Pomade is nowadays the most commonly used term for hair products. Manufacturers cleverly capitalize on this by also naming their product pomade. However, pomade is something different from an umbrella name for hair products. Just as a gel and wax are very different things, a pomade is also a very specific product. All these different types of products are intended for different types of hair and different purposes.
It is therefore logical that different types of products are confused with each other. Customers often ask for a good pomade or gel without knowing exactly what it does to their hair. That's why we list the most important hair products for you.
The Pomade
An age-old product used to get the hair into a sleek look, usually with a lot of shine. Think of a slick back or a tight side parting. Pomades can nowadays be divided into two types.
The pomade on oil basis
The most well-known and also the oldest product is undoubtedly the pomade on oil basis. This is a fairly wet product based on petroleum or beeswax. The name is derived from the French word "pommade" which means ointment. The original recipe of pomade even contained ground apples. In the nineteenth century, lard was mainly used as the base of the pomade. At the beginning of the 20th century, this was changed to petroleum and beeswax.
The advantage of a pomade on oil basis is that it does not harden and you can restyle your hair throughout the day. The hold of a pomade on oil basis can be exceptionally high. Even a rain shower is not a problem since the product cannot be washed out of the hair with just water. The major disadvantage is that you can only get your hair clean with a lot of shampoo, but this also washes away the body's natural oils. This is bad for your hair and scalp. Also, for men who are sensitive to acne, a pomade on oil basis is less suitable.
The pomade on water basis
In recent years, the pomade has been completely reinvented by developing the product into pomade on water basis. This has the advantage that you can easily wash it out and that your hair and scalp do not become so greasy. This pomade hardens a bit more than a pomade on oil basis, making it slightly less restylable. However, the pomade on water basis is available with a lot or little hold and often even more shine than a pomade on oil basis.
Gel as a hair product
For decades, the most used hair product by men. Almost every boy and man has used a gel at some point. Famous are the large yellow pots that we have all had on our bathroom furniture at some point. Suitable for getting the hair into tightly defined hairstyles or, for example, to create spikes in the hair. A gel is actually comparable to a pomade on a water basis, but even wetter. This product is available with both a light and strong hold and often makes your hair hard. The disadvantage 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. It is also not very good for your hair as your hair is quickly damaged and dries out due to the chemicals in gels. Because the water in the gel hardens, you cannot restyle your hair throughout the day.
Cream as a hair product
A cream is the wettest product used for styling hair. They often provide a natural shine and control over the hair. Perfect for thick, curly, and long hair. Creams often contain nourishing natural oils that make the hair soft. A cream gives the hair flexibility and little hold. Perfect for long hair where you still want some control and for natural looks.
Wax as a hair product
Another well-known product often used as an umbrella term. Wax is a very versatile product that can be used for tighter hairstyles, but also for more messy looks. It is often made based on Beeswax or Lanoline. A wax provides more structure and definition than a pomade or gel does. It is much 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 does not last as long as with a pomade, but the wax is easier to restyle. You can go almost any direction with it.
Paste as a hair product
The paste is definitely 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 a bit more shine. A paste is almost always water-based. A paste often has a lot in common with a clay. It often contains an ingredient from a clay. It provides a lot of texture and volume, but has the easy spreadability of a wax. A paste can be used for any hair length. For thin and thick hair.
Clay as hair product
The 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 clay types absorb all the dirt from your hair without drying out your hair. 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 provides a very good hold but does not weigh your hair down. Therefore, men with thick hair can often better use a clay. For men with thinner hair, it has the advantage that a clay makes your hair look fuller. It is therefore also the most popular hair product of the last few years.