Pomade is the most commonly used term for hair products these days. Manufacturers today cleverly capitalize on this by calling their product pomade as well. Yet pomade is something other than an umbrella name for hair products. Just as a gel and wax are something very different, pomade is also a very specific product. Thus, all these different types of products are meant for different types of hair and different purposes.
The fact that different types of products get mixed up is therefore logical. Customers often ask for a good pomade or gel without knowing exactly what it does to their hair. Therefore, we list the most important hair products for you.
The pomade
An age-old product used to get hair into a sleek look with usually a lot of shine. Think slick back or a tight side parting. Pomades today can be divided into two types.
The oil-based pomade.
Surely the most well-known and also the most ancient product is the oil-based pomade. This is a fairly wet product based on petroleum or beeswax. The name is derived from the French word "pomade" which means ointment. The original recipe of pomade even contained ground apples. In the nineteenth century, pork fat was mainly used as the base of pomade. In the early 20th century, this was changed to petroleum and beeswax.
The advantage of an oil-based pomade is that it does not harden and you can re-shape your hair throughout the day. The hold of an oil-based pomade can be unprecedented. Even a rain shower won't hurt since the product cannot be washed out of your hair with just water. The big disadvantage is that you only get your hair clean with a lot of shampoo, but with this you also wash away the body's own oils. This, in turn, is bad for your hair and scalp. An oil-based pomade is also somewhat less suitable for men who are prone to acne.
The water-based pomade
For several years now, pomade has been completely reinvented by developing the product into water-based pomade. This has the advantage that you wash it out easily and your hair and scalp don't get as greasy. This pomade hardens a little more than an oil-based pomade which makes it a little less re-shaping. However, water-based pomade is available with lots or little hold and often even more shine than an oil-based pomade.
Gel as a hair product
For decades, the most widely used hair product by men. Almost every guy and man has used a gel at one time or another. Famous are the big yellow jars we've all had on our bathroom counter at one time or another. Suitable for getting hair into tightly defined hairstyles or for creating spikes in the hair, for example. A gel is actually similar to a water-based pomade, but even wetter. This product is available with both light and strong hold and often hardens your hair. The downside of a gel is that you quickly get dirt and white flakes in your hair. When you run your fingers through your hair, the gel breaks and you immediately lose the hold. Also, it is not very good for your hair as the chemicals in gels quickly damage and dry out your hair. Because the water in the gel hardens, you cannot reshape your hair during the day.
Cream as a hair product
A cream is the most wet product used for styling hair. They often add natural shine and control to hair. Perfect for thick, curly and long hair. Often creams contain nourishing natural oils that leave hair soft. A cream gives the hair flexibility and little hold. Perfect for long hair that you still want some control over and for natural looks.
Wax as a hair product
Another well-known product that is often used as an umbrella term. Wax is a very versatile product that can be used for tighter hairstyles as well as for more messy looks. It is often made from Beeswax or Lanolin. A wax gives a little more structure and definition than a pomade or gel does. It is a lot drier and thicker than a pomade. It often has a very high hold and the shine can vary. It is suitable for short to medium length hair. The hold doesn't last as long as a pomade but the wax is easier to reshape. So you can do almost anything with it.
Paste as a hair product
The paste is surely the most versatile product. It is thicker than a pomade and less thick than a clay. You can buy a paste with little or a lot of hold and a matte finish or some more shine. A paste is almost always water-based. A paste often has a lot in common with a clay. There is often a component of a clay in it. It gives a lot of texture and volume, but has the easy divisibility of a wax. A paste can be used for any hair length. For thin and thick hair.
Clay as a hair product
Clay is one of the most interesting products of recent years. It gives your hair a lot of texture, thickness, a lot of volume and often a strong hold. A clay often consists of the clay types Bentonite and Kaolin (which are also often found in a paste). These clays absorb all the dirt from your hair without drying it out. It makes your hair look thicker. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients making it healthy for your scalp. The big advantage is that it gives a very good hold but it does not make your hair heavier. Therefore, men with thick hair are often better off using a clay. For men with thinner hair, the advantage of a clay is that it makes your hair look fuller. It is therefore the most popular hair product of the last few years.