How to Slick Back Hair with Wax?
Pomade
Pomade is a product which is unrivaled in terms of the shine and luster it gives and is either wax or water based. If you’re going for a slick, well groomed hairstyle, pomade is likely the best option however it is also the product of choice for those sporting a quiff, pompadour or ducktail. Pomade makes the hair a bit greasy, making it the perfect product for those who have naturally dry hair. Pomade allows you to alter the effect by changing the amount you use and whether you apply to wet or dry hair, with wet hair giving less hold with more shine and dry hair giving more hold with less shine.
RELATED: Three Styling Clay Products For Fine, Thinning HairPomade is traditionally petroleum-based and provide excellent hold and shine with the ability to reshape and comb throughout the day. It does not wash out with water and is generally left in the hair. This is the look favoured by ‘greasers’ and those looking for the more traditional slickback. The recent development of water-soluble pomades allow users to get the same high hold and slicked back look but can be removed with just water. Water-based pomades lack the high shine of petroleum pomades and will harden to a stiff finish however they are more versatile and offer a stronger hold to keep styles in place.
To Use: Apply a small amount of the product to your palm and warm it up by rubbing your hands together before applying to slightly damp hair.
Great For: Pompadours, Quiffs & Slick Back Styles but can be used for most styles.
Use It Because: It’s the only way to give that shiny, slick look to your hair!
Example Products: Suavecito Pomade* (Normal Hold), Baxter of California Clay Pomade*, American Crew Pomade*.
Wax
Whereas pomade is most suited for those slicked back styles, wax offers a solution for those who want a product which can hold a hairstyle. In addition, for those with naturally oily hair, wax often offers a much more suited solution given that pomade can add extra grease to your hair. Whereas pomade remains palliable, wax will often dry out after a few hours however will allow you to restyle until then. Wax is great for making detailed expression and accentuating your hairstyle and can also be used to give a spiky look, unlike pomade.
To Use: Apply in the same way as pomade, warming a small amount in your palms but always apply to completely dry hair, never wet.
Great For: Most hairstyles including spikes!
Use It Because: You can create different textures and add expression to almost any style.
Example Products: Redken Maneuver Working Wax*, Gatsby Moving Rubber*, TIGI Bed Head Workable Wax*.
RELATED: Hair Tonic: What It Is And How To Use ItGel
Few products are able to give as strong a hold as gel, however you’re generally left with hair that is absolutely rock solid as well as often being flaky. If you’re looking for maximum hold where pomade and wax just won’t do, however, gel may be your only option and there’s the added benefit that it will wash straight out with just water. You’ll find gel available in both light and firm hold gels and which you use depends entirely on your hair type and the style you’re aiming for. As a general rule, the finer your hair, the lighter the gel you should use.
