Pomade vs. Hair Gel – Why Pomade Reigns Supreme

In the ever-evolving realm of hairstyling, there's a myriad of products available, each promising to offer that perfect look. Two products that consistently pop up in conversations are hair gel and pomade. But what sets these two apart? And more importantly, why might pomade be the superior choice for many? Let's dive in.

What is Hair Gel?

Hair gel is a hairstyling product known for its typically clear and jelly-like consistency. It's designed to hold hair in place, offering a wet, sleek appearance. When dried, the gel hardens, creating a stiff hold.

Features of Hair Gel:

1. High Shine: Gives hair a glossy finish, which can be great for certain styles.
2. Strong Hold: Once it hardens, hair generally stays put throughout the day.
3. Quick Drying: Dries quickly after application, allowing for faster styling.

However, gels tend to harden and flake.

What is Pomade?

Pomade is a flexible hairstyling product that offers both hold and shine but in a more balanced and nourishing way. It can be either oil or water based. Unlike gel, pomade doesn't dry out or harden significantly, allowing for hair restyling during the day.

Benefits of Pomade over Hair Gel:

1. Versatility: Pomades offer a range of finishes from matte to shiny and can achieve a myriad of styles from sleek to textured. Hair can be reworked throughout the day, while gel offers a one-time setting.
2. No Flaking: One of the common issues with hair gels is that they can flake off when the hair is touched or brushed, resembling dandruff. Pomades do not have this issue.
3. Moisture and Health: Pomades, especially those oil-based, nourish the hair and scalp, preventing the dryness commonly seen with gels. Damson Street Supply’s Original Medium Shine Pomade has the addition of green tea extract, which offers moisturizing benefits as well.
4. Better for Various Hair Types: Pomades work wonders on a wider variety of hair types. Whether curly, straight, thick, or thin, there's likely a pomade suitable for your hair.

Features/Benefits	Pomade	Hair Gel
Finish	Range from matte to shiny	Glossy, wet appearance
Hold	Versatile; strong to flexible holds	Strong, stiff hold
Restyling	Can be reworked throughout the day	Not suitable for restyling (hardens)
Flaking	No flaking; maintains consistent look	May flake when touched or brushed
Moisture & Health	Often nourishing, can be better for hair health	Often contains alcohol, can dry hair
Natural Ingredients	More likely to contain natural ingredients like essential oils & extracts	Rarely contains natural nourishing ingredients
Suitability for Hair Types	Suitable for a wider range of hair types (curly, straight, thick, thin)	Generally works best on straight hair types
Ease of Washout	Water-based is easy to wash out; oil-based may require more effort	Usually easy to wash out, but may leave residues

 

Making the Right Choice:

Some hairstyles or situations may call for hair gels. However, the clear advantages of pomades, particularly in terms of hair health and styling versatility, make them a product worth considering for your daily routine.

For those new to pomades, check out our blog on our Matte Clay Paste Pomade vs. our Original Medium Shine Pomade to decide which pomade is right for you.

 The choice between hair gel and pomade largely depends on the desired look, hair type, and individual preferences. While gels have their place in quick, hard-hold styles, pomades offer an inviting world of versatility, nourishment, and elevated style. If you're looking to invest in the health and appearance of your hair, it might be time to give pomade a go.