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
SP Matte Styling Clay
Cons-Oil&Wax
SP Matte Styling Clay
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
SP Matte Styling Clay
Cons-Water-based
SP Matte Styling Clay
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
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SAMSONS POMADE is a newly established brand dedicated to exceptional hair care. Our brand is built upon foundational biblical principles, with a vision that extends beyond hair care! Our fundamental belief is that our strength and integrity is the core of our business.
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of additional high-quality hair care and styling products in early next year, including our highly anticipated Shine Pomade.
Further articles providing an exclusive look into the operations and ethos behind our brand will also be published soon.
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