DIY Pomade: Make Your Own Hair Styling Product

Aug 23, 2025 by Lucas 47 views

Pomade is a fantastic hair styling product that gives your hair that slick, shiny, and well-groomed look. Unlike gels that can leave your hair feeling stiff and dry, pomade keeps your hair pliable and looking its best all day long. While there are tons of pomades available in the market, making your own at home is surprisingly easy, cost-effective, and allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your hair type and preferences. Guys, if you're looking to elevate your hair game without breaking the bank, this DIY guide is for you! We'll walk you through everything you need to know about making your own pomade, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, ensuring you achieve that perfect hold and shine. So, let's dive in and discover the art of homemade pomade!

Why Make Your Own Pomade?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why you should consider making your own pomade. There are several compelling reasons, and once you hear them, you'll be eager to give it a try.

Cost-Effectiveness

First and foremost, making your own pomade is incredibly cost-effective. High-quality pomades from well-known brands can be quite expensive, often costing upwards of $20 or even $30 per jar. The ingredients for homemade pomade, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk, further reducing the cost per batch. You likely already have some of the necessary ingredients in your pantry or bathroom. By making your own, you'll save a significant amount of money in the long run, allowing you to maintain your dapper hairstyle without emptying your wallet. Think about all the other cool stuff you could buy with those savings – new clothes, gadgets, or maybe even a nice dinner out! Making your own pomade is a smart move for the budget-conscious guy who still wants to look his best. It's a win-win situation: you get great hair and keep your bank account happy.

Control Over Ingredients

Another major advantage of making your own pomade is the control you have over the ingredients. Commercial pomades often contain synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate the scalp or cause allergic reactions. By making your own, you can choose natural, wholesome ingredients that are gentle on your hair and skin. This is especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin or allergies. You can use ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils, which not only provide hold and shine but also nourish and condition your hair. Knowing exactly what you're putting in your hair gives you peace of mind and allows you to avoid potentially harmful chemicals. Plus, you can tailor the ingredients to address your specific hair needs. For example, if you have dry hair, you might add more moisturizing ingredients like argan oil or avocado oil. This level of customization is simply not possible with store-bought products. It's like having a personalized hair care lab right in your kitchen!

Customization for Your Hair Type

Speaking of customization, making your own pomade allows you to tailor the formula to your specific hair type and styling needs. Do you have thick, coarse hair that requires a strong hold? Or fine, thin hair that needs a lighter touch? With homemade pomade, you can adjust the ratios of ingredients to achieve the perfect hold, shine, and texture for your hair. For instance, if you want a stronger hold, you can increase the amount of beeswax in your recipe. If you prefer a more lightweight formula, you can reduce the amount of wax and increase the amount of oil. This level of flexibility is a game-changer for guys who struggle to find commercial pomades that work well for their unique hair type. You're not stuck with a one-size-fits-all product; you can create a pomade that's perfectly suited to your individual needs. It's like having a bespoke suit for your hair – tailored to fit just right!

It's a Fun and Rewarding DIY Project

Beyond the practical benefits, making your own pomade is also a fun and rewarding DIY project. There's something satisfying about creating a product from scratch and seeing the results of your efforts. It's a chance to get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and learn a new skill. You can even get your friends involved and make it a group activity. Plus, when you tell people you made your own pomade, they'll be impressed! It's a great conversation starter and a way to showcase your resourcefulness and creativity. So, if you're looking for a new hobby or a way to express your DIY spirit, making pomade is a fantastic option. You'll not only end up with a great hair styling product, but you'll also gain a sense of accomplishment and have a cool story to tell. It's like being a mad scientist, but for hair!

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pomade

Now that you're convinced of the benefits, let's talk about the essential ingredients you'll need to make your own pomade. Don't worry, the list is short and the ingredients are readily available.

Base Ingredients

The base ingredients provide the foundation for your pomade, giving it its hold, shine, and texture. Here are the key players:

