Pomade is one of the best-known styling products we sell at KAMM Barbershop, and for good reason. It gives your hair shine while keeping it flexible, creating the classic, well-groomed look that barbers have loved for more than a century. In this blog, we explain exactly what pomade is, what it is made of, which types are available, and how to use it.
What is pomade for your hair?
Pomade is a styling product that shapes your hair while giving it a glossy, well-groomed finish. Unlike gel, pomade never hardens: your hair stays soft and flexible all day, so you can easily restyle it, even after a long day. It's traditionally used for sleek, classic styles like a slick back or a side part. In this blog we explain what pomade is made of and how to use it.
The name actually goes back centuries, to the French word for ointment. Curious about the full story, from crushed apples to Elvis Presley's world-famous pompadour? Read our blog History of Pomade: From Apples to Elvis.
Water-based or oil-based?
The two best-known base types are water-based and oil-based pomade. Which one works best depends mainly on your hairstyle, hair type and the result you're after.
| Water-based pomade | Oil-based pomade | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Water | Oils and fats |
| Hold | Medium to strong | Strong to extra strong |
| Shine | Medium to high | High |
| Washability | Easy to wash out | Harder to wash out |
| Ideal for | Daily use | Classic, long-lasting looks |
Water-based pomade uses water as its base, which usually makes it easier to wash out. This type is popular for everyday use and comes in various levels of hold and shine.
Oil-based pomade is built on oils and fats. These pomades tend to give more shine and a stronger, longer-lasting hold. They also stay easy to work with, but are a bit harder to wash out of your hair.
Besides water- and oil-based, there are also matte and high-shine varieties, each with their own hold level. Want to know exactly which type and hold suits your style? Read our full guide Pomade Types Explained: Which One Suits Your Hair.
What is pomade made of?
A good pomade usually consists of petroleum jelly or oil for shine and slip, combined with beeswax for hold and structure. Lanolin keeps the product smooth and easy to apply.
Water-based pomades have water added to this base, which makes them rinse out easily in the shower. Without that water, the hold is stronger, but the product is also harder to wash out.
How do you use pomade?
Always start with a small amount, somewhere between pea- and walnut-sized depending on your hair length. Rub the pomade between your hands to warm it up and make it more workable, then spread it evenly through your hair. You can use pomade on dry or slightly damp hair: dry hair usually gives more hold, while slightly damp hair tends to add more shine.
Then style your hair with your fingers or a comb. For a sleek slick back or side part, we usually recommend a comb. Want a looser look instead? Just work the pomade through with your fingers.
Which pomade suits you?
Not every pomade works for every head of hair. Thick, fine, curly or wavy hair all call for a slightly different hold and finish. In our blog Which Pomade Is Best for Your Hair Type? we go deeper into that, per hair type.
Torn between pomade and wax? In What's the Difference Between Pomade and Wax? we break down the differences.
At KAMM Barbershop we always look at your hair, your haircut, and the look you're going for. Not everyone needs the same pomade.
Buy pomade at KAMM Barbershop
At KAMM Barbershop we always look at your haircut, hair type, and how you wear your hair day to day before recommending a pomade. In our shop you'll only find pomades we've carefully selected for quality and results, and that we use ourselves every day in the barbershop. What's in our webshop is what we actually use on our clients.
Want advice on which pomade suits your hair best? Order easily online, or get in touch with us and stop by the barbershop for personal advice.
