If you love the hold and style that pomade gives your hair but need some advice on how to remove it when you’re done, then keep reading. In this article, we will outline a few easy ways to remove the styling substance from your hair with minimal damage.
There are several tried and tested methods out there for getting pomade out of your hair. A water-based pomade can be removed with a specially formulated pomade shampoo. Clay, wax, or oil-based pomades can be removed using a few households or easily bought at the store items such as olive oil, dishwashing liquid, and deep conditioner.
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What Is Pomade?
Pomade is a sticky, sometimes waxy product that dries hard holding certain hairstyles in place.
In times gone by, pomade was made from lard or bear fat. These days, pomade has a main base such as lanolin, beeswax, or petroleum jelly, and a range of ingredients are added to this.
The formula holds hair in place because the base ingredient molecules attach to the hair molecules and to each other.
It is popular for use in a range of styles for both men and women.
More recently, water-based pomades have been developed which tend to wash out easier but lack the strong hold and shine.
The Trouble With Oil-Based Pomades
As great as oil-based pomades are at holding those styles in place, they can prove extremely hard to get out of your hair and can cause other issues:
Hard To Remove
Pomades with a petroleum base are notoriously difficult to remove from hair. They stick to the hair in an almost ‘super-glue’ fashion.
Can Cause Breakouts
Oil-based pomades can leave the scalp and hairline prone to breakouts due to the oil build-up.
Removal Damage
Whatever you use to remove the pomade can potentially strip your hair of oils leaving it dry and susceptible to damage.
Types Of Pomade
When you want to wash your hair, we have a few methods to help remove this tenacious substance.
The method you use will depend on the base of your pomade:
Water-based Pomade Removal
The easiest pomade to remove, all this takes is shampoo and warm water, and you are done!
Oil-based Pomade Removal
These have a more powerful hold and can prove a little trickier to remove.
How to Get Pomade Out of Hair
Pomade Shampoo
There are specially formulated shampoos on the market specifically for those who like to style their hair with pomade.
These products are available at most salon stores and are very effective when it comes to breaking down grease and removing stubborn products from hair.
Try the OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox Shampoo.
This coconut charcoal and kaolin clay-infused shampoo busts through build-up including pomade without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
It deeply cleanses and nourishes the hair leaving it healthy and glowing.
Oily Hair Shampoo Or Clarifying Shampoo
Shampoos formulated for oily hair can be an effective alternative to pomade shampoos.
These products have compounds that safely strip the hair of oil-based products so should work as a treat for removing an oil-based pomade. They also work to remove water-based pomades.
For this, try the Dax Shampoo.
This product thoroughly cleanses and conditions hair and scalp while removing pomade. It leaves hair full of luster, health, and easy to manage.
Another shampoo option is to use a strong clarifying shampoo.
Clarifying shampoos work in a similar way to oily hair shampoos but they are harsher so you should try to limit your use of them.
While they are effective in removing pomade from hair, they will also strip the hair’s natural oils.
Try the REUZEL Scrub Shampoo. Blended with witch hazel, nettle leaf, rosemary, and horsetail root, this shampoo maintains a healthy scalp and vows to get rid of any heavy products left in the hair and scalp
If you go down this route, make sure you treat your hair to a good conditioning treatment to replenish the lost moisture.
Dishwashing Liquid and Pomade Shampoo
Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that work to cut through pomades which are oil-based.
You will need:
- Dishwashing liquid (choose one known for its ability to fight grease)
- Pomade shampoo
- Running water
Instructions:
- Cover your hair with a tablespoon of the dishwashing liquid and leave it to soak for a while.
- Rinse out with warm water.
- Apply a pomade shampoo to remove the last bit of grease.
- Rinse out with cool water to seal your hair follicles and to leave your hair shiny and healthy.
Olive Oil and Dishwashing Liquid
In this method, the olive oil should break down the grease from the pomade a little more, making it easier to remove.
