Pomade is the backbone of timeless men’s styling, delivering that unmistakable barbershop finish. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from types and techniques to choosing the right formula for your look.
WHAT IS HAIR POMADE?
Pomade is a styling staple designed to give hair control, definition and a polished finish. Think smooth shape, separation where you want it, and shine that ranges from subtle to mirror-like depending on the formula you choose. Unlike matte, grittier products, pomade lays the cuticle down, fights frizz and helps hair look intentional, whether that’s a sharp side-part, a classic pompadour, or longer hair that needs taming at the ends.
A SHORT HISTORY OF HAIR POMADE
The word pomade comes from the French pommade “ointment” which traces back to Italian pomata and the Latin pomum, meaning “apple.” Early European recipes were literally apple-scented salves (often mixed with fats and waxes), which is how the name stuck to the glossy hair product we know today.
Pomade has a long history and predates the 19th century - evolving from bear fat and waxes (yes, really) into petrolatum and oil-based blends, and later the water-based formulas many of us use today. It’s the product behind early rock ’n’ roll hair, mid-century business cuts, and barbershop classics. Trends come and go, but the appeal of neat, glossy, well-engineered hair never left the shop floor.
WHY POMADE KEEPS ITS POPULARITY
Even with the long run of matte, textured looks, pomade demand hasn’t dipped. Popular culture keeps fuelling the comeback: the sharp side-parts and glossy crops of Peaky Blinders, the boardroom polish of Mad Men, and the enduring influence of vintage barbershop style. When you want hair that reads timeless, put-together, and a bit dangerous, pomade delivers.
THE TWO TYPES OF POMADE: WATER-BASED VS OIL-BASED
In broad terms, pomades fall into two camps:
Water-based pomade: Rinses out easily with water, sets a little as it dries, and gives a clean, high-shine look with reliable hold. Great for everyday styles when you want control without a heavy feel.
Oil-based pomade: Traditionally made with oils and waxes, it stays pliable all day and can be re-combed on the fly. It builds a deep, classic sheen and that lived-in finish but is usually tougher to wash out.
OIL CAN GROOMING’S ORIGINAL POMADE VS GREASE POMADE:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
We make two pomades because your hair (and your day) doesn’t always want the same thing.
Original Pomade
Our Original is a traditional water-based pomade with higher shine and stronger hold than Grease Pomade. It sets your style as it dries, locking in clean lines and keeping volume where you put it. If you want a crisp side-part, tight quiff, or a neat pomp that stays put, Original is your go-to. It also washes out easily, leaving no stubborn residue.
Grease Pomade
Grease Pomade is an unorthodox formula. It looks and styles like a classic oil-based pomade - supple, comb-able, traditional sheen - but it washes out like a water-based. It carries slightly less shine and hold than Original, and because it doesn’t set, you can rework it throughout the day. It’s not only for slick, greased looks. Use it sparingly on longer hair to tame frizz, add weight, definition and control, and smooth flyaways.
In short:
Original = higher hold/shine, sets, clean finish.
Grease = flexible, reworkable, classic feel, easy wash-out.
Pick based on whether you want set-and-forget structure or on-the-go adjustability.
CLASSIC STYLES BUILT WITH POMADE
The Pompadour – high front, tight sides, iconic silhouette.
Side-Part/Business Cut – clean line, controlled crown, boardroom to barstool.
Slick-Back – smooth, combed straight back for a no-nonsense finish.
Greaser/Duck Ass – deeper sheen and pliability, best with reworkable pomade.
Rockabilly Quiff – height with separation; shine ties it together.
Longer Hair Polished Ends – a fingertip of Grease Pomade to lose the frizz and add definition.
(Think Elvis for pomps, Don Draper for side-parts, and Tommy Shelby for razor-sharp control.)
BENEFITS OF HAIR POMADE
• Control & Definition. Shapes without the crunch of gels.
• Adjustable Shine. From subtle gleam to high gloss.
• Frizz Management. Smooths the cuticle and adds polish.
• Versatility. Works on short classics and longer, unruly lengths.
• Barbershop Finish at Home. A little goes a long way.
HOW TO USE HAIR POMADE
- Prep the canvas: Wash and towel dry. For strong, tidy shapes with Original, keep hair slightly damp. For flexible control with Grease, start dry or nearly dry.
-
Measure small: Start with a pea-to-fingertip amount. You can always add more.
Emulsify: Rub between palms until it’s evenly distributed - no clumps. - Load up: Work product through, back to front, lifting at the roots for volume.
- Comb or brush: Set your part, define the shape, and smooth the surface.
- Lock it in (Original): Let it set for that clean, durable finish.
- Rework (Grease): Keep a comb handy and restyle anytime; add a whisper more for evening polish.
- Wash out: Original rinses clean with water and shampoo. Grease Pomade washes out like a water-based - no marathon scrubbing.
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN STYLING WITH POMADE
Using too much: Start with a pea-to-fingertip amount. Add more if needed.
Skipping the warm-up: Emulsify between palms until it’s smooth and even.
Applying to soaking-wet hair: For water-based hold and shape, go towel-dry to slightly damp. For Grease and lived-in control, dry hair works brilliantly.
Ignoring distribution: Work from back to front, roots to ends; then comb or brush into place.
No plan, no part: Decide on your part and direction first if using a pomade that sets to.
IS POMADE BAD FOR YOUR HAIR?
Used correctly, no. Quality pomades are designed for hair and scalp. Issues usually come from over-application or not washing properly. Rinse and cleanse regularly and give the scalp a thorough scrub. If your hair is fine or easily weighed down, keep amounts minimal, particularly with richer, oil-style formulas.
WE'VE GOT THE TOOLS
Whether you want high-shine, high-hold structure (Original Pomade) or classic, reworkable control that still washes out easily (Grease Pomade), Oil Can’s got the right tool for your hair. Build the style you want and keep it running smooth all day.