Let’s be honest.
Most people grab whatever hair product is on sale, slap it on, and hope for the best.
Then they wonder why their hair looks nothing like what they wanted.
I’m going to make you a promise: after reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to use pomade to get that perfect hairstyle you’ve been chasing.
No more bad hair days, no more product disappointments. Just great hair, every single day.
Tips To Use Hair Pomade And Complete Styling Guide For Men And Women
Pomade might seem like just another hair product, but it’s actually one of the most versatile styling tools out there.
Whether you want a sleek professional look or something with more texture and movement, pomade can help you nail it.
The trick is knowing how to use it right for your specific hair type and style goals.
What is Hair Pomade?
Pomade is a waxy, creamy hair styling product that gives your hair hold and shine without making it stiff or flaky.
Unlike hairspray or gel that lock your style in place, pomade keeps your hair flexible and reworkable throughout the day.
When we look at hair pomades in the UK and around the world, they’ve actually been around for centuries.
Back in the day, they were made from bear fat and other oils.
Thank goodness we’ve moved past that! Now they’re made with much nicer ingredients like waxes, oils, and water-based formulas that won’t make your hair feel gross.
The magic of pomade is that it doesn’t dry out, so you can adjust your style whenever you want.
This makes it perfect for those who like to change up their look throughout the day or need to look put-together from morning meetings to evening hangouts.
Types of Pomades
You can’t just grab any pomade off the shelf and expect it to work for your hair.
You need to know what you’re looking for.
Water-based pomades wash out super easily with just water.
They give you a medium hold and some shine without making your hair feel heavy.
These are great for beginners or if you hate the feeling of product buildup.
Oil-based pomades give you that classic, high-shine look.
They last forever in your hair and can hold even the most stubborn styles in place.
The downside? You’ll need more than just water to wash them out completely.
Hybrid pomades try to give you the best of both worlds.
They offer the hold and shine of oil-based products but wash out easier than traditional ones.
Clay pomades have a matte finish and work great for textured, messy styles.
They usually contain actual clay minerals that add thickness to fine hair.
Wax-based options give you serious hold for elaborate styles or very thick hair that needs extra control.
For each type, think about your hair texture and what style you’re going for. Thin hair? Go lighter with water-based. Thick, unruly hair? An oil-based or wax might be your best friend.
Wash and Dry the Right Way
How you wash and dry your hair before applying pomade makes a huge difference in how your style turns out.
Many people skip this step and wonder why their hair looks flat or weird after styling.
For water-based pomades, your hair should be slightly damp but not soaking wet.
Towel-dry after your shower until your hair is about 70-80% dry.
Too wet and the pomade will just slide around without sticking.
Too dry and it won’t spread evenly.
For oil-based pomades, your hair should actually be completely dry.
The oils grip better to dry hair and give you more control over your style.
No matter what type you use, make sure your hair is clean before applying.
Product buildup can make new pomade less effective and leave your hair looking greasy instead of styled.
When washing pomade out, be patient.
Water-based formulas come out with regular shampoo, but oil-based ones might need two washes or a specific clarifying shampoo to remove completely.
Use the Right Amount
Using too much pomade is probably the biggest mistake most people make.
It leaves your hair looking greasy and weighed down.
But too little won’t give you enough hold.
Here’s a simple guide: for short hair, start with a pea-sized amount.
For medium length, try a nickel-sized amount.
For longer styles, you might need a quarter-sized dollop.
The key word here is “start.” You can always add more, but you can’t really take it away once it’s in your hair.
Scoop out less than you think you need, work it through, and then add tiny amounts until you get the hold you want.
Remember that different pomades have different strengths too.
A strong-hold product needs less product than a light-hold one for the same effect.
Adjust accordingly and save yourself from looking like you dunked your head in olive oil.
Warm It Up Before Applying
This step might sound fussy, but it makes a huge difference.
Cold pomade just sits on your hair in clumps instead of spreading evenly.
Take your pomade and rub it between your palms for about 10-15 seconds.
The friction and body heat will soften it up, making it much easier to distribute through your hair.
You’ll notice it becomes more pliable and almost melts a bit between your hands.
For really stiff pomades or cold weather days, you might need to rub a bit longer.
You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and spreads easily across your palms without chunks.
This warming step isn’t just about making application easier.
It actually helps the product bind to your hair better, giving you more even hold and a better-looking final style. Don’t rush this part!