You will need:
- Olive oil
- Dishwashing liquid
- Conditioner
- Running water
- Your regular shampoo (optional)
Instructions:
- Apply a tablespoon of olive oil to the hair and massage through thoroughly-make sure you get right into the follicles.
- Leave this in your hair for a few minutes then rinse out with warm water.
- Next apply a liberal amount of the dishwashing soap to your hair and massage in thoroughly.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply dishwashing soap again but this time leave it for about 15 minutes to remove any stubborn styling substance that remains.
- When the 15 minutes is up, give your hair and scalp another quick massage then rinse with warm water.
- At this point you may want to use some of your regular shampoo- but this is optional.
- Finish with a good conditioner to replenish any natural oils your hair may have lost in this process.
Deep Conditioner
This method just uses the power of a deep conditioner to eradicate the pomade.
What you will need:
- Deep conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Running water
Instructions:
- Apply the deep conditioner to your hair- use approximately the same amount of conditioner as the amount of pomade you used.
- Massage into the hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Brush the conditioner through your hair- brush it backwards, sideways and forwards to spread the conditioner through your hair and to break up any stubborn clumps of pomade.
- Leave this in your hair for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- If you still feel product in your hair after you have towel dried, repeat the process.
Alternatives To Pomade
If the use of pomade in your mane is proving too time-consuming to remove, then you could consider using an alternative to style your hair.
Wax
If you want an alternative to pomade, wax is a comparable hair product.
They are good for styling hair, but they do lack the strength of pomade. They are, however, easier to remove and they give hair high shine.
Hair Paste
Hair paste is very versatile and can be used for almost any style. They are water-based which makes them easier to remove when you are done.
Thicker hair paste can be rubbed between your palms which softens the product allowing you to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
After application, the paste will cool and re-thicken thus given your style the required hold.
Molasses Pomade
A little molasses makes a great hair pomade alternative. Just dip your fingers into the molasses then rub between your fingers to generate some heat.
Smooth onto your hair to condition ends and tame those rogue flyaways. When you want every single hair in place, this is a good alternative choice.
Hair Clay
Clay hair products actually contain a clay ingredient in their formula.
Bentonite is the most commonly used clay and is completely natural, formed from the weathering of volcanic ash.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, clay nourishes your hair and scalp while giving your hair structure and stability throughout the day.
Things You Shouldn’t Do when Removing Pomade
One method that should be avoided is the use of peanut butter to remove pomade.
The oil from the peanuts may cut through some of the grease from the pomade, but you will be left with a sticky mess to wash out so it’s probably not worth it.
Another suggested method out there is the use of harsh chemicals or industrial grade cleaner to remove pomade. This is a big no-no!
The harsh chemicals are toxic and can do a lot of damage to your hair and scalp: burns, skin irritation, hair breakage, and dry skin to name just a few of the possible outcomes.
How To Care For Hair After Removing Pomade
The process of removing pomade from hair can be harsh for your hair. With that in mind, it is imperative that you show your hair a little TLC:
Condition
If you have used dishwashing liquid as part of the removal process, your hair can be left dry as the dishwashing liquid can strip some of your hair’s natural oils.
To keep your hair healthy, shiny, and full of vitality, you need to condition both hair and scalp regularly after pomade removal.
Dry hair and scalp lead to dull lifeless hair which is brittle and easily broken.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dry hair and scalp, mentioned above, can lead to dandruff flakes in some cases. To remedy this, apple cider vinegar works a treat.
You will need:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Cup
Instructions
- Add half cup of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of water.
- Mix well and apply the mixture to your head using a spray bottle (make sure you get it into the scalp-use your fingers to work it in there).
- Leave this to work for ten to twenty minutes then rinse out and condition your hair as normal.
After just one application, you should see a difference. But repeat the method as many times as you feel necessary.
Don’t worry about the vinegary smell-it won’t linger!
Pomades have been a popular choice for styling hair for years. And it’s easy to see why: they offer exceptional hold and shine making any hairstyle possible.
And now that you are armed with a few tips to remove pomade, you can go forth and style happy!
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