These products are more easily washable but often do not give the same versatility, shine, and strength of hold offered by the traditional petrolatum-based products. Today the difference between pomade and hair wax is becoming somewhat ambiguous especially since many heavier pomades contain beeswax. We helped music fans recreate the styles of the time sported by their favourite artists and musicians. Some pomade products, such as mustache wax, are marketed for a specific use, while products such as Ultra Sheen, are marketed for specific consumers. For a closer look at some of the vintage tins, we’ve managed to track down, check out our vintage, 1922 gallery.

In the Early Modern Period, pomades were ointments made from various kinds of fat and used to beautify both the skin and face. This differentiates both wax and pomade from gel and hairspray, both of which are not designed to be restyled once the product is applied.Hairstyles from the 20th and 21st centuries involving the use of pomade include the ducktail, pompadour, and quiff. All these products come in various textures and consistencies, and essentially achieve the same effect as either hair wax or pomade. Because of its greasy or waxy nature, pomade can last through several washings, although it is easily removed using de-greasers such as high-detergent shampoos, dishwashing liquids, or any shampoos designed for oily hair.

There’s a reason why Black and White Wax is still going strong decades later – its original, unchanged pluko formula is versatile and pliable; ideal for sculpting and creating texture for an all-day hold. However, they are generally less malleable and can only be restyled during the day by wetting the hair. Due to the difficulty of washing pomade out of the hair, water-based and water-soluble pomades were introduced to the market and feature fewer wax substances. From the sleek styling of the ’30s to the quiffs of the ’70s, follow us through the decades, with our historical pluko style guides.

Pomades were much more popular in the 1920s to 1950s [10] than they are today, although they have made a comeback in the 2010s with recent alternations to the marketplace, which feature not only traditionally manufactured petroleum and oil-based pomades but also modern water-soluble pomades. The reemergence of popular pomade use coincides with the rise in popularity of the disconnected undercut hairstyle.