Good hair products can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your desired hair style. When you’re looking to keep your hair frizz-free and locked in place, pomades and gels are usually your go-to. You now might be wondering what’s the difference and when should you (and shouldn’t you) use a pomade versus a gel.

Let’s start by learning about each product and the differences between a pomade and gel.

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, and depending on which pomade you choose, the product can add shine to your hair or give you a matte finish. Unlike gels, most pomades will not harden your hair, giving your 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 hair style you are trying to achieve. If you’re looking for that tousled sort of bed hair style, then a pomade with light to medium hold will be the best option. You should also keep in mind that not all pomades are made the same. Oil-based pomades, for instance, are extremely difficult to wash out and will require a couple washes. Overly washing your hair to get product out, might lead to a bit of dry hair and losing a few extra stands of hair.

If you have acne-prone skin, oil-based pomades might not be the best option for you. This is because the product is hard to wash out, so if your don’t wash it out thoroughly, when you sleep the oil could transfer onto your pillow and eventually on your skin. This doesn’t happen to everyone and is a minor inconvenience, but definitely something to consider when choosing a pomade.

What is a hair gel?

Hair gel is a styling products used to harden and hold hair in place. Hair gels are one of the most common products used when styling hair. Hair gel will control frizz, define curls and comb hair in place. Due to the products used to make hair gels like drying alcohols, hair gel is thought to be harmful to hair. High quality gels have better ingredients, but if you prefer to not feel the crunchy, harden texture to your hair and like the flexibility of restyling your hair throughout the day, a gel will be too much of a commitment.

Who should and should not use a hair gel?

Remember the spikey hair looks and extremely slicked back dos that did not move at all? That’s all due to gel. Gel will define your curls, keep your hair in place and even add some shine to your final hair look. They are very easy to wash out because they are a water-based product, so you just need to rinse them out and that’s it!

If you’re going to opt to use a hair gel, be prepared for the snowflake effect. Yup you guessed it, that’s when your hair looks like it has a white cast over it almost like dandruff. If you’re someone who touches your hair a lot through out the day, then stay away from hair gels.

If you have very fine hair or are experiencing hair thinning, gels will not be the best option for you. Since the product clumps hair together to give it that firm hold, you will be able to see more of the scalp; you will likely see more scalp showing when using hair gels even if you’re not experiencing any hair loss.

Pomade vs. Hair gel: What’s the difference and which one should you use

When picking between a pomade and a hair gel, there are a few key factors to consider.

Hold: Determine the amount of hold you’re looking for. Pomades are very versatile products and the hold can be gradually built-up by layering in the product slowly. Gels don’t offer the same flexibility.

Washability: Consider if you want to have product in your hair for days or want something that comes out in one wash. If you’re using gel you will need to wash your hair everyday and reapply the gel daily to avoid accumulating too much product in your hair.

Hair Health: High quality products like the Glacial Clay pomade, will promote your hair’s overall health. Gels are not known to promote hair health, some have actually complained about the condition of their hair after using gel for an extended amount of time. Your hair’s health is a priority since it will determine how good (not bad) different hairstyles will look on you.

Texture: If hard and crunchy hair is not for you, then gels are not the best option. If you want to be able to run your fingers through your hair throughout the day, go with a natural pomade like the Glacial Clay which gives your light to medium hold.

Restyling options: Gels will not offer you the possibility of adjusting your hair throughout the day. Once the gel dries, you’re pretty much stuck with your hairstyle until you wet the hair again.