Why Cheap Pomade is Never a Good Look

When it comes to self-care and cosmetic items, there are some things that you can skimp on. These items can be well-produced at drugstore prices using inexpensive but effective ingredients. 

Pomade is not one of those things. Like gross hair gel, a cheap pomade can make your hair look plastic, provide a weak hold, and mess up your hair. Here’s why you should skip the cheap stuff, and what you should choose instead. 

The Problems With Cheap Pomade 

Plastic Appearance 

A lot of cheap pomades are loaded with petroleum by-products that coat your hair shaft to deliver the look. The problem is the source of the by-products and the high concentrations found in your products. The main culprits here include: 

• Dimethacon
• Cyclomethicone
• Acrylates
• Copolymers
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Methylisothiazolinone
• Paraffin waxes

These ingredients coat your hair in a majorly plastic way. That’s why natural alternatives are preferable, like beeswax, shea butter, and neem oil. They provide the same hold and a natural sheen without the product build-up and eventual plastic look. 

Weak Hold 

Cheap pomades aren't made with long-lasting, strong hold ingredients. There are two things to keep in mind here: short-term hold and long-term effects. Low quality ingredients (like those described above) provide short-term hold - but they weaken hair over time, making it thinner, damaged, and frazzled. 

That’s why it’s best to look for nourishing and strengthening strong hold ingredients like:

• Hydrolyzed proteins, which nourish the scalp and encourage hair strength and growth
• Bentonite clay, which provides a naturally powerful, pliable hold
• Beeswax, which provides natural, easy-to-wash all-day hold 

Skin Irritating 

Cheap pomade can cause skin issues, including clogged pores, irritation, and acne. The reason here is simple: cheap pomade often contain ingredients like alcohol, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and sulfates. This can irritate the skin and cause major congestion, particularly with regular use. 

Natural, water-soluble formulas and nourishing, skin-soothing ingredients like peppermint, vitamin E, and aloe vera are best.

Dry Hair 

Heavy, oil-based products damage hair follicles, particularly with regular or heavy use. 

If you don’t properly cleanse your hair, the ingredients in cheap pomades - like oil, petroleum, and waxes - can smother the hair shaft and suffocate the hair follicles. 

Over time, this buildup on the hair shaft can lead to dull, dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair. Plus, excess weight on the roots can ultimately contribute to hair loss.

Finding the Right Pomade For You 

Now that you know what to avoid, how do you find the right hair pomade for you? Here are some options to consider: 

Wax Pomade 

If you have wavy hair or want to go for a classic look, consider a wax pomade. Formulated with beeswax, vitamin E, and castor oil, a great wax pomade will provide medium, flexible hold that you can style however you want throughout the day. 

Alternatively, you can also consider a Texturizing Sea Salt Spray for Men. Think about how your wavy hair looks and feels after you get out of the ocean: textured and lifted with defined curls and not a lot of frizz. In other words, a post-swim perfect hair day. 

A texturizing sea salt spray can give you the same effect without the sunburn or sand, giving your wavy hair a relaxed, beachy upgrade with just a few sprays. 

Clay Pomade 

If you want volume, lift, or more complex style that doesn’t look shiny or product-laden, we recommend the Styling Clay Pomade or the Classic Firm Hold Pomade.

The bentonite clay in the former will provide strong, pliable hold and a naturally clean, matte look, while the latter will give you the height you’re looking for with a little extra shine and strength. 

Gel Pomade 

On the other end of the spectrum, if you want a slick, high-gloss finish, you should go with a gel pomade. The right gel pomade - which is usually water-soluble and formulated with good-for-your-hair ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E - will provide a strong hold and polished shine without damaging your hair or drying it out. 

Still figuring out your hairstyle? Here’s a guide on how to find the right hairstyle for your face and head shape.