Pomade vs Clay – Which is Best for You

Do you struggle with styling your hair? Maybe your hair has a lot of volume, which discourages further styling. Or you want to make the most of the little hair you do have. Men’s hair is different as much as it is wild.

You are looking for that perfect style. A style that is versatile and professional. Hair is an indication of your personality. Of course, you want to be the best you can be: so why shouldn’t your hair be the best as well?

Men have many options to choose from when it comes to hairstyling. Let’s focus on two hairstyling products that give you your best look. It boils down to clay and pomade and the differences between them. You can determine if clay or pomade is right for you based on the advantages and disadvantages found below.

Pomade

What is Pomade?   

Pomade is excellent for maintaining a given style. Pomade will hold your hair in the chosen position throughout the day. Applying pomade to your hair gives it a shiny, greasy appearance. Here are the pros and cons to pomade:

Pros

• Control over styling
• Provides nutrients to your hair
• Adds volume to your hair

Cons

• Greasy hair
• A pain to wash out
• Too much is bad for your scalp

Styling Control

The greatest benefit to using pomade is control. Many guys have their go-to look, and pomade is great for finding one. Once found, how do you style your hair? Men with shorter hair can use a comb and run their fingers through their hair for a quiff or a side part. For men with long hair, try a slick back or a brush-up. Whatever your style is, using pomade can help you achieve a given style.

Nutrients

The difference between great and sub-par pomade is staggering. For instance, well-made pomade contains many nutrient-rich ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, and castor oil. Castor oil is certainly a vital ingredient any good pomade should have. This oil prevents infections, improves blood flow, and even reduces inflammation. However, what it does for your hair is what makes it special. According to Byrdie, castor oil is responsible for strengthening strands, promoting hair growth, and nourishing a dry scalp.

Volume

Some men with long hair seek to add to their personality. Others want to be noticed, with a bold hairstyle to match. Another benefit to using pomade is volume. Pomade allows you to keep your hair looking full and clean throughout the day. And because you can apply it multiple times, you are left with the same hairstyle you love every day.

Greasy

Pomade is easy-to-use, provides nutrients to your hair, and leaves your hair looking as full as possible. Unfortunately, pomade is also greasy. So greasy that it can block your hair ducts. This is a situation you don’t want to find yourself in; blocked hair ducts could lead to hair loss/thinning. Additionally, the more applications, the harder it is to remove the pomade from your hair.

Hard to Wash Out

Since pomade is one of the thickest products you can apply, it’s also a tough substance to wash out. Be mindful of the amount of pomade you apply each day. More so, men with sensitive scalps will struggle with the removal process.

Bad for Your Scalp

Yes, we said earlier that pomade has vital nutrients built in to support hair growth and reduce inflammation. While true for some products, not every product goes through the same process. Purchasing poorly made pomade is something you should avoid. In excess, you could end up damaging your hair, or worse your scalp. 

Clay

What is Clay?

Styling clay is a popular product in the men’s style world. Amazon, an e-commerce leader, features hair clay from companies like Baxter of California, Smooth Viking, and Layrite. Clay is measured in holds. Certain clays have low holds, while some have medium holds. For decision-making purposes, here are the pros and cons you should be aware of:

Pros

• Removes grease
• Healing and stimulating hair shaft
• Easy to wash out

Cons

• Weak hold
• Dries out
• Not fragrance-free

Removes Grease

Clay is not greasy. Styling clay has an almost chalky consistency. It is firm and dry until water is added. If you’re looking for a hair product that unclogs your hair shaft, you can’t go wrong with styling clay. In addition, depending on the hold you purchase, it will impact the overall appearance of your hair. Nevertheless, styling clay removes the greasy feel and appearance from your mane.

Heals Hair Shaft

One amazing feature of styling clay is its ability to heal your hair shaft. Over-washing your hair with shampoo will lead to damaged hair and a clogged scalp. On the other hand, applying clay to your hair results in healthier, damage-free strands.

Easy to Wash Out

Clay is a ten out of ten in terms of ease of use. No matter the hold, clay is very easy to remove. Since clay isn’t sticky, it hardens to your scalp. When you are looking to remove the product, simply wet your hands, running them through your hair. Or, place your head under a showerhead.

Weak Hold

Styling clay does have some downsides, one of them being a weak hold. After a few hours, the clay in your hair will absorb into your scalp. The weather may affect your hair negatively. However you choose to style your hair is the way it will look for the remainder of that day.

Dries Out

Additionally, medium-hold clay tends to dry out faster than low-holds. Keep this in mind if you are searching for styling clay. Furthermore, specific styling clays are oil-based, which won’t bode well for your scalp.

Not Fragrance-Free

Men’s style products typically include many of the same ingredients found in hair styling products. Companies sell clays with specific fragrances. While many of these products smell pleasant, the same cannot be said for hair health. Products that include fragrances can damage your scalp and hair shafts.

Pomade and Clay Comparison

Should you style your hair with pomade or clay? You must ask yourself the following questions:

1. What kind of hair do I have?
2. What look am I trying to achieve?

1. This is paramount to your final decision. Men with fine hair would benefit from clay far more than they would pomade. Styling clay provides nutrients to your hair fibers, in turn healing your scalp. Don’t forget about clay’s lack of greasiness. This enables any fine-haired man to achieve a stylish, versatile look they are comfortable wearing.

Men with dense hair would certainly benefit from pomade. While pomade is generally greasy, you can acquire water-based pomade. Water-based pomade is not only less greasy, but it works on most skin types as well. If you have sensitive skin, this pomade should work wonders on your hair.

2. Maybe you are buying hair styling products for the sole purpose of completing a professional or casual look. Men in the workplace need a hairstyle that is both uniform and maintenance-free. In this case, pomade comes out on top. It’s easy to apply, can be done multiple times a day with little hassle, and holds all day. Alternatively, style your hair to include bangs or a French crop with clay.

Conclusion

Clay and pomade have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Clay is excellent on guys with fine hair or those who struggle with sensitive skin. Pomade excels on men with thick hair or those interested in being bold. Moreover, both hairstyling products have their place in the men’s style space. Are you a pomade or clay kind of guy?