The main difference between pomade and paste is that hair paste has a thicker consistency and texture than pomade.
Pomade and paste are two hair products most men use to style their hair. These are versatile products that go well with both short and long hair. Moreover, they are available in different versions, depending on their hold and shine, for instance, high shine, high hold, low hold, etc.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Pomade
– Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Paste
– Definition, Features, Uses
3. Difference Between Pomade and Paste
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Pomade, Paste
What is Pomade
Pomade is a hairstyling product that gives hair a slick and shiny appearance. It usually contains beeswax, lanolin, and/or petroleum. Pomade is also known as pomatum. Hair pomade entered fashion in the 1930s and became popular when movie stars like Cary Grant and Rudolph Valentino began to use it to style their hair. Pomade can give hair direction and adds a high shine (you can even see the light reflecting from hair). Unlike gels, it doesn’t have a clumpy feel and doesn’t form flake. Pomade works great if you use a comb to style hair. Pomades can also hydrate hair, straighten curls, and help to tame straight locks that fall on the face.
There are different types of pomades, and the two most common types are water-based pomade and oil-based pomade. Oil-based pomade is made of petroleum jelly and has a much stronger hold. It might take multiple washes to get it out of your hair. It’s a good option for slick-back hairstyles, like the pompadour or duck-tail. Water-based pomade, on the other hand, hydrates the hair and can be removed with just one wash. But it dries quickly, which makes it difficult to style hair.
What is Paste
Hair paste is a hair styling product that typically has a thicker texture and consistency than pomades. They are water-based and can be easily washed. Unlike pomades, hair pastes do not give a shiny look; they create a matte look, which looks more natural. Moreover, hair paste is great for all types, styles, and lengths of hair; it goes well with long or short hair as well as thick or fine hair. Therefore, they are very versatile hair styling products.
When choosing a hair paste, you should consider different factors, like your hair type, the hairstyle you are planning, and the shine and hold you want. If you are looking for a spiked-up hairstyle, a paste with a strong hold might work for you, but if you are looking for a messy and natural look, you only need a low-hold paste with a matte to low shine.
Similarities Between Pomade and Paste
- Both products are versatile as they can be used for both short and long hair and many types of hairstyles.
- There are different types of pomades and pastes, such as light hold, strong hold, and medium hold.
Difference Between Pomade and Paste
Definition
Pomade is a hairstyling product that gives hair a slick and shiny appearance, while hair paste is a hair styling product that typically has a thicker texture and consistency than pomade.
Texture and Consistency
Hair paste has a thicker texture and consistency than pomade.
Shine
Pomade adds shine to hair, while hair paste gives a matte look.
Nature
Pomade can be oil-based or water-based, while hair pastes are usually water-based.
Washing Out
Oil-based pomade can be difficult to wash out, but hair paste is easy to wash out.
Conclusion
The main difference between pomade and paste is their consistency and texture. Hair paste has a thicker texture and consistency than pomade. Moreover, pomade adds a shine to hair while hair paste gives a matte appearance, which looks more natural.
Reference:
1. Corley, Tee. “What is Pomade? The Ultimate Hair Styling Guide.” Public Goods.
2. Lecklitner, Ian “Hair Gel, Hair Pomade, Hair Paste — What’s the Difference, Anyway?” Dollar Shave Club.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Pomade VAMPODE Bubble Gum Lokal Minyak Rambut Beeswax Original” By Indra Alief Shieventri – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Barber makes hair styling with hair gel after haircut at the barber shop” By Nenad Stojkovic (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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