything from product selection to post-styling care.
Understanding Pomade: The Foundation of a Good Style
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand what pomade is and how different types affect your hair. Pomade is a hair styling product that provides hold, shine, and texture. Unlike gels or waxes, pomades generally offer a more pliable hold, allowing you to restyle your hair throughout the day.
Types of Pomade: Choosing the Right Formula for Your Hair
The pomade market is diverse, offering various formulas to suit different hair types and styling preferences. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right product.
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Oil-Based Pomades: The original. Oil-based pomades offer the strongest hold and the highest shine. They are water-resistant, making them ideal for styles that need to withstand humidity. However, they can be difficult to wash out and may build up over time. They often contain ingredients like petroleum, beeswax, and oils.
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Water-Based Pomades: These are the modern alternative. Water-based pomades offer a strong hold and varying degrees of shine, but the biggest advantage is their washability. They rinse out easily with water, preventing build-up. They are usually formulated with water, polymers, and other water-soluble ingredients.
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Hybrid Pomades: Hybrid pomades attempt to bridge the gap between oil and water-based formulas. They offer some of the hold and shine of oil-based pomades with the easier washability of water-based options.
Hold and Shine: Finding Your Ideal Level
Pomades are often categorized by their hold and shine levels. These factors significantly impact the final look of your hairstyle.
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Hold: Hold refers to the strength of the pomade’s grip. A strong hold pomade is ideal for structured styles like pompadours or slick backs, while a lighter hold is better for looser, more natural looks.
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Shine: Shine dictates how glossy your hair will appear. High-shine pomades create a wet look, while low-shine or matte pomades offer a more natural finish.
Consider your hair type and desired style when choosing your pomade. Thicker hair often benefits from a stronger hold, while finer hair may only need a light to medium hold. The desired shine level is entirely up to your personal preference.
Preparing Your Hair: The Canvas for Your Masterpiece
Proper preparation is essential for a successful pomade application. Just like a painter prepares their canvas, you need to prime your hair to receive the product effectively.
Washing and Conditioning: Creating a Clean Base
Start with clean hair. Shampoo your hair to remove any dirt, oil, or product build-up. Follow with a conditioner to moisturize and soften your hair. This will make it easier to style and prevent the pomade from drying out your hair. Avoid using excessively heavy conditioners, as they can weigh your hair down and make it harder to style.
Towel Drying: Finding the Right Moisture Level
After washing and conditioning, towel dry your hair until it’s damp, but not soaking wet. The ideal moisture level will depend on the type of pomade you’re using.
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Oil-Based Pomades: Work best on drier hair. Excess moisture can dilute the pomade and reduce its hold.
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Water-Based Pomades: Often perform better on slightly damp hair. The moisture can help activate the pomade and distribute it more evenly.
Experiment to find the moisture level that works best for your hair and pomade.
Pre-Styling Products (Optional): Adding Extra Control
Consider using a pre-styling product like a mousse or sea salt spray to add extra volume, texture, or hold. Apply the pre-styling product to damp hair before blow-drying. This can create a stronger foundation for your pomade and help achieve more complex styles.
Applying the Pomade: The Art of Hair Styling
Now comes the crucial step: applying the pomade itself. This is where technique and precision matter most.
Scooping and Emulsifying: Preparing the Product
Start with a small amount of pomade – about a fingertip’s worth. You can always add more later, but it’s harder to remove excess product. Place the pomade in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together vigorously to emulsify it. This warms the pomade and makes it easier to distribute evenly through your hair. Ensure the pomade is evenly distributed between your hands before applying it to your hair.
Distributing the Pomade: Layering for Even Coverage
Begin applying the pomade to the back and sides of your hair, working your way towards the top. This ensures that the areas that need the most hold receive the initial application. Use your fingertips to work the pomade into the roots of your hair, ensuring even coverage. Avoid applying too much pomade to the front of your hair initially, as this can weigh it down and make it difficult to style.
Continue adding small amounts of pomade until you achieve the desired hold and shine. Remember to emulsify the pomade in your hands before each application.
Styling Techniques: Shaping Your Desired Look
Once the pomade is evenly distributed, you can begin styling your hair. Use a comb, brush, or your fingers to shape your hair into your desired style.
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Pompadour: Use a comb to lift the hair at the front of your head and create volume. Use your hands to shape the pompadour and smooth any flyaways.
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Slick Back: Use a comb to smooth your hair back away from your face. Use your hands to control any stray hairs and create a sleek, polished look.
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Side Part: Use a comb to create a clean side part. Use your hands to style the hair on either side of the part.
Experiment with different styling techniques to find what works best for your hair type and personal style.
Refining Your Style: Achieving the Perfect Finish
After styling your hair, take a few moments to refine your look and address any imperfections.
Addressing Flyaways: Taming Unruly Hairs
Use a small amount of pomade or a hairspray to tame any flyaways or stray hairs. Apply the product sparingly to avoid weighing down your hair.
Adding Texture (Optional): Creating a More Natural Look
If you want to add more texture to your style, use your fingers to gently tousle your hair. This can create a more natural and less “perfect” look.
Setting Your Style: Ensuring Long-Lasting Hold
If you need extra hold, you can use a hairspray to set your style. Choose a hairspray with a hold level that matches your needs.
Post-Styling Care: Maintaining Your Hairstyle and Hair Health
Proper post-styling care is essential for maintaining your hairstyle and ensuring the health of your hair.
Washing Out Pomade: Removing Product Build-Up
The process of washing out pomade depends on the type of pomade you’re using.
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Water-Based Pomades: Typically rinse out easily with water and shampoo.
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Oil-Based Pomades: May require multiple washes with a clarifying shampoo. Consider using a conditioner or hair oil to help loosen the pomade before washing.
