Pomade. The very word conjures images of dapper gentlemen, perfectly coiffed hairstyles, and a bygone era of classic cool. But beyond the nostalgia, pomade remains a versatile and powerful styling tool for men (and women!) seeking control, shine, and long-lasting hold. Understanding what hairstyles pomade is best suited for unlocks a world of styling possibilities. Let’s dive deep into the types of styles pomade can help you achieve.
Pomade’s Role in Hair Styling
Pomade’s primary function is to provide hold and shine, allowing you to shape and sculpt your hair into various styles. Unlike gels, which can often leave hair feeling stiff and crunchy, pomades typically offer a more pliable hold, allowing for restyling throughout the day. Understanding the different types of pomade – water-based, oil-based, and hybrid – is crucial in determining which is best for your hair type and desired hairstyle.
Understanding Pomade Types: The Key to Choosing the Right One
Water-based pomades are popular for their easy washability and generally lighter hold. They provide good shine and are suitable for a range of styles. Oil-based pomades offer the strongest hold and highest shine but can be more difficult to wash out. Hybrid pomades attempt to bridge the gap, offering a balance of hold, shine, and washability.
Choosing the right type of pomade depends on the specific hairstyle you’re aiming for and the characteristics of your hair. Thicker, coarser hair often benefits from the stronger hold of an oil-based pomade, while finer hair may be better suited for a water-based or lighter hybrid option.
Classic Hairstyles Perfected with Pomade
Pomade shines (literally!) when used to create classic, timeless hairstyles. These styles often require structure, hold, and a touch of shine, all qualities that pomade delivers exceptionally well.
The Timeless Pompadour
The pompadour, popularized by figures like Elvis Presley and James Dean, is a hallmark of classic cool. This hairstyle features volume in the front, swept upwards and back from the forehead. Pomade is essential for achieving the pompadour’s signature height and hold. Oil-based or strong-hold water-based pomades are ideal for this style, ensuring the hair stays in place throughout the day while maintaining its shape and volume. The key is to apply pomade evenly throughout the hair, focusing on the roots for maximum lift.
The Slick Back: A Style with Enduring Appeal
The slick back is another timeless hairstyle that relies heavily on pomade. It involves combing the hair straight back from the forehead, creating a smooth, polished look. This style can be achieved with varying degrees of tightness and shine, depending on the desired effect. Pomades with high shine and strong hold are perfect for creating a sleek, well-defined slick back. For a more relaxed look, you can opt for a medium-hold pomade and use your fingers to style the hair, creating a slightly looser, more textured finish.
The Side Part: A Versatile and Sophisticated Choice
The side part is a versatile and sophisticated hairstyle that can be adapted to suit various face shapes and hair types. Pomade helps to define the part and keep the hair neatly combed to one side. Water-based pomades are often preferred for side parts, as they provide a natural-looking shine and allow for easy restyling. The key is to apply a small amount of pomade to damp hair and comb it into the desired part, using your fingers to refine the shape.
Modern Hairstyles Enhanced with Pomade
While pomade is often associated with classic styles, it can also be used to create and enhance modern hairstyles. Its ability to provide hold, shine, and texture makes it a valuable tool for achieving a wide range of contemporary looks.
Textured Quiffs: Adding Definition and Control
The textured quiff is a modern take on the classic pompadour, featuring more texture and movement. Pomade can be used to add definition and control to this style, creating a slightly messy, yet still polished look. Medium-hold pomades are ideal for textured quiffs, as they provide enough hold to keep the hair in place without weighing it down. The key is to apply pomade to damp hair and use your fingers to create texture and volume, working the product through the hair from root to tip.
Faux Hawks: Creating a Bold and Edgy Look
The faux hawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that mimics the look of a mohawk without actually shaving the sides of the head. Pomade can be used to create the faux hawk’s signature shape and hold, keeping the hair styled upwards in the center. Strong-hold pomades are essential for this style, ensuring that the hair stays in place throughout the day. The key is to apply pomade liberally to the roots of the hair, using your fingers to shape the hair into a peak.
