Your cart
Your cart is empty
Continue shopping
Article author:
Marwin MeierArticle published at:
November 11, 2025Article comments count:
0
comments
What is the Better Solution for Your Hairstyle? Water-Based or Oil/Wax-Based Pomades?
When it comes to pomade types comparison, the question of water-based vs oil-based pomade often comes up. The truth is, both categories have their unique benefits depending on your hair type, desired finish, and lifestyle.
Nowadays, water-based pomades are the most commonly used and sold hair-styling products. They’re favoured for their easy wash-ability and lighter texture. Unlike traditional oil-based hair products, which can build up over time if not washed thoroughly on a daily basis.
This is also where the water-based pomade vs wax debate begins: wax and oil-based options tend to offer longer-lasting hold and a more classic, slick look, while water-based versions give you flexibility and a cleaner feel. To get to the bottom of the debate I listed all pros & cons for each type below:
|
Pros Oil/Wax-based |
Cons Oil/Wax-based |
|
Provides strong, long-lasting hold |
Can feel heavy or greasy on hair |
|
Adds shine and smoothness |
Can be difficult to wash out |
|
Offers good frizz control and moisture retention |
Can build up on scalp and clog pores |
|
Works well for thick, coarse, or dry hair types |
May weigh down fine or thin hair |
|
Helps protect hair from dryness and environmental stress (rain, sweat) |
|
|
Allows flexible restyling throughout the day |
|
|
Pros Water-based |
Cons Water-based |
|
Easy to wash out with just water or shampoo |
Hold may not last as long as oil/wax-based products |
|
Feels lighter and cleaner on hair |
Can dry out hair if overused (especially alcohol-heavy formulas) |
|
Doesn’t cause buildup or clog pores |
May lose hold in humid or rainy weather |
|
Suitable for most hair types, including fine hair |
Can leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy when dry |
|
Allows for natural look and movement |
Needs more frequent reapplication throughout the day |
When developing SAMSONS POMADE Matte Styling Clay, my goal was to combine the pros of both categories—achieving the natural texture, strength, and control of wax-based pomades while maintaining the lightness and wash-ability of water-based products. With today’s technology, it’s possible to extract and blend natural ingredients in ways that weren’t available back in the 18th century, when oil- and wax-based pomades made from animal fat and beeswax were the only options.
In essence, the water soluble pomade vs oil-based debate isn’t about which one is “better,” but which fits your personal style and routine. At SAMSONS, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise—you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a single, modern formula. And yes, it is Oil and Wax- based, but not to heat the debate but to bring a solution for both groups of argument!
In addition SAMSONS POMADE is dedicated to not only deliver hair styling products but also products that genuinely care for your hair and scalp.
Here are SAMSONS POMADE Matte Clay facts:
|
Pros-Oil&Wax |
Cons-Oil&Wax |
||
|
Provides strong, long-lasting hold |
strong, lasting hold all day, re-shapable all day |
Can feel heavy or greasy on hair |
No greasy feel, due to the clay content which absorbed grease |
|
Adds shine and smoothness |
Shine is absorbed by the Clay, smoothness stays due to nourishing ingredients like shea & coconut Butter |
Difficult to wash out |
Easy to wash out with warm water and shampoo, improved washability through adding a very low % of plant extracted emulsifiers |
|
Offers good frizz control and moisture retention |
The waxes lock the moisture in, your hair does not dry out and stays healthy |
Can build up on scalp and clog pores |
No build up due to improved wash-ability |
|
Works well for thick, coarse, or dry hair types |
Works well on all hair types |
May weigh down fine or thin hair |
Feels smooth and light if not over dosed |
|
Helps protect hair from dryness and environmental stress |
Locks moisture in and keeps sweat or rain away, and can easily be restyled |
|
|
|
Allows flexible restyling throughout the day |
100% flexibility all day |
|
|
|
Pros-Water-based |
Cons-Water-based |
||
|
Easy to wash out with just water or shampoo |
Improved washability through adding a low % of plant extracted emulsifiers |
Hold may not last as long as oil/wax-based products |
Holds and is re-shapable all day |
|
Feels lighter and cleaner on hair |
Smooth soft feeling in hair while being styled |
Can dry out hair if overused (especially alcohol-heavy formulas) |
No drying out of hair at all, only positive moisturizing benefits. Drying out mostly comes from strong perfume fragrances using alcohol. SP Scent is made from essential oils and gives your hair and scalp nourishing benefits |
|
Doesn’t cause buildup or clog pores |
SP does not build up or clog pores if hair is washed on a regular basis (Hygiene), no build up through improved washability |
May lose hold in humid or rainy weather |
No loosing hold because the wax locks moisture out and in, your hair is nourished from the inside and protected from the outside |
|
Suitable for most hair types, including fine hair |
Suitable for most hair types |
Can leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy when dry |
Soft, smooth/ natural feel, not like wearing a helmet |
|
Allows for natural look and movement |
Natural look complete flexibility all day |
Needs more frequent reapplication throughout the day |
Apply once in the morning, enjoy your day with SP |
Latest posts