What Is Pomade? – The Classic Hair Styling Product for Men’s Hairstyles
Pomade is one of the world’s most traditional hair styling products. For more than a hundred years, it has been used to shape the hair, add shine, and style both classic and modern men’s hairstyles. Hairstyles such as Slickback, Pompadour, and Side Part are traditionally shaped with pomade.
While modern styling products such as gel or hairspray often harden in the hair, pomade generally remains flexible. This allows the hairstyle to be recombed and reshaped throughout the day. It is precisely this quality that has made pomade an essential part of classic barbershop culture.
Today, pomade is enjoying a worldwide comeback. Modern formulas combine traditional styling properties with contemporary formulations, making pomade a versatile product for classic and modern men’s hairstyles.
What Makes Pomade Special?
The greatest difference between pomade and many other styling products lies in its flexibility. While gel or hairspray usually hardens, pomade remains pliable and allows for controlled styling.
- flexible hold
- natural to high shine
- hairstyles can be recombed and restyled at any time
- ideal for classic and structured men’s hairstyles
These properties make pomade especially popular for classic barbershop styles and elegant men’s hairstyles.
What Types of Pomade Are There?
Today, there are different types of pomade that vary in their composition, application, and styling properties. The three most important categories are:
Oil-Based Pomade
Oil-based pomades are the classic form of pomade and have been used for more than a hundred years. They consist mainly of waxes, fats, and conditioning oils. Depending on the formula, they are available in different levels of firmness and shine.
Because oil-based pomade does not harden completely in the hair, the hairstyle remains flexible and can be recombed at any time. It is especially suitable for traditional hairstyles and classic barbershop styles.
Water-Based Pomade
Water-based pomades are modern pomades formulated with water. They often provide a reliable, gel-like hold and are usually much easier to wash out than classic oil-based pomades.
Many modern barbershop pomades belong to this category and are especially suitable for users who prefer straightforward everyday styling.
Unorthodox Water-Based Pomade (UWB)
Unorthodox water-based pomades combine the properties of classic oil-based pomades with the advantages of modern water-based formulas. They usually provide a flexible hold, remain recombable, and are easier to wash out than many classic oil-based pomades.
Learn more about the different types of pomade →
Which Hairstyles Is Pomade Suitable For?
Pomade is especially suitable for structured men’s hairstyles that require shine, shape, and control. Many classic hairstyles have been styled with pomade for decades.
The best-known pomade hairstyles include:
Modern hairstyles can also be styled with pomade—especially when natural shine, clean contours, and a flexible structure are desired.
Pomade Compared with Other Styling Products
Many men wonder about the difference between pomade, hair gel, hair wax, and styling cream. The most important differences can be seen in hold, finish, pliability, and washability.
| Product | Hold | Finish | Behaviour in the Hair | Washability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade and UWB | light to very firm | natural to high shine | flexible and recombable | depends on the formula |
| Hair Gel and Water-Based Products | usually strong | often shiny | usually hardens | usually easy |
| Hair Wax | light to firm | usually natural or matte | texturising and flexible | usually easy to moderately easy |
| Styling Cream | light | natural | smooth and loose | usually easy |
Those who prefer elegant hairstyles with a clean shape, flexible hold, and classic shine usually choose pomade.
Why Is Pomade Making a Comeback Today?
In recent years, a new barbershop culture has developed around the world. Classic men’s hairstyles have become popular again—and with them, traditional styling products such as pomade.
Modern pomades now offer a wide variety of properties:
- different levels of firmness
- different levels of shine
- classic and modern formulas
- products for different hair types and hair lengths
This makes it possible to find a suitable pomade for virtually every hair type, styling preference, and desired level of shine.
Pomade and Modern Barbershop Styling
Today, pomade is once again a staple in many barbershops. It is used to shape classic men’s hairstyles and give them structure, control, and shine.
Hairstyles with clean lines, sharp contours, and a defined shape benefit especially from pomade’s versatile properties.
Finding the Right Pomade
Which pomade is most suitable depends on several factors:
- hair type and density
- hair length
- desired hold
- desired level of shine
- hairstyle and styling technique
- desired washability
In PomadeShop’s Pomade Academy, you will find detailed information about pomade types, application, ingredients, and classic men’s hairstyles.
If you would like to discover the right pomade straight away, PomadeShop offers one of Europe’s largest selections of pomades—from classic oil-based pomades to modern water-based pomades.
You can find more information about pomade, its application, and classic men’s hairstyles in the Pomade Academy.