Beeswax: Beeswax is the backbone of most pomade recipes, providing a firm hold and structure. It's a natural wax produced by honeybees and is responsible for the pomade's ability to keep your hair in place. The amount of beeswax you use will determine the hold strength of your pomade – more beeswax means a stronger hold. Beeswax also has a pleasant, subtle scent that adds to the overall experience. When purchasing beeswax, you can choose between yellow and white beeswax. Yellow beeswax has a natural color and scent, while white beeswax is filtered and bleached, resulting in a more neutral color and odor. Either type will work well in your pomade, so choose the one that best suits your preferences. Guys, remember that beeswax is the key to that all-day hold, so don't skimp on this ingredient!
Oils (Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, etc.): Oils add shine, moisture, and pliability to your pomade. They counteract the hardness of the beeswax and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. There are many different oils you can use, each with its own unique properties. Coconut oil is a popular choice for its moisturizing and conditioning benefits, as well as its pleasant scent. Olive oil is another excellent option, known for its ability to add shine and tame frizz. Jojoba oil is similar to the natural oils produced by your scalp, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Other oils you might consider include argan oil, avocado oil, and almond oil. Experimenting with different oils is a great way to customize your pomade and find the perfect blend for your hair type. Remember, the oil is what gives your hair that healthy shine and keeps it feeling soft and manageable. It's the yin to beeswax's yang, creating a perfect balance in your pomade!
Shea Butter (Optional): Shea butter is an optional but highly beneficial ingredient that adds extra moisture and conditioning to your pomade. It's a natural butter extracted from the nuts of the shea tree and is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and protect the hair. Shea butter helps to soften the hair, reduce frizz, and add a healthy shine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the scalp and prevent irritation. If you have dry or damaged hair, adding shea butter to your pomade recipe is a great way to boost its moisturizing power. It will leave your hair feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. Think of shea butter as the luxurious addition to your pomade, like adding a silk lining to a tailored jacket. It just elevates the overall experience and leaves your hair feeling pampered.

Fragrance (Essential Oils)

To give your pomade a pleasant scent, you can add essential oils. Essential oils not only provide fragrance but also offer various therapeutic benefits for the hair and scalp. Here are some popular choices:

Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has a calming and relaxing scent and is known for its ability to promote hair growth and reduce scalp inflammation.
Cedarwood Oil: Cedarwood oil has a woody, masculine scent and can help to balance oil production on the scalp, making it a good choice for those with oily hair.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent and can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties and can help to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.

When using essential oils, it's important to use them sparingly, as they are highly concentrated. A few drops are usually sufficient to scent an entire batch of pomade. Also, be sure to choose high-quality, pure essential oils to ensure the best results and avoid any potential irritation. The fragrance is the final touch that makes your pomade truly your own, so choose scents that you love and that complement your personal style. It's like adding your signature cologne to your hair – a subtle but impactful detail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pomade

Alright, guys, now for the fun part – making the pomade! This process is simple and straightforward, even if you're a complete beginner in the world of DIY hair products. Just follow these steps, and you'll be rocking a perfectly styled 'do in no time.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have all your supplies ready. This will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's what you'll need:

Beeswax: The foundation of your pomade, providing hold and structure.
Oils (Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, etc.): Adds shine, moisture, and pliability.
Shea Butter (Optional): For extra moisture and conditioning.
Essential Oils (Optional): For fragrance and therapeutic benefits.
Double Boiler or Heat-Safe Bowl and Saucepan: For melting the ingredients.
Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
Small Jars or Containers: For storing your finished pomade.
Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Having everything laid out and within reach will prevent any mid-recipe scrambling and ensure a stress-free pomade-making experience. It's like prepping your ingredients before cooking a gourmet meal – it sets you up for success!

Melt the Ingredients

Now it's time to melt the ingredients together. The best way to do this is using a double boiler, which provides gentle and even heat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Here's how:

Combine the beeswax, oils, and shea butter (if using) in the double boiler or heat-safe bowl. The exact ratios will depend on your desired hold and shine, but a good starting point is 1 part beeswax, 2 parts oil, and 1 part shea butter. You can adjust these ratios later to fine-tune your recipe.
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are completely melted. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to ensure even melting. The goal is to melt the ingredients without overheating them, which can degrade their quality.
Once the ingredients are melted, remove the mixture from the heat. Be careful, as the bowl or double boiler will be hot.

Melting the ingredients is a crucial step in creating a smooth and consistent pomade. Think of it like creating the perfect sauce – you need to melt and blend the ingredients carefully to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Patience is key here, guys!

Add Essential Oils (Optional)

After the base ingredients are melted, it's time to add your essential oils, if desired. This is where you can customize the scent and add any therapeutic benefits to your pomade. Here's how to do it:

Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes. This will prevent the essential oils from evaporating in the heat.
Add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to the mixture. A good starting point is 5-10 drops per batch, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Remember, essential oils are potent, so a little goes a long way.
Stir well to thoroughly incorporate the essential oils into the mixture. This will ensure an even distribution of scent throughout your pomade.

Adding essential oils is like putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece. It's the final layer of customization that makes your pomade truly unique. Choose scents that you love and that reflect your personal style. It's your chance to create a signature scent for your hair!

