If you’re familiar with the Highland brand, you know that we have created two natural products: a natural ingredient pomade and a cream. You might be asking yourself which one should I buy? And, what’s the difference between the products?

Well they are both great products that will help your hair’s health while styling it, you will be happy with whichever one of the product your go for! The main difference lies in the end result your are trying to achieve and how you use the products.

True to most hair creams, our Glacial Cream offers a light hold with a matte finish. This means if you’re looking for that tousled, lived-in hair look—think Kim Kardashian at the 2024 Met Gala—then this is the product you will reach for. But better yet, you might want to get both a cream and pomade, here’s why.

What is a pomade?

If you’re still wondering what a pomade is, well they are one of the oldest hair styling products and can be made from different bases including: water, oil, clay or wax.

Through the centuries the product has evolved, but it has remained as a staple for styles that require light to strong hold. Depending on which pomade you choose, the product can add shine to your hair or give you a matte finish.

Most pomades will not harden your hair and will give you the flexibility to restyle your hair throughout the day.

Who should and should not use a pomade?

The good news is, anyone can use a pomade. If you’re using a high-quality vegan and paraben-free like our Glacial Clay pomade, you will not only see your hair styled to perfection, but will nourish and treat your hair. The Glacial Clay pomade, is not oil-based which makes it super easy to wash out from the hair and avoid buildup in the hair. Having buildup of products in your hair can affect the overall health of your scalp and hair, and leave your hair feeling extra flat and greasy.

Using or not using a pomade will depend on the hairstyle you are trying to achieve. If you’re looking for that tossed sort of bed hair vibe, then a pomade with light to medium hold will be the best option. If you’re hair’s health is your main priority (as is mine), then you will be definitely want to look for a pomade with natural ingredients—quick tip, if you can’t pronounce the ingredient then stay away!

What is hair cream?

Hair creams are probably everyone’s go-to product when styling their hair because they are also a pre-styling product. You might be wondering what is a pre-style product. Pre-style products are used before styling your hair with your regular hair style products. So when you hair is wet, you can add in hair cream, dry your hair and then finishes with you favorite pomade to get rid of any frizz.

The added bonus if that hair creams usually work to protect your hair and improve its health. If you use a product like our Glacial Cream, for instance, you will be helping your hair stay deeply conditioned while retaining its natural texture. We do recommend you use the Glacial Cream with wet hair for that lived-in look, but if you opt to use it on dry hair it will work just fine, just add a little water!

Who should and should not use a hair cream?

Everyone can use a cream—it’s usually a great product to add to your daily hairstyling routine. You should be cautious of using too much product specially if your hair tents to feel heavy or is naturally oily. Creams are easy to overuse, when in doubt just start small, a pea-sized amount will go a long way! Keep in mind, creams are product you can and should combine with other styling products like pomades, so you don’t need to rely on one product doing all the work.

Pomade vs. hair creams: Which one should you use

The beauty about hair creams is you do not have to choose—you should actually use both!

My favorite way to use our Glacial Cream is right after I wash my hair. I towel dry my hair, then take a small amount of the glacial cream, warm it up in the palm of my hands and hit my roots for a little volume. Then I take another bit and apply to my ends and let my hair air dry. After using the glacial cream, I’ve noticed some of the damaged areas left in my hair due to a bad highlight experience I had a few months ago, my hair feels nourished and healthier!

If air drying is not your thing and you prefer to blow dry your hair, you can use a hair cream to make your blowout look like it was done by a professional. To seal your hair in place, follow up with a bit of pomade to finish giving your hair the volume and natural shine we all love. Remember, the quality of ingredients used in your hairstyling product is key! Our natural, vegan and paraben-free products guarantee happy hair after every use and our cream and pomade will nourish your hair not just style it.