Pomade is a greasy or waxy substance that is used to style
hair. Pomade makes hair look slick and shiny, and does not dry it out. It lasts
longer than most hair care products, taking up to several washes to remove. The
original pomade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries consisted mainly of
bear fat or lard. Lanolin, beeswax, and petroleum jelly have been used
extensively in the manufacture of modern pomades. Stiffening properties of
pomades make sculptured hairstyles such as the pompadour or quiff possible;
while long lasting moisturizing properties make it popular with individuals
with Afro-textured hair .
So now you know what Pomade is, but you’re wondering how do
you make it work for you!
1.) Build Up Your
Tolerance:
Just like anything going in or on your body for the first
time, your body is going to react to it. Pomade, is no different. If you’re
making the transition from no hair product usage, to pomade, do not rush it!
Don’t just cake on your hair with palm full of pomade.
Gradually add pomade to your hair. Chances are, your scalp is not used it having
anything other than shampoo, conditioner, and the natural oils it produces on
it. If you go overboard, your scalp is
going to react to it by producing oils to counter the greasy hair product. To avoid this, all you have to do is shower as you would. I
don’t mean thoroughly wash out the pomade, as you’ll pretty much be going back
to square one. I mean, if you shampoo your hair every other day or two, do just
that. Depending on the pomade you’re using (if it’s a wax or petrolatum based
pomade,) it won’t thoroughly wash out with ordinary shampoo. This way, you’re
washing out small bits of pomade. Not a lot, but just enough to allow your
scalp to relax and ease up on the oils.
2.) Skin Care:
Even if you don’t have acne, you may get an occasional white
head or two if you don’t pay attention. This will be made worse with Pomade so whenever
you get pomade on your skin, wipe it off! Though mineral oil is known to have
pore-clogging properties, even pomade without mineral oil can cause acne.
3.) Don’t Share
Brushes:
Don’t share your brushes or combs! If someone in your household doesn't use
pomade, and you use their brush, well… if it isn't obvious, they’ll be having
some unwanted pomade in their hair! Be prepared to have a whole new arsenal of
hair styling tools.
4.) Combing Out
Hairs:
On average, you lose about 100 hairs a day. Not at one
single time, but throughout the day. Whether it’s putting on a shirt, turning
over in bed, or even going on a walk- it doesn't matter what you’re doing, your
hair naturally sheds itself without you knowing. But, since you’re now combing
your hair, you’re taking notice to what’s in your comb and are panicking like
crazy. Unless you've have 20 strands of hair in between two teeth of your comb,
from one single swoop, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about.
5.) Styling:
You need to apply it right down to the roots, not just let
it sit on top. You use your hands to apply it, a comb or brush to work it
through, and a comb to style. Do it right and it’ll stay where you put it all
day.
Now you know the tricks to styling your hair with pomade!