Pomade vs Gel: Which is Right for Your Hairstyle?

Finding the right hair styling products can transform your daily look. When deciding between pomade vs gel, it's more than just a matter of hold. It's about understanding your hair type, the desired hair texture, and how your style fits your lifestyle.

This guide breaks down the essential differences between these two popular men's hair products, offering practical styling techniques and helping you choose the best option for your needs. Whether you're aiming for a classic, smooth finish or a structured, defined look, we'll help you elevate your hair grooming routine.

What Is Pomade

Pomade, a versatile men's hair product, provides medium to strong hold with either a natural or high-shine finish, making it perfect for classic styles such as pompadours and slick backs. A key advantage over gel is pomade’s reworkability, allowing for style adjustments throughout the day and preventing stiffness or flaking.

Pomades come in two main types: water-based, which offer easy washability, and oil-based, which provide a more durable, long-lasting hold. When weighing pomade vs gel, pomade is often preferred for achieving a polished, flexible style that maintains its look without hardening.

What is Hair Gel?

Hair gel is a product that gives your hair a strong, firm hold and a shiny, wet look. It’s great for hairstyles that need to be shaped and stay in place, like spikes or very defined looks. Unlike pomade, which lets you change your style during the day, gel keeps your hair exactly where you put it, all day long. It works especially well for short hair or when you want a sharp, sculpted style.

Because gel dries quickly, you need to style your hair right away, as you can’t change it after it dries. Using too much gel can make your hair feel hard or look flaky. When choosing between pomade vs gel, hair gel is the best option if you want a style that stays put without needing to be fixed throughout the day.

How to Choose Between Pomade vs Gel?

To get the hairstyle you want, you need the right hair products. When deciding between pomade and gel, think about your hair type, the style you want, and how it fits into your daily life.

Hair Type

• Fine Hair: If your hair is fine or thin, gel can add volume and make it look fuller without weighing it down. A light, water-based pomade also works well and keeps your hair from looking flat or greasy.
• Thick Hair: Pomade is often the best choice for thick hair because it gives you control and makes your hair smooth. Strong-hold gels also work well if you need a style that stays put all day.
• Curly Hair: Pomade helps your natural curls look soft and touchable. Gel can make your curls look very defined, but it doesn’t let them move as much.
• Straight Hair: Pomade adds shine and lets you create smooth, classic styles. Gel gives a strong hold for styles that need to be sculpted and stay in place.

Style Goals

• Casual Styles: If you like relaxed styles, pomade is great because you can change your look easily. It’s perfect for styles like tousled hair, side parts, and pompadours.
• Formal Styles: For styles that need to stay perfect all day, like spikes and wet looks, gel’s strong hold is essential.
• Texture and Volume: Pomade gives your hair natural movement and texture. Gel makes sharp, defined styles that stay exactly where you put them.

Daily Life

• All-Day Hold: If you have a busy day, gel is a good choice because it keeps your hair in place from morning to night.
• Change Your Style: Pomade's versatility allows for easy adjustments throughout the day, giving you the option to rework your hairstyle if it starts to lose shape.
• Hair Washing: Water-based pomades are easy to wash out, which is good if you wash your hair every day. Oil-based pomades need a stronger shampoo. Gel usually washes out, but sometimes it can leave a little bit behind.

To ensure your hairstyle complements your look and lifestyle, carefully consider your hair type, style goals, and daily routine when choosing between pomade vs gel.

Application Tips For Pomade and Gel

Want your hairstyle to look its best? It all comes down to how you use your hair products. Whether you choose pomade for a flexible style or gel for a strong hold, mastering the right techniques is key.

Using Pomade: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Your Hair: Start with slightly damp or dry hair, depending on the look you want.
2. Warm the Product: Rub a dime-sized amount of pomade between your palms to warm it up, making it easier to apply.
3. Apply Evenly: Work the pomade through your hair, from roots to ends, for consistent coverage.
4. Create Sleek Styles: Use a fine-tooth comb for smooth, classic looks like side parts and slick backs.
5. Add Volume and Texture: Use your fingers to lift and tousle your hair, adding texture and volume.
6. Adjust Throughout the Day: One of pomade’s biggest advantages is that you can easily restyle your hair later.

Using Gel: Quick and Precise

1. Maximize Hold: Apply gel to slightly damp hair for the strongest hold.
2. Apply Carefully: Start with a pea-sized amount, rubbing it between your hands before applying to your hair to avoid clumps.
3. Style Quickly: Gel dries fast, so style your hair as quickly as you can.
4. Create Defined Styles: Gel is perfect for creating defined, structured styles.
5. Check Your Style: Make sure your hairstyle is exactly how you want it before the gel dries, as it's difficult to restyle afterward.

By using these techniques for pomade and gel, you can achieve a polished, professional look every time.

Final Thoughts On The Pomade vs Gel Debate

Choosing between pomade vs gel really comes down to what makes your hair look its best and how confident you feel. Pomade lets you change your style easily and gives a natural look, while gel keeps your hair exactly where you want it all day. Think about your hair type, your daily life, and the style you like to help you pick the right product.

Good hair isn't just about the product; it's also about how you use it. Trying different ways to put it in your hair helps you get that neat, professional look. Whether you want a smooth, classic style or something bold, knowing how to use pomade or gel well makes sure your hair shows off your style. Find what works for you and let your hair show who you are.