Apply Evenly from Roots to Ends
Once you’ve got warmed pomade on your hands, it’s time to apply it.
But there’s a technique to it.
Start at the back of your head and work forward.
Most people do the opposite and end up with too much product at the front, which looks greasy and weird.
Work the pomade through your hair using your fingers first.
Get it evenly distributed from roots to ends.
For shorter styles, focus more on the roots for lift. For longer styles, make sure you’re getting the ends too.
After finger-combing, use a proper comb or brush to distribute the product even more evenly.
The type of comb matters: wide-tooth combs create looser styles, while fine-tooth combs give more definition and slickness.
Make sure you’re getting the sides and back of your head too.
So many people focus just on the top and front, but a half-styled head looks unfinished.
Choose the Right Finish for Your Look
Pomades come in different finishes from high shine to completely matte.
The finish you choose should match the style you’re going for.
High-shine pomades create that classic, slick look.
Think 1950s rock and roll or modern red carpet styles.
They reflect light and make your hair look really polished and put together.
Medium-shine options are more versatile for everyday wear.
They give your hair some life without making it look too “done.”
Matte finishes are perfect for more natural, textured looks.
They hold your style without anyone being able to tell you’ve got product in your hair.
These are great for casual settings or if you want that “I woke up this way” vibe.
For formal events, higher shine usually works better.
For casual days, matte finishes look more appropriate. But these aren’t hard rules.
The best finish is the one that makes you feel confident in your style.
Style According to Hair Length and Gender
Your pomade technique should change depending on your hair length and the style you want.
For short hair, less is definitely more.
Apply a small amount and focus on creating definition rather than trying to build volume.
For men with short hair, pomade works great for sleek side parts, textured crops, or subtle spikes.
Medium-length hair is where pomade really shines.
You can create volume at the roots, smooth down sides, or craft textured looks with just your fingers.
For both men and women with medium hair, pomade gives you tons of styling options from professional to edgy.
For long hair, pomade is best used to tame flyaways and create definition.
Women with long hair can use tiny amounts to smooth down frizz without weighing hair down.
Men with long hair can create more structured looks that stay put all day.
The key difference between men and women isn’t the product but often the amount.
Women typically use less for a more subtle effect, while men might use more for defined styles.
But these are just starting points. Use whatever amount gives you the style you want!
Layer with Other Products (If Needed)
Pomade works great on its own, but sometimes your hair needs extra care.
Learning to layer products can take your style to another level.
If you need more volume, apply a volumizing mousse or spray to your roots before adding pomade.
This creates height that the pomade will then hold in place.
For extra hold without stiffness, you can finish a pomade style with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray.
Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the reworkable benefit of pomade.
For curly hair, consider applying a curl cream first, then using a tiny bit of pomade just to define and hold the curls without weighing them down.
Fine hair often needs a pre-styling product with hold before pomade.
This gives the hair some grip and structure that the pomade can then enhance.
The trick with layering is to use less of each product than you normally would.
Multiple full-strength products will leave your hair feeling heavy and looking greasy.
Restyle Anytime During the Day
One of the best things about pomade is that you can fix your hair throughout the day without adding more product.
This is especially handy if you get caught in the wind or need to switch from a daytime to evening look.
To restyle, just wet your hands slightly and run them through your hair.
The water reactivates the pomade, letting you reshape your style.
For water-based pomades, this works especially well.
If your style has fallen flat, flip your head upside down, ruff up your hair with your fingers, and then restyle.
The movement redistributes the product and gives you a fresh look.
For touch-ups on the go, keep a small comb in your bag or pocket.
A quick comb-through can fix most minor style issues without needing a bathroom mirror and water.
Remember that oil-based pomades actually look better as the day goes on.
The natural oils from your scalp care mix with the product, creating an even better hold and shine by afternoon.
Conclusion
Getting great hair with pomade isn’t rocket science.
It just takes knowing the right type for your hair, using the right amount, and applying it correctly.
Start with these ten tips and I guarantee your hair game will level up instantly.
The best part? Unlike other styling products, pomade lets you learn as you go. Made a mistake? Just rework it. Hair looking too flat by noon? Restyle it.
With pomade, you’re never stuck with a bad hair decision.
So grab that tin, warm it up between your palms, and start creating the styles you’ve always wanted. Your perfect hair day is waiting.
