To paraphrase Forrest Gump, a great beard and great hair go together like peas and carrots! Making both your beard and hair look great requires commitment and great grooming tools for the job. Pomades and gels are the most common hair care products you’ll see on the shelves. Because they’re displayed and mixed up together, it’s easy to think that the two products are essentially the same. But they’re not. Far from it.
What is Pomade?
The Key Differences Between Hair Pomade And Hair Gel
Hair pomade is a thick styling product for holding your hairstyle in place without making it rigid or crunchy. Pomade provides firm hold but with flexibility (so you can restyle after applying) along with volume and a more natural texture. It’s also versatile enough to use for a wide variety of hairstyles.
Water-Based Pomade
- Washes Out Easily: One of the best features of water-based pomade is that it washes out easily.
- Feels Good to the Touch: It feels good in your hair.
- Flake-Free Texture: You won’t experience any flaking.
- Versatile Finish: It can maintain a more natural matte finish on dry hair or add shine and sheen to damp hair.
- Scalp-Friendly: A quality pomade is alcohol-free, so it won’t irritate your scalp.
Oil-Based Pomade
- Difficult to Remove: Takes several washes to remove completely.
- Provides Shine: Offers lots of “wet look” shine.
- Stays Greasy: Remains greasy to the touch.
- Classic Product: It’s a more “old fashioned” product based on pomades used by previous generations, especially “greasers” of the 1950s and 1960s.
What is Hair Gel?
Hair gel is also a hair styling product that provides firm hold, but it differs significantly from pomade in that it dries stiff and “locks” hairs into place. This is great in some cases where immovable all-day hold is required, like spiked styles. But gel does not provide the opportunity to restyle after applying because it dries to a stiff, rigid, even crunchy texture that can sometimes become flaky. Many cheaper gels tend to develop a white crust when they dry in the hair.
When applied to wet or damp hair, gel can look glossy and wet, but it will still dry stiff. Many gels are alcohol-based, which can dry out hair and remove some of its “life.” However, gel usually washes out quite easily with shampoo and water.
How Do You Choose Which Would Be Best for You?
Need a firm hold that’s still pliable and flexible? Pomade.
Need a super-powerful, immovable hold for your hairdo? Gel.
Want a more natural-looking style? Pomade (water-based).
Want a more messy style? Pomade.
Want a “wet” or shiny look? Pomade or gel applied to damp hair.
Want a drier or matte finish? Pomade (water-based) applied to dry hair.
Want to avoid dry and/or irritated scalp? Pomade.
Want to be able to wash the product out easily? Water-based pomade or gel.
Want a pompadour look? Pomade.
Got curly or thick hair and want it to stay looking healthy and movable? Pomade.
Want moisturizing properties to keep your hair healthy? Pomade.
Want to style the product with a hairdryer? Pomade.
Got fine or thin hair? Pomade. It’s more nourishing with essential conditioning ingredients and won’t dry your hair out or make it brittle like gel.
Understanding the differences between pomade and gel can help you choose the right product for your hair type and desired style. Whether you go for the flexible hold of pomade or the stiff, locked-in place style of gel, the right product can make all the difference in achieving the look you want.
How to Apply Hair Pomade and Gel
How to Apply Hair Pomade
Scoop a Small Amount: Take out a small amount, like a dime-size dollop, but no more than a quarter-size.
Warm and Soften: Rub it across your hands to warm and soften it.
Work into Hair: Apply it to your hair, whether dry or damp. For a natural look, use it on dry hair. For a shinier, wetter look, use it on damp hair.
Style: Use your fingers, a brush, or a hairdryer to style your hair until you achieve the look you want.
How to Apply Gel
Applying gel is similar to applying pomade. Here’s the process:
- Scoop a Small Amount: Take a small amount of gel, just enough to cover your hair.
- Distribute Evenly: Spread it evenly across your hands.
- Apply to Hair: Apply it to wet or damp hair, ensuring even distribution.
- Style: Style your hair using your fingers or a comb. Unlike pomade, gel will set stiff, so make sure you get your style right the first time.
Conclusion
And that pretty much covers the differences between hair pomade and hair gel. We make no secret of the fact that we favor water-based pomade in a big way. It’s extremely versatile and wins in just about every head-to-head matchup with gel. The only thing it doesn’t do is set hard and immovable, but there aren’t too many hairstyles that require that. Otherwise, water-based pomade is healthier for your hair and scalp, leaves no flakes, and provides you with the opportunity to restyle all day long. And then it washes away easily.
FAQs
What is the main difference between pomade and gel?
The main difference is that pomade provides a firm hold with flexibility, allowing you to restyle your hair, while gel dries stiff and locks hair into place, offering an immovable hold.
Which is better for a natural look?
Water-based pomade is better for a natural look as it provides hold without making hair stiff or crunchy. It can also add volume and a more natural texture to your hair.
Can I use pomade on damp hair?
Yes, you can use pomade on damp hair. Applying pomade to damp hair can give you a shinier, wetter look, whereas applying it to dry hair gives a more natural matte finish.
Is gel good for thick or curly hair?
Gel can be used on thick or curly hair, but it might make the hair feel dry and crunchy. Pomade is generally better for thick or curly hair as it keeps it looking healthy and movable.
Does pomade wash out easily?
Water-based pomade washes out easily with water and shampoo, while oil-based pomade may require several washes to remove completely.
Which product is better for avoiding scalp irritation?
Pomade, especially water-based pomade, is better for avoiding scalp irritation as it is often alcohol-free and less drying than gel.
Can I restyle my hair throughout the day with gel?
No, once gel dries, it becomes stiff and rigid, making it difficult to restyle your hair. Pomade allows for restyling throughout the day.