Using pomade on short curly hair can help define curls, reduce frizz, and provide lasting hold without making your hair stiff. It's a versatile product that allows you to sculpt and enhance your natural curl pattern.
Why Pomade is Great for Short Curly Hair
Pomade offers several benefits specifically for shorter curly styles:
- Curl Definition: It helps to clump curls together, enhancing their natural shape and making them more prominent.
- Frizz Control: Pomade creates a barrier that can smooth down flyaways and reduce frizz, especially in humid conditions.
- Hold and Structure: It provides enough hold to keep your style in place throughout the day, whether you're aiming for a neat, slicked-back look or more defined, bouncy curls.
- Shine: Many pomades add a healthy sheen to your hair, making it look vibrant and well-nourished.
- Flexibility: Unlike some other styling products, pomade often allows for re-styling throughout the day without flaking or crunchiness.
Choosing the Right Pomade for Your Curls
Selecting the appropriate pomade is crucial for optimal results on short curly hair. Consider the following types:
Types of Pomade
- Water-Based Pomades: These are excellent for most short curly hair types.
- Pros: Easy to wash out with water, flexible hold, often lighter feel. Less likely to clog pores or cause buildup.
- Cons: May not offer the strongest hold for very coarse or unruly curls, can reactivate with sweat or humidity.
- Oil-Based Pomades: Traditionally used for slick, classic styles, these offer strong hold and high shine.
- Pros: Excellent for maximum hold and shine, great for taming very thick or coarse curls.
- Cons: Difficult to wash out (requires specific shampoo or multiple washes), can feel greasy, may clog pores if not removed properly.
- Clay Pomades: Offer a matte finish with strong hold and added texture.
- Pros: Natural look, good for adding volume and texture, absorbs excess oil.
- Cons: Can be stiffer, less shine, may not be ideal if you prefer a softer feel.
Hold Levels and Finish
| Type of Pomade | Hold Level | Finish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based | Light to Strong | Natural/Medium | Everyday styling, easy re-styling, definition |
| Oil-Based | Medium to Extra Strong | High Shine | Classic styles, maximum control, thick hair |
| Clay | Medium to Strong | Matte | Textured looks, volume, natural appearance |
For short curly hair, a medium to strong hold water-based pomade is often a great starting point, offering a balance of control and easy cleanup. If your curls are very thick or you desire a sleeker look, an oil-based option might be more suitable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Pomade
Applying pomade correctly is key to achieving your desired style and maximizing its benefits.
1. Prepare Your Hair
- Start with clean, damp hair: For most curly styles, applying pomade to slightly damp (towel-dried) hair works best. This allows for easier distribution and helps to lock in moisture, enhancing curl definition. If you want maximum hold and a more structured look, you can apply it to dry hair.
- Ensure it's not dripping wet: Hair that's too wet will dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness.
2. Get the Right Amount
- Start with a pea-sized amount. This is crucial to avoid over-applying, which can make your hair look greasy or weighed down. You can always add more if needed, but it's hard to take away!
3. Emulsify the Product
- Rub the pomade between your palms until warm and evenly distributed across both hands. This step is vital, especially for thicker pomades, as it softens the product, making it easier to apply smoothly and prevent clumping in your hair.
4. Apply Evenly
- Gently work the pomade into your hair, starting from the back and moving to the front. Begin by focusing on the roots and then distribute it through the mid-lengths and ends. This ensures even coverage and helps to lift the hair at the back, preventing a flat look.
- Use your fingertips: For short curly hair, using your fingertips to work the product in allows for better control and ensures it reaches all the strands.
5. Style and Define
- Scrunch: For more volume and bounce, gently scrunch your curls from the ends towards the roots.
- Finger Coil: To enhance individual curls, take small sections of hair and twist them around your finger from root to tip. This creates very defined, uniform curls.
- Shape: Use your fingers to shape your desired style, whether it's pushing your curls upwards, defining a side part, or creating a more tousled look.
6. Adjust as Needed
- If you feel your hair needs more hold or definition, take another tiny amount of pomade, emulsify it, and apply it to specific areas. Remember, less is often more with pomade.
Styling Tips for Short Curly Hair with Pomade
- Enhance Definition: For incredibly defined curls, try finger coiling each curl after applying the pomade. This locks in the shape.
- Combat Frizz: Focus a bit more pomade on the top layer of your hair and along your hairline to tame stubborn frizz and flyaways.
- Add Volume: Apply pomade at the roots while your hair is damp, then use your fingers to lift and tousle as it dries.
- For a Textured Look: If using a clay pomade, apply it to dry hair for a matte, lived-in texture.
- Avoid the Roots (for certain looks): If you have very fine curls and want to avoid weighing them down, focus the product from the mid-shaft to the ends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Product: The most common error! Too much pomade can make your hair look greasy, stiff, or heavy. Always start small.
- Applying to Soaking Wet Hair: This can dilute the pomade, making it ineffective and potentially leading to a lack of hold or definition.
- Uneven Distribution: If not properly emulsified and worked through, you'll end up with patchy spots of product and inconsistent hold.
- Not Washing Out Oil-Based Pomade Properly: Oil-based pomades require a special "degreasing" shampoo or a multi-wash routine to prevent buildup and maintain scalp health.
Maintaining Your Style & Removing Pomade
Once your hair is styled, avoid touching it too much to prevent frizz and maintain the hold. If you've used a water-based pomade, a quick rinse with water or a regular shampoo will remove it. For oil-based pomades, consider using a pomade-specific degreasing shampoo or a clarifying shampoo followed by a conditioner to ensure all residue is removed [source_example_1.com].
With the right technique and product, pomade can be a game-changer for enhancing and styling your short curly hair, giving you control, definition, and a polished finish [source_example_2.com].
