How to Apply Pomade: Should pomade be applied to wet or dry hair?

It’s no coincidence that pomade is a classic hair product. It makes hair shiny and holds enough hold to maintain the hairstyle all day. As a result, pomade is perfect for classic back-swept hairstyles, undercuts, side-swept bangs, and basically all swept back hairstyles. However, pomade is also easy to change, and results can vary depending on how the hair is treated prior to application. That’s why we’ve gathered here the most frequently asked questions on the subject to help you have gorgeous, beautiful hair!

Table of Contents

Should you use pomade on wet or dry hair?

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Most pomades work best on damp hair. Most people who like to use pomade often wash their hair and use conditioner, then use a towel to blot the hair almost dry. Next, they would use their hands to rub a pea-sized amount of pomade into their hair and use their fingers and a comb to fix the hair. When the hair is completely dry, pomade will help keep the hair in place. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Usually you need a little water to “activate” and smooth the pomade, but too much water will cause the pomade to become diluted.
If you don’t apply pomade after shampooing, at least wet your hands and run them through your hair a few times. It’s much easier to stroke the pomade when the hair is slightly damp.

Can you stroke pomade into wet hair?

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Maybe, if you want shiny hair, but it will make your hair greasy. If you have dry hair and want really shiny hair, you can massage pomade into wet hair, then let it dry naturally or blow-dry on low heat. Unfortunately, most people find this way to make their hair very greasy, and pomade can leave greasy streaks on hats, headrests, and pillows. ^{[2] X Research Source}

With water-soluble pomade this is a bad idea, as it will be diluted and not evenly spread on the hair. In addition, it is not able to hold the hair effectively.
Your hair will be noticeably greasy if you use an oil-based pomade, as it is not diluted with water.

Can I use pomade on dry hair?

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Yes, if you’re more focused on keeping your hair in place than on even texture. You can massage pomade into your hair once it’s dry. In fact, if you want to smooth loose strands of hair and keep your hairstyle from breaking in strong winds, this is a great choice. However, most people who use pomade do not do so; Pomade is very thick, and your hair may become clumped and uneven if you run the pomade over dry hair. You also won’t get the classic shiny hair that most pomade users want. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

The consistency of pomade can make it difficult to smooth through dry hair because there is no lubricant to help the pomade spread. This can cause the pomade to clump and dry out in the hair.

How much pomade should be used?

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Start with a pea-sized amount of pomade and add more as needed. Pomade is something that is much more effective when used little by little. You can add more pomade at any time, but if you want to get rid of the pomade there is no choice but to wash your hair, so start with a very small amount and add more if needed. Most people think that a pea-sized amount of pomade is already a lot. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Pomade may harden a bit when kept in a cool place. If the pomade doesn’t feel soft, warm the pomade between your palms. The heat of the hand is enough to soften the pomade.

Is it harmful to use pomade every day?

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Yes, especially if you want to keep your skin clear. If you abuse pomade, you will be very prone to acne at the hairline. Pomade has a thick texture and will clog pores if you use it daily. If you want to keep your skin healthy and clear, it’s best to use it sparingly and stop for a while before using it again to let your skin breathe. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you really want to use pomade every day, you should choose water-based pomade. Oil-based pomades have a better hold, but more oil will also accumulate on the hair.

Should I wash my hair every day while using pomade?

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Yes, you should wash your hair while using pomade. You don’t need to wash your hair every day if you don’t use any products, but if you’ve used pomade to style your hair, you should wash it before you go to bed. Pomade has a dense texture, so rinsing the pomade leaves hair softer and healthier. With water-based pomade, you can simply shampoo and condition as you normally would. Oil-based pomades don’t dissolve in water, so you need to take an extra step. Try one of the following: ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Buy pomade shampoos specially formulated to wash off oil-based pomades.
Wash your hair with a special deep cleansing shampoo for oily hair.
Rub a tablespoon of olive oil into your hair to soften the pomade and wash it with a grease-busting dish soap.

Does pomade cause hair loss?

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There’s no hard evidence yet, but it’s theoretically possible. Pomades are usually quite heavy, and it seems like anything that makes hair heavy can lead to hair loss in the long run. ^{[7] X Research Sources} However, there is not much scientific evidence that pomade is harmful to hair or leads to hair loss. Many people use pomade quite often, so it doesn’t seem to directly contribute to hair loss. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Maybe people blame pomade for hair loss because they often brush their hair after applying pomade to their hair. Weak hairs may fall out when combing, but that’s not pomade’s fault! ^{[9] X Research Source}

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