Pomade has been around for a long time as the OG styling product, but like everything else that’s stood the test of time, it’s evolved far past its original form. With Pomade playing such an important part in the last 300 years of Men’s grooming, we’ve laid out the timeline of this evolution to fully explain what Pomade is! 

What is Pomade?

Naturally, with Pomades being something that your great, great, great grandfather might have used, we have to start at the beginning, which in this case is the 18th and 19th centuries. At this point, Pomades were produced primarily using bear fat and lard, which was necessary to achieve what’s now a classic glossy finish. Luckily for everyone’s hair (and sense of smell), with the 20th century came the Petrolatum-based Pomade, which maintained the classic glossy finish alongside additional durability, founding the modern style of product. 

Pomades’ versatility in the hairstyles it can achieve has made it a staple in many iconic subcultures and styles of the 20th century, from 1920s slick backs and side partings to 1950s pompadours, as well as some punk styles of the 1980s and wet styles of the 1990s. As the wet finish styles started to fall in popularity from the early 2000s onwards, so did the popularity of the Pomade. However, with a new mainstream appreciation for the timeless styles Pomade can create, and the adaptation of classic styles for the modern day, Pomades are once again a true staple in men’s grooming routines.

The latest leap into the improved Pomades we’ve seen since the invention of the petrolatum base came again from improving the ingredients at the heart of the product, which in this case came in the form of water-based pomades, offering unique benefits to their more classic oil-based (petrolatum) counterparts. Whilst, in general, water-based Pomades can’t achieve as glossy a finish as oil-based pomades, they do offer a much easier hair care routine since they can be rinsed out with just water and without the use of strong shampoos, which is not something a traditional oil-based pomade can boast. However, an especially glossy finish is not the only typical difference between the two types of pomades, as water-based pomades also trade off strength and the ability to be re-styled throughout the day. Nevertheless, water-based pomades aren’t just a diluted alternative, and for styles that want to control how shiny their finish is, water-based pomades are perfect. Now that you know the background of these timeless styling products, here are some of the most popular styles that use pomades.

Classic Styles

When it comes to classic styles, pompadours, and especially slick backs, these still see relevance in modern men’s grooming in part because of their adaptability. Whilst the originals are timeless, if paired with a modern taper or skin fade, the style all of a sudden becomes something new and, at the same time, retains its 20th-century roots, which has helped these styles stay popular even with natural matt finish styles being the go-to for many men. 

Modern Alternatives

Outside of classic styles, there are also plenty of options where pomades shine (no pun intended). One of the best is with curly hair; just a small amount of a water-based pomade is ideal for giving the right amount of shine to shape curls and, at the same time, preventing frizz for a structured look. Alternatively, for messy styles reminiscent of 90s and 00s looks, a water-based pomade is THE choice, allowing you to tailor the level of shine and hold you need to achieve your signature look.

Product choices

Okay, you know the difference between oil-based pomades and water-based pomades, but which specific pomade do you choose? Luckily, this is the easiest part. For an oil-based product to recreate an authentic classic, the Dapper Dan Heavy Hold Pomade is the one for you. Offering all the traditional oil-based benefits, however, unlike a typical oil-based product, the Heavy Hold Pomade is petrolatum-free, meaning it will wash out easily like a water-based product, so you don’t have to compromise! On the other hand, if you’ve decided a water-based pomade is what you need, the Dapper Dan Deluxe Pomade is the perfect choice. The Deluxe Pomade feels and functions a lot like a high-end gel, however, unlike many water-based pomades, the Dapper Dan Deluxe Pomade doesn’t set and harden in the same way, allowing you to re-comb your look all throughout the day.