How Do You Wash Pomade Out Properly?
How easily pomade can be washed out depends primarily on its composition. Classic water-based pomades can often be removed with a single hair wash. UWB pomades usually contain additional waxes and oils, while oil-based pomades are intentionally water-repellent and may require several washes.
However, the residue from an oil-based pomade does not need to be removed completely every day. Many users use the remaining build-up as a foundation for styling the next day.
Comparing the Washability of Different Pomade Types
| Pomade Type | Washability | Suitable Method |
|---|---|---|
| Water-Based | usually very easy | warm water and regular shampoo |
| UWB | easy to moderate | thorough hair wash; shampoo twice if necessary |
| Oil-Based | moderate to difficult | conditioner pre-treatment and thorough hair wash |
Actual washability can vary depending on the formula, the amount used, and the existing build-up. Especially firm pomades usually contain more wax and can therefore be more difficult to remove from the hair.
Washing Out Water-Based Pomade
Classic water-based pomades are primarily formulated with water and are generally straightforward to wash out. A regular hair wash is often sufficient.
- Thoroughly wet the hair with warm water.
- Massage a small amount of shampoo evenly into the hair.
- Distribute the shampoo at the hairline and the back of the head as well.
- Rinse the hair carefully with warm water.
A second wash may be necessary if a larger amount of product or an especially firm water-based pomade has been used. In most cases, however, the product can be removed completely with water and a regular shampoo.
Washing Out UWB Pomade
Unorthodox water-based pomades often contain waxes, oils, and emulsifiers in addition to water. They are normally easier to remove than classic oil-based pomades but can be more stubborn than orthodox water-based pomades.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Carefully massage shampoo into the hair from the roots to the ends.
- Allow the shampoo to work briefly, then rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat the wash if any residue remains.
Whether one hair wash is sufficient depends primarily on the proportion of waxes and oils and the amount of product used.
Washing Out Oil-Based Pomade
Classic oil-based pomades consist mainly of fats, oils, and waxes. They are water-repellent and designed to remain in the hair for a long time. Water alone therefore cannot remove them completely.
Pre-treating the hair with conditioner has proven effective for more thorough removal:
- Work a generous amount of conditioner into dry or only slightly damp hair.
- Distribute the conditioner thoroughly from the roots to the ends.
- Depending on the product, leave it to work for approximately five to ten minutes.
- Rinse the hair with warm water.
- Then wash thoroughly with shampoo.
- Repeat the wash if necessary.
The conditioning ingredients and emulsifiers in the conditioner can help dissolve the greasy and waxy components of the pomade. The residue can then be removed more easily with shampoo.
Does Oil-Based Pomade Have to Be Washed Out Completely?
Oil-based pomade does not have to be removed completely after every application. Small amounts of product residue may remain in the hair after a regular wash. This build-up is a typical part of classic pomade styling.
The next day, the hairstyle can often be refreshed with a Hair Tonic, a little water, or a small amount of fresh pomade. Because a base layer of product is already present, less new pomade is usually required.
Complete removal is particularly useful when you want to change styling products, too much build-up has accumulated, or the hair and scalp no longer feel comfortable.
Using a Deep-Cleansing Shampoo Correctly
A deep-cleansing or more strongly degreasing shampoo can remove stubborn pomade residue more easily. However, it should not be used more often than necessary, as intensive cleansing can dry out the hair and scalp.
After thorough degreasing, a mild conditioner can help make the hair more supple and easier to comb again.
Common Mistakes When Washing Out Pomade
- using only water without shampoo
- using excessively hot water
- distributing the shampoo only over the surface
- removing pomade with aggressive household products
- stripping too much oil from the hair and scalp too frequently
- expecting oil-based pomades to be removed completely straight away
You can learn more about the differences in composition, hold, and washability on the page What Types of Pomade Are There?
You can find more information about pomade, its application, and classic men’s hairstyles in the Pomade Academy.