Pour into Containers and Let Cool

The final step is to pour your pomade into containers and let it cool and solidify. This is a simple process, but it's important to do it carefully to avoid spills and messes. Here's how:

Pour the melted pomade into small jars or containers. You can use glass jars, plastic containers, or even metal tins. Make sure the containers are clean and dry to prevent contamination.
Allow the pomade to cool completely at room temperature. This may take several hours, so be patient. You can speed up the process by placing the containers in the refrigerator, but be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using the pomade to prevent it from being too hard.
Once the pomade is solid, it's ready to use!

Pouring and cooling the pomade is like watching your creation come to life. It's the moment when the liquid mixture transforms into a solid, usable product. And once it's cooled, you're ready to style your hair and rock that dapper look!

How to Use Homemade Pomade

Now that you've made your own pomade, let's talk about how to use it to achieve your desired hairstyle. Applying pomade correctly is key to getting the best results. Here are some tips:

Start with a Small Amount

The golden rule of pomade is to start with a small amount. It's always easier to add more pomade than to remove excess product from your hair. Scoop out a dime-sized amount of pomade and rub it between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to apply. Remember, less is more in the world of pomade. You can always add more if needed, but starting with too much can lead to a greasy or weighed-down look. It's like seasoning a dish – you can always add more salt, but you can't take it away once it's there. So, start small and build up gradually until you achieve your desired hold and shine.

Apply to Damp or Dry Hair

Pomade can be applied to either damp or dry hair, depending on your desired style and hold. Applying pomade to damp hair will result in a softer, more natural look with a lighter hold. Applying pomade to dry hair will provide a stronger hold and a more defined style. Experiment with both methods to see which one works best for your hair and styling preferences. It's like choosing the right canvas for your painting – damp hair is like a wet canvas, allowing for more blending and a softer finish, while dry hair is like a dry canvas, providing a firmer base for more defined strokes.

Distribute Evenly

Distribute the pomade evenly throughout your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Use your fingers to comb the pomade through your hair, ensuring that every strand is coated. Pay special attention to the areas where you want the most hold and definition. Even distribution is key to preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent style. It's like spreading butter on toast – you want to make sure every bite is evenly flavored. So, take your time and work the pomade through your hair thoroughly.

Style as Desired

Once the pomade is evenly distributed, style your hair as desired. Use a comb or your fingers to create your desired shape and texture. Pomade is incredibly versatile and can be used to create a wide range of styles, from slicked-back looks to textured quiffs. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. This is where your creativity comes into play. Pomade is your styling tool, and your hair is your canvas. So, have fun and create a masterpiece!

Troubleshooting Common Pomade Problems

Even with the best recipe and technique, you might encounter some common pomade problems. But don't worry, guys, we've got you covered! Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome any challenges.

Pomade is Too Hard

If your pomade is too hard, it can be difficult to scoop out and apply. This is usually due to a high beeswax content. Here's how to fix it:

Warm the pomade slightly: You can do this by placing the container in a warm water bath or using a hairdryer on low heat.
Add more oil: If your pomade is consistently too hard, you can melt it down and add more oil to soften it up.

Pomade is Too Soft

If your pomade is too soft, it may not provide enough hold. This is usually due to a low beeswax content. Here's how to fix it:

Refrigerate the pomade: This can help to firm it up temporarily.
Melt and add more beeswax: For a long-term solution, you can melt the pomade and add more beeswax to increase its hold.

Pomade is Too Greasy

If your pomade leaves your hair feeling greasy, it may contain too much oil. Here's how to fix it:

Use less pomade: Start with a smaller amount and see if that helps.
Wash your hair more frequently: This will help to remove excess oil and buildup.
Adjust your recipe: For future batches, you can reduce the amount of oil and increase the amount of beeswax.

Pomade is Not Scented Enough

If your pomade doesn't have a strong enough scent, you can add more essential oils. Just be sure to add them gradually and stir well to avoid overpowering the scent. It's like adjusting the spices in a recipe – you can always add more, but you can't take them away.

Final Thoughts

Making your own pomade is a fantastic way to save money, control the ingredients, and customize your hair styling products. It's a fun and rewarding DIY project that allows you to express your creativity and achieve the perfect hairstyle. So, guys, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and get ready to rock some seriously stylish hair! With a little practice, you'll be a pomade-making pro in no time. And who knows, you might even start selling your homemade pomade to your friends. It's a great way to turn your hobby into a side hustle! So go ahead, give it a try – your hair will thank you for it!