Pomade

Hair pomade is a styling product designed primarily for men's hair, used to mould, slick, sculpt, or define classic styles like the pompadour, side part, slick-back, and quiff. Pomades provide moderate to firm hold while keeping hair pliable and re-stylable through the day. Unlike gel (which dries hard and crunchy), pomade stays flexible, allowing the wearer to restyle without re-wetting. The category divides into two camps based on base ingredient: water-based pomades (wash out easily, low to medium shine, modern formulations) and oil-based pomades (require multiple washes to remove, high shine, traditional barbershop formulations).

Water-Based Pomades — modern, washable formulations that rinse out with a single shampoo. Suitable for daily use without build-up. Top picks: Reuzel Blue Strong Hold Water Soluble Pomade, Reuzel Pink Heavy Hold, Layrite Original, Uppercut Deluxe Pomade, and American Crew Pomade.

Oil-Based Pomades — traditional barbershop formulas (often called "heavy pomades" or "hair grease"). High shine, very firm hold, require degreasing or multiple shampoos to remove. Best for slick-back styles, classic gentlemen's looks, and ethnic hair styling. Reuzel Green Grease Heavy Hold Pomade is the modern oil-based standard.

Matte Pomades — low-shine, natural-finish formulas for casual modern styles. Layrite Natural Matte Cream, Uppercut Deluxe Matt Pomade, and American Crew Matte Clay deliver pomade-level hold with a non-shiny finish.

Light-Hold Pomades and Styling Creams — for natural, low-effort daily styling. Kevin Murphy Free.Hold, MUK styling pomades, and lighter formulations from Reuzel work well for everyday wear without stiffness.

1. Start with towel-dried damp hair — for water-based pomades. For maximum shine and hold, apply to damp hair. For matte finish and softer hold, apply to dry hair.
2. Use a small amount — a dime-sized scoop for short hair, larger for longer hair. Too much pomade weighs hair down.
3. Warm between palms — rub the pomade between your hands until it's translucent and pliable. This is essential — applying solid pomade directly to hair won't distribute evenly.
4. Apply to hair, not scalp — work pomade from the roots through to ends, then comb into your chosen style.
5. Style with comb or fingers — pomade allows continuous restyling throughout the day. Restyle as needed.
6. Touch up later — add a tiny extra dab if the style needs reinforcement. Most pomades work all day from a single morning application.

Pomade — moderate to firm hold, low to high shine depending on type, stays pliable and restyleable. Best for sculpted, sleek styles like pompadours, side parts, and slick-backs. Hair wax — matte to low-shine finish, firm hold, more texture and separation than pomade. Best for messy, modern, casual styles with movement. Hair gel — firm to extreme hold, can dry hard and crunchy, harder to restyle once set. Best for very structured styles or spikes. For most men, pomade is the most versatile choice — flexible, restyleable, and works with classic and modern looks.

What is the best pomade in South Africa? Reuzel Blue Strong Hold (water-based) is the most universally recommended men's pomade in South Africa — easy wash-out, firm hold, low-medium shine, works for almost any short-to-medium men's style. For a traditional high-shine slick-back, Reuzel Green Grease (oil-based). For matte casual styles, Layrite Natural Matte Cream or Uppercut Deluxe Matt.

What's the difference between water-based and oil-based pomade? Water-based pomades rinse out with one shampoo, are lighter weight, and produce variable shine (low to high depending on formula). Oil-based pomades require multiple washes to remove (or a dedicated degreaser), are heavier in feel, and produce high shine. Most modern users prefer water-based for daily convenience. Oil-based is preferred by traditionalists for the heritage feel and ultimate shine.

Does pomade cause hair loss? Pomade itself doesn't cause hair loss. However, consistent build-up at the scalp from heavy pomade use (especially oil-based) can clog follicles and slow growth. Regular clarifying washes (monthly) prevent this. If you use oil-based pomade daily, clarify weekly.

Can women use pomade? Yes — pomade works well for women's slick-back, ponytail, or sleek styles, taming flyaways and providing all-day hold. Smaller amounts work better for finer hair. Pomades formulated for women (sleek shine creams from Kérastase Discipline range) are similar products marketed differently.

Does pomade wash out easily? Water-based pomades wash out with one regular shampoo. Oil-based pomades need clarifying shampoo (or 2-3 regular shampoo washes) to fully remove. Pomades washing out poorly is the single biggest reason customers switch to water-based formulations.

Partners Hair Design is an authorised stockist of every men's grooming brand we carry — Reuzel, Layrite, Uppercut Deluxe, American Crew, MUK, Kevin Murphy, and more. All products are 100% authentic, sourced directly from official South African distributors. Free delivery on orders over R390 across South Africa. For specific pomade recommendations based on your hair type, length, and style preference, our stylists at Cape Town salons can advise on the right pomade and even demonstrate application techniques.