Always thoroughly wash out pomade to prevent build-up, which can lead to scalp irritation and hair damage.
Conditioning and Moisturizing: Replenishing Hydration
After washing out pomade, condition your hair to replenish moisture. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Scalp Care: Maintaining a Healthy Scalp Environment
Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth. Use a scalp scrub once or twice a month to remove any build-up and exfoliate the scalp.
Troubleshooting Pomade Problems: Addressing Common Issues
Even with the best techniques, you may encounter some challenges when using pomade. Here are some common problems and how to address them.
Greasy Hair: Overcoming Excess Oil
If your hair looks greasy after applying pomade, you may be using too much product or choosing a pomade that’s too heavy for your hair type. Try using a smaller amount of pomade or switching to a lighter formula. Ensure your hair is completely dry before applying oil-based pomades.
Lack of Hold: Achieving Desired Structure
If your pomade isn’t providing enough hold, you may need to switch to a stronger hold formula. Alternatively, try using a pre-styling product to add extra hold and volume. Ensure even application to the roots of your hair to ensure the product has adequate “grip.”
Product Build-Up: Preventing Scalp Irritation
Product build-up can lead to scalp irritation and hair damage. To prevent build-up, wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. You can also use a scalp scrub to exfoliate the scalp and remove any build-up.
Advanced Pomade Techniques: Taking Your Styling to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore some advanced pomade techniques to create more complex and personalized styles.
Combining Pomades: Creating Custom Formulas
Experiment with combining different types of pomades to create custom formulas that meet your specific needs. For example, you could combine a water-based pomade with a small amount of oil-based pomade to achieve a strong hold with easier washability.
Using Heat: Enhancing Style and Volume
Use a blow dryer and comb to add volume and shape to your hair before applying pomade. The heat can help activate the pomade and create a more defined style.
Texturizing Techniques: Adding Depth and Dimension
Use your fingers or a texturizing tool to create texture and definition in your hair. This can add depth and dimension to your style.
Mastering pomade application is a journey. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. With practice and patience, you can achieve the perfect pomade style.
What is pomade and what hair types is it best suited for?
Pomade is a hair styling product known for providing hold, shine, and texture to various hairstyles. It’s typically oil-based or water-based and offers a range of hold strengths, from light to extra-strong. The specific ingredients contribute to its characteristics, impacting its washability, shine level, and overall performance.
Pomades are incredibly versatile but generally work best for short to medium-length hair. Those with thick or coarse hair often find pomades particularly helpful for achieving a sleek and controlled look. Individuals with fine hair can also use pomade, but lighter formulas are recommended to avoid weighing the hair down and making it appear greasy.
What are the key differences between oil-based and water-based pomades?
Oil-based pomades traditionally contain petroleum-based ingredients. They are known for their strong hold, high shine, and ability to restyle hair throughout the day. However, they can be difficult to wash out completely, often requiring multiple washes or specialized shampoos. They are a good choice for classic styles like pompadours and slick backs that require a firm, lasting hold.
Water-based pomades offer a similar hold and shine to their oil-based counterparts, but they are formulated with water-soluble ingredients. This means they wash out easily with just water, making them a more convenient option for daily use. While they may not offer quite the same level of restylability as oil-based pomades, they are a great choice for those who prioritize ease of use and clean removal.
How do I choose the right pomade hold strength for my desired hairstyle?
The hold strength of a pomade directly impacts the longevity and structure of your hairstyle. For looser, more natural styles that require minimal control, a light-hold pomade is ideal. These pomades provide a subtle definition and shine without making the hair feel stiff or crunchy.
If you’re aiming for a more structured hairstyle like a pompadour or side part, a medium to strong-hold pomade is necessary. These will provide the necessary control and hold to keep your style in place throughout the day. Extra-strong hold pomades are reserved for hairstyles that demand maximum hold and resistance to humidity or wind.
How should I properly apply pomade for the best results?
Start with a small amount of pomade, about the size of a dime or nickel, depending on your hair length and thickness. Rub it thoroughly between your palms until it’s evenly distributed. This warms the product and makes it easier to apply.
Apply the pomade to dry or slightly damp hair, working it from the roots to the ends. Use your fingers or a comb to style your hair into the desired shape. If needed, add more pomade gradually, but avoid using too much at once, as this can make your hair look greasy or heavy.
How can I restyle my hair throughout the day after applying pomade?
One of the advantages of pomade, particularly oil-based ones, is its restylability. If your hairstyle starts to lose its shape during the day, simply dampen your hands slightly and run them through your hair to reactivate the product.
Use a comb or your fingers to reshape your hair into your desired style. The moisture will help to soften the pomade and allow you to remold it easily. For water-based pomades, a spritz of water from a spray bottle can also work well to reactivate the product.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using pomade?
A common mistake is using too much pomade. Starting with a small amount and adding more as needed is crucial to avoid a greasy or weighed-down look. Another mistake is applying pomade unevenly, which can result in some areas of your hair having more hold and shine than others.
Failing to properly emulsify the pomade between your palms before application can also lead to clumps and an uneven finish. Finally, neglecting to wash your hair properly after using pomade, especially oil-based varieties, can result in product buildup and a greasy scalp.
How can I remove pomade buildup from my hair effectively?
Removing pomade buildup effectively depends on the type of pomade you use. For water-based pomades, a regular shampoo is usually sufficient. Massaging the shampoo thoroughly into your scalp and rinsing well will typically remove any residue.
For oil-based pomades, you may need to use a specialized shampoo designed for removing oil-based products. Alternatively, you can try using a clarifying shampoo or applying a pre-shampoo treatment of coconut oil or olive oil to help loosen the pomade before washing. Always follow with a thorough rinse to ensure all traces of the product are removed.