Hair care has always played an important role in personal grooming and style. For men, using hair products has become an essential part of their daily routine.
The evolution of hair styling products such as pomade, wax, and gel reflects not only changing fashions and styles, but also technological advances in the cosmetics industry. In this blog, we take you through the rise of wax and gel and show how pomade has evolved over the years into the modern water-based varieties we know today.
Want to know which hair product best suits your hair and style? Read on to the end of the blog, where you’ll find a handy overview to help you choose the perfect product for your unique look.
Curious about the complete history of pomade, from mashed apples to Elvis Presley’s pompadour? Then read our blog History of Pomade: From Apples to Elvis.
Pomade: the classic
Pomade is the oldest of the three styling products and originally laid the foundation for shiny, slick hairstyles. The product evolved from an animal-fat-based cream into the modern, much more user-friendly varieties we know today. Want to know exactly how that development took place, from bear fat and pork fat to the iconic brands of the 1920s? Read our history of pomade.
Want to know what pomade actually is, which types are available, and how to use it correctly? Then read our blog What Is Pomade? Types, Ingredients and How to Use It.
What this blog focuses on is what came after pomade, and how to choose the right product for your hair today.
The rise of wax
During the 1950s and 1960s, the demand for different hairstyles began to grow. This led to the development of hair wax. Hair wax offered an alternative to pomade by providing a matte finish and stronger hold. It was perfect for the rock 'n' roll hairstyles of the time, such as the famous pompadour and quiff.
Wax was less greasy than pomade and allowed men to restyle their hair several times a day without having to wash it. The product quickly became popular among men who wanted to style their hair in different ways without the heavy shine of traditional pomades.
The popularity of gel
In the 1980s and 1990s, hair gel became hugely popular. Hair gel offered a stronger hold than both pomade and wax and became known for its ability to keep hair in dramatic, structured styles. With the rise of punk and alternative rock styles, hair gel became the go-to product for men who wanted to create spikes and other bold hairstyles.
Hair gel was easy to apply and dried quickly, making it ideal for men with busy lifestyles. The only downside was that the hair could eventually feel crunchy and stiff, but for many men, this was a small price to pay for the perfect look.
From oil-based to water-based: pomade today
For a long time, pomade was only available in oil-based formulas. Today, it is also available in water-based formulas that offer properties similar to their oil-based counterparts. In practice, this makes a big difference:
- Oil-based pomade provides strong hold and an intense shine, making it ideal for classic, slick hairstyles. The downside is that it is more difficult to wash out and can build up in the hair.
- Water-based pomade offers similar hold and shine but rinses out easily with water without leaving residue. This makes it much more practical for everyday use.
These water-based varieties are one of the main reasons pomade has made such a strong comeback in recent years: you get the classic look without the drawbacks of the past.
Modern hair products: an overview
Today, there is an abundance of hair styling products available for men, each designed to meet specific needs. In addition to pomade, wax, and gel, there are now products such as clay, paste, cream, and mousse. Each of these products offers unique benefits:
| Product | Hold | Finish | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | Strong, flexible | Matte | Natural, effortless styles |
| Paste | Medium to strong | Semi-matte | Messy, textured looks |
| Cream | Light | Natural shine | Longer hair, soft looks |
| Mousse | Light | Volume | Fine hair that needs body |
| Pomade (oil-based) | Strong | Shiny | Classic, slick hairstyles |
| Pomade (water-based) | Strong | Shiny | Classic looks, easy to wash out |
| Hair powder | Light | Matte, volume | Fine and thinning hair |
| Hairspray | Strong | Light shine | Keeping your hairstyle in place all day |
| Gel | Very strong | Shiny | Structured, slick styles |
Note: Cheap hair gel can contain traces of plastic. We therefore recommend choosing a high-quality formula.
Discover your styling product at KAMM Barbershop
Men’s hair styling products have changed enormously over the years: from classic pomade, through the rise of wax and gel, to the wide variety of styling products available today. Each product has its own unique benefits, giving you the freedom to style your hair exactly the way you want.
Whether you choose the classic shine of pomade, the flexible hold of wax, or the dramatic style of gel, there is always a product that suits your look. Easily order your favorite styling product online at KAMM Barbershop, or visit our barbershop for personal advice. We’re happy to look at your hair type and the style you want to achieve, so you can find the product that works best for you. Explore our full range of hair styling products or get in touch with us for personal advice.
