An iconic hairstyle of the ’60s thanks to Elvis, the pompadour is seeing a renaissance amongst stylish young men today. Not surprisingly, there’s also been a growing interest in the goop that makes the pomp possible: pomade.
Did I hear you say…”pompadour”? Source: Giphy.com.
While pompadours have been updated with fades and undercuts, pomades too have gone through significant modernisation. It’s no longer that heavily perfumed stuff sitting in a transparent plastic jar your grandfather used to slap on his hair and run through with a tortoise shell comb. For better or for worse, many indie brands have entered the market, stealing customers from established brands like Schwarzkopf or American Crew.
Being a fan of hair here at HSD, we’ve decided to round up three indie pomades that I have tried and liked – just in case you’d like to up your hipster cred, or try something new for a change. A few things about me to help frame the following reviews: I have typical Asian hair that’s thick, black, straight, and sometimes wiry. I use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo with warm water to clean my hair, and usually style it when it’s almost dry (in a pomp, of course).
When you find the right pomade. Source: Giphy.com.
1. Peppermint Pomade, Mister Pompadour, USD17.50 for 2oz/57ml
If your hair’s pretty tame and you like a professional shine to your pomp, this is the pomade to go for. The smooth, white paste smoothes beautifully in your palms, and spreads evenly over your hair. While it may seem a little wet and limp at the outset – which makes it very malleable – the product dries to a medium-firm hold as you work it through your hair. For this reason, I suggest you use it on dry hair.
Mister Pompadour’s peppermint pomade never gets completely dry like wax does, however, leaving you able to reshape your look later in the day with slightly damp hands. The peppermint scent is strong and refreshing for bleary-eyed mornings, but may be too much for someone who is sensitive to fragrances. As with many new-age pomades, Mister Pompadour claims this stuff washes off “effortlessly with one rinse”. I would agree – except the peppermint does leave a cooling tingle on your hands for quite a while.
2. Super Hold Pomade, Layrite, USD16 for 4oz/114ml
It’s always encouraging to see “scientifically formulated” and “formulated by barbers” on the pomade you’re buying, but these labels don’t always mean a good product. Thankfully, Layrite delivers on its promises pretty solidly. Bright orange and scented with a long-lasting vanilla fragrance, this pomade looks and feels more like a gel. Fortified with beeswax, the pomade does deliver a “super hold” – especially when used on dry hair.
It leaves a medium shine and dries like a gel – stiff, firm, defined. This makes it great not only for a pomp, but also for other more dynamic styles like faux-hawks where you need some texture and support. A little goes a long way, which makes the relatively inexpensive price even better. I prefer to use this product when my hair’s not completely dry, because it can be hard to manipulate without some moisture. For restyling, adding a little water will certainly help.
As to whether the product “washes off your hands and out of your hair with just water”, I’d say no. The thing is, it feels like it’s been washed off the first time, but when you dry your hands, they feel a little sticky still. Granted, I use extra-gentle shampoos and hand soaps, but water alone is definitely not enough.
3. Putty, Shorty’s, USD22.96 for 4oz/114ml
Shorty’s is an L.A. barber shop with a serious hipster sensibility that produces a small barber-inspired collection of grooming products under its own label. With a mild fresh scent and medium hold, their bestseller putty is perfect for long, simple styles that need a smooth, slick texture.
The great thing about this putty is that it’s truly water-soluble, which means it comes completely off your hands and hair with just a warm water rinse. The shine is also affected by moisture – if you use it on damp hair, you get more shine; on dry hair, less. In fact, using it on dry hair makes the pomade act more like a wax, just with less structuring power. If you have curly hair, warming this product in your hand and running it through your locks will keep it in place, and also give it an extra oomph of texture and definition.
The (minor) downside to Shorty’s putty is two-fold. Aside from needing quite a bit to achieve your desired look, especially if it needs some height, the putty also has a little habit of clumping together. Since it’s white, you may look like you have some dandruff if all the tiny bits are not smoothed out properly. Another reason to use a little at first, and add on only when you need it!