Slicked Back Undercuts: A Combination of Classic and Modern
The slicked back undercut combines the classic slick back hairstyle with a modern undercut, creating a striking contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the sides and back. Pomade is crucial for achieving the slicked back undercut’s smooth, polished look. High-shine pomades are often preferred for this style, as they enhance the contrast between the longer and shorter hair. The key is to apply pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back, creating a sleek, well-defined style.
Beyond the Basics: Pomade for Specific Hair Types
Not all hair is created equal, and the effectiveness of pomade can vary depending on your hair type. Understanding how pomade interacts with different hair types is crucial for achieving the best results.
Pomade for Thick Hair: Taming the Mane
Thick hair often requires a pomade with a strong hold to keep it in place. Oil-based pomades or strong-hold water-based pomades are typically the best choice for thick hair. These pomades provide the necessary hold and control to tame thick hair and create a variety of styles.
Pomade for Thin Hair: Adding Volume and Texture
Thin hair can often appear flat and lifeless, so it’s important to use a pomade that adds volume and texture without weighing the hair down. Light-hold water-based pomades are often the best choice for thin hair. These pomades provide a natural-looking shine and allow for easy restyling, adding volume and texture without making the hair look greasy or heavy.
Pomade for Curly Hair: Defining and Controlling Curls
Curly hair can be challenging to style, but pomade can be used to define and control curls, creating a more polished and refined look. Medium-hold water-based pomades are often the best choice for curly hair. These pomades provide enough hold to define curls without making them feel stiff or crunchy. The key is to apply pomade to damp hair and scrunch the curls, working the product through the hair from root to tip.
Applying Pomade Like a Pro: Techniques and Tips
The application of pomade is just as important as the type of pomade you choose. Using the correct techniques can make all the difference in achieving your desired hairstyle.
Starting with Clean, Dry (or Damp) Hair
The foundation of any great hairstyle is clean hair. Ensure your hair is freshly washed and either completely dry or slightly damp, depending on the specific pomade and style you’re aiming for.
Using the Right Amount: Less is Often More
Start with a small amount of pomade and gradually add more as needed. Overusing pomade can make your hair look greasy and heavy. A dime-sized amount is a good starting point for most hairstyles.
Distributing Evenly: The Key to a Consistent Look
Rub the pomade between your palms to warm it up and distribute it evenly. Then, apply the pomade to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Ensure that the pomade is distributed evenly throughout your hair to avoid clumps or uneven hold.
Styling with a Comb or Your Fingers: Choose Your Weapon
Use a comb for a sleek, polished look, or use your fingers for a more textured, natural look. Experiment with both techniques to find what works best for your hair and desired style.
Restyling Throughout the Day: Keeping Your Look Fresh
One of the benefits of pomade is that it allows for easy restyling throughout the day. If your hair starts to lose its shape, simply re-wet your hands and restyle as needed. A quick comb-through can revive your style and maintain its hold and shine.
Choosing the Right Pomade: A Final Word
Choosing the right pomade is a personal decision that depends on your hair type, desired hairstyle, and personal preferences. Consider the following factors when selecting a pomade:
- Hold: How strong of a hold do you need?
- Shine: Do you prefer a high-shine or matte finish?
- Washability: How easy is the pomade to wash out?
- Ingredients: Are there any ingredients you need to avoid due to allergies or sensitivities?
By understanding the different types of pomade and how they interact with different hair types, you can choose the perfect pomade for your needs and achieve a variety of stylish and sophisticated hairstyles. Remember that experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to try different pomades and techniques to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of pomade styling and create a look that is all your own. The right pomade is more than just a styling product; it’s a tool for self-expression. Embrace it.
What hair types work best with pomade?
Pomade is generally a versatile styling product, but it works exceptionally well with medium to thick hair types. The weight of the pomade provides control and hold, taming unruly strands and allowing for structured hairstyles. Individuals with straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair can achieve desired sculpted styles, while those with very fine or excessively oily hair might find that pomade weighs their hair down or makes it appear greasy.
