Pomade is a classic hairstyling product that's been around for almost two centuries. Traditional oil-based pomade was the bear-fat-filled stuff that kept 19th-century men's hair sleek enough to see your reflection in. The modern versions give you far more options — including the choice of how reflective you want your hair to be in the first place.
What Is Water-Based Pomade?
Water-based pomade mainly consists of water and has a gel-like consistency. It offers high hold, dries down to maintain your style all day, and rinses out with water alone — no shampoo required.
True to its name, water-based pomade is the easiest of the two to live with. It holds, it stays put, and it's gone the moment you step under the shower.
In our range, Blue Pomade and Red Pomade are the water-based options with shine, while Fiber Pomade, Clay Matte, Concrete Hold and Extreme Hold cover the matte end.
What Is Oil-Based Pomade?
Oil-based pomade has a waxy consistency and gives high shine with medium to strong hold. It never fully dries, which means you can restyle throughout the day — but it won't rinse out with water alone.
Unlike the oil-based pomades of old, modern formulas are more mineral oil than bear fat. They let you rework your hair through the day rather than locking it in place once.
The trade-off is washing out. Oil doesn't dissolve in water, so a quick rinse won't do it. Work shampoo through dry hair before you add water, or use a clarifying shampoo. Our greases are Pink Pomade for heavy hold and Green Pomade for medium.
Which Should You Choose?
Go water-based if you wash your hair often, want an easy clean-up, or prefer a matte finish. Go oil-based if the style has to survive rain, sweat or a long day, and you want shine that water-based formulas can't quite match.
Plenty of men keep both. One for the working week, one for when the look has to hold.
Water-Based vs Oil-Based at a Glance
| Water-based | Oil-based | |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Firm, dries down | Pliable, never fully dries |
| Consistency | Gel-like | Waxy |
| Restyling | Needs water to rework | Comb it anytime |
| Washing out | Water alone | Needs a degreasing wash |
| Humidity | Softens in damp weather | Holds through anything |
Whether you're after water-based or oil-based, there's a product for every taste — from gravity-defying hold to mirror-worthy shine. Browse the full pomade collection to find yours.
