Pomades are just as great at taking your pomp to the next level as they are sticking to your hair like Super Glue. That’s because most pomades are made with petroleum, which is extremely impenetrable to water. For this reason, washing pomade out can be a drawn-out nightmare (as many of you already know).
Regular shampoo won’t get it out, and neither will peanut butter (yes, we’ve tried). You have to bring out the big guns to remove stubborn hair grease. Although removal is a process, it’s greatly helped by pomade shampoo. Unlike normal shampoos, pomade shampoos have extra grease-cutting powers that will make your life so much easier. Keep reading for several of our best methods for removing pomade.
Method 1 / Ajax or Dawn and pomade shampoo
Douse your hair with a tablespoon of Ajax Super Degreaser Dish Liquid Detergent or Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and let it soak for a while. Then rinse out with warm water. Follow with a pomade shampoo (like Schmiere Rumble 59 Ex Shampoo 250ml) to get the last bit of slick out. Rinse with cool water to seal your hair follicles and to keep your hair shiny and healthy.
Method 2 / Olive oil, Ajax/Dawn/pomade shampoo, and conditioner
Use grease to cut grease. Not only is olive oil widely available, but it is also inexpensive and simultaneously adds moisture to hair before the harsh detergent step. Our advice? Slather the olive oil onto hair when you’re still in the shower so it penetrates open hair follicles.
By now, most (if not all) of the pomade should be out of your hair. Follow with Ajax, Dawn, or pomade shampoo only if necessary, letting the product sit for as long as it takes to break everything up. Finish with a conditioner (like Dax Weightless Repair Restoring Conditioner) to avoid drying out your hair.
This method differs from the first because of that extra olive oil hydration step – yes, it takes more time, but your hair will look happier for it.
Method 3 / Switch to a water-based pomade
Water-based pomades don’t contain petroleum, so they wash out easily with water. While it’s true that they don’t give you as much hold as petroleum-based pomades, they are much easier to deal with at the end of the day. Plus they’re less likely to cause pomade acne – see our full post on water-based pomades and acne here.
Ultimately, you’ll have to try out the methods to see what works for you. We’re curious – how do you remove your pomade? We’d love to hear new techniques!
Pomade shampoo and conditioner recommendations:
Shop: 1. Atomic Pomade Shampoo, 2. Lucky 13 Royal Flush Deep Cleansing Shampoo, 3. Mr. Ducktail Anti Wax Shampoo, 4. Dax Roots Hair Mayonnaise, 5. Duffy’s Brew Craft Beer Conditioner.