For thin hair, use pomade sparingly, opting for lighter formulas to avoid a flat, lifeless look. Those with very curly or textured hair may need a stronger hold pomade or a combination of products to achieve their desired style. Always consider the pomade’s ingredients and hold strength to ensure it complements your hair type’s natural texture and characteristics.
What are the different types of pomade, and which is best for specific styles?
Pomades generally fall into two categories: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based pomades offer a strong hold and a high shine finish, perfect for classic styles like slick backs, pompadours, and ducktails. Their lasting power is remarkable, allowing for restyling throughout the day, but they can be difficult to wash out completely.
Water-based pomades provide a similar level of hold and shine as oil-based options but are much easier to rinse out. They offer versatility for creating textured looks, quiffs, and more modern styles. Depending on the desired aesthetic and ease of use, both types have their advantages. Finding the right pomade often involves experimenting with different brands and formulas to determine what works best for individual hair and style preferences.
How much pomade should I use for my hair?
The amount of pomade you need depends on your hair length, thickness, and the style you’re aiming for. A good starting point is a dime-sized amount for shorter hair and a nickel-sized amount for longer hair. It’s always better to start with less and add more as needed to avoid weighing down your hair or creating a greasy appearance.
Rub the pomade thoroughly between your palms to warm it up and evenly distribute it before applying it to your hair. Focus on applying it to the roots for hold and then working it through the rest of your hair. You can always add more pomade in small increments to achieve the desired level of hold and shine, ensuring a natural and well-styled look.
How do I apply pomade for a classic slick back hairstyle?
To achieve a classic slick back, begin with slightly damp hair. This makes the hair more pliable and easier to mold. Start by applying a small amount of pomade to your palms, rub them together to evenly distribute the product, and then work it through your hair from roots to ends, ensuring even coverage.
Next, use a comb to slick your hair back, creating a defined part if desired. The comb will help to distribute the pomade evenly and create a smooth, polished finish. Add more pomade in small increments if needed to achieve the desired level of hold and shine. For extra hold, you can use a hair dryer on a low setting to set the style.
Can I use pomade on dry hair?
Yes, you can use pomade on dry hair, but the results will differ slightly from using it on damp hair. Applying pomade to dry hair typically results in a more textured and less defined look. The product tends to provide a stronger hold on dry hair, which is ideal for achieving a more structured style that requires a firm grip.
However, using pomade on dry hair can sometimes make it more difficult to distribute the product evenly and achieve a smooth, polished finish. It’s crucial to warm the pomade thoroughly between your palms before application and use a comb to ensure even distribution. For a balance, you might try slightly dampening your hair before applying pomade for better control and shine.
How do I wash pomade out of my hair effectively?
Washing pomade out of your hair, especially oil-based pomade, can be tricky. The key is to emulsify the pomade before shampooing. Start by rinsing your hair with warm water to loosen the product. Then, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair, working it from roots to ends, and let it sit for a few minutes. The conditioner helps to break down the pomade’s oils.
Next, rinse out the conditioner with warm water and follow with a clarifying shampoo. Massage the shampoo thoroughly into your scalp and hair, ensuring that it reaches all areas where pomade was applied. Rinse completely and repeat if necessary. For persistent buildup, consider using a specialized pomade-removing shampoo.
What are some common mistakes people make when using pomade?
One common mistake is using too much pomade at once. This can weigh down the hair, making it look greasy and unnatural. It’s always best to start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve the desired style. Remember, a little pomade goes a long way, especially with oil-based varieties.
Another mistake is not properly distributing the pomade through the hair. Uneven application can lead to some areas looking stiff and shiny while others lack hold. Always warm the pomade thoroughly between your palms before applying it to ensure even distribution. Also, neglecting to wash pomade out properly can lead to product buildup and scalp issues, so ensure you use clarifying shampoos when washing your hair.