Hair Pomade vs Gel: What’s the Difference?

Taking care of one’s hair has stopped being just a women’s interest for quite a long time now and as a result, there are a lot of men’s hair products on the market as well. So, if you’re new to this it can be a bit confusing at first trying to differentiate between all these products, their seemingly similar purposes and contents, and how & when they ought to be used.

So, with pomade vs gel being one of the most common points of confusion, let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between these two products and figure out whether and when you should use either of them.

What is pomade?

To determine the difference between pomade and gel we first need to know what these products are. Pomade is a petroleum-based product that’s either wax- or water-based. It’s excellent for giving your hair shine and luster and is preferred by people who’re after a slick and well-groomed style.

Pomade also tends to make the hair a bit greasy which is why it’s more suited for people with typically dry hair and avoided by those whose hair is naturally oily anyway. Regulating the amount of pomade used also goes a long way in those situations as if you have mediumly oily hair you can still use pomade just a bit more sparingly.

There are also newly developed pomade variants that are water-soluble. They offer the same high-level hold and slicked back look but can be easily washed away with just water.

What is hair gel?

Gels are known for their strong hold, so much so that they make hair look and feel rock solid. Too much gel can even make your hair a bit flaky. There are lighter and firmer gel variants and most modern gels can be washed away with just water.

Additionally, different gel variants are suitable for different types of hair with the general rule being that the finer your hair is, the lighter the gel you use should be as well.

In short, hair gels’ main purpose is to offer extreme hold for your hair and fixate it in a position against any environmental factor.

Pomade or gel?

The choice between pomade and gel comes down to whether you’re looking for an overall good hold and a slick look that still leaves your hair flexible, or you’re just looking for something to hold your hair firmly into position. In other words, if you know you’re going to a very windy place or a club where you’ll be doing a lot of dancing, for example, a good firm gel will be your best bet. For almost all other everyday situations, a nice pomade might be what you want to go with.

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