Pomade Review: Imperial

This pomade review is long overdue. Why? Not because I’ve had this pomade for some time, but because I’ve known about the brand for a while when my buddy Pete from Native Elements hipped me to them some time ago, but never acted on it. Well, after a couple of emails from Imperial, I’ve gotten their pomade and have put it to good use. So, let’s get the ball rollin’, shall we!

One thing that I dig and the likes of Nick Wooster must surely dig, is the packaging. Coming in a plastic container with a silver lid, the packaging is very minimal, yet catches your eye instantly. A clean white label with black letter, and bold red lettering to distinguish which product you’re buying, is clean and simple, and I dig it! Sometimes, you don’t need all of the glitz & glam that some pomade companies are using to make their products “noticeable.” (No brand in particular, nor in mind. ‘Just sayin’)

Aside from the minimalistic design of the packaging, they add sophisticated detail with a seal.

This little detail shows American quality and attention to detail in all of their products, and that’s something I can definitely appreciate…

… and couldn’t wait to break!

Being packaged in a clear jar, you already see what you get. A clear gel-type pomade. But… how does it smell?

Unlike most water-soluble pomades, Imperial went with a colorless gel-type product to match their minimal packaging. Had they gone with anything other than, it would bring a level of cheesy-ness to their products, which is not their goal. Sometimes, less is more, and while different colors are cool to see, it’s not always needed.

Accompanying the colorless pomade, is a subtle fruity scent that isn’t overbearing or makes you feel any less than a man. I know a lot of cats want that masculine scent to match their pomades and for whatever reason feel less than man when wearing something fruity or floral, but this stuff won’t do any of that except bring in the ladies! Trust me, with my previous experiences with Bath & Body Works lotions and girls, they don’t mind it one bit!

… ladies…

Scooping it out you find that this stuff is thicker than most. If that isn’t enough, there’s a “Hold Strength” stat indicator on the packaging, with the number 4 being the highest.

Running this pomade is great. It goes through completely dried hair perfectly and combs through just as well. Applying it through damp hair is no different. So if you’re one to apply pomade dry, definitely take this stuff into consideration!

Combing up a pomp is buttery smooth. Fine toothed combs run through effortlessly and I never had any streaks or glob patches give me any trouble. This pomade is malleable enough comb up anything from a tight combover to a big pomp. It works especially well with a blowdryer. So if you’ve picked up that trick from me, try it out with this stuff! But, I dig how easy it is to comb and set a pomp, take a look:

The hold will last you all day long. While it’s not entirely recombable, it still won’t flake on you if you do decide to recomb it without water. Like the rest of the water-soluble pomades, it’s best to recomb using water. But, if you like to recomb your pomps, why even go with water-soluble pomades? Something cats need to start considering from here on out! (Watch this be mentioned on every pomade review blog.)

Now, is this the strongest water-soluble pomade I’ve tried? No. As I mentioned, water-soluble pomades dry, which is pretty much the pre-determined hold. Is it one of the thickest ones out there? Yes. The thickness will help you comb a bigger pomp, but in the end, the hold will be determined when the product dries.

Overall, I’m definitely glad to have finally gotten some of this stuff! It’s definitely in the top 5 water-soluble brands out there. I only got their pomade, but they have a full range of products for y’all to try. If you like the feeling of combing thick water-soluble pomades and letting it set, and don’t like overbearing scents, this stuff is definitely worth looking into! But, if you like to recomb throughout the day, you just may need to reconsider the products you’re using.

Big thanks again to the Imperial crew!

Until the next time.

Pomp Hard.

Recap: Viva Las Vegas 16.

Unlike previous VLV trips, this one was last-minute. While we did have the rooms booked since last years VLV15, the original plans fell through and I had to figure out how I’d be able to make it out there without a plane ticket or a hotel room… Not exactly the ideal way to plan a trip, eh?! Plus, it wouldn’t be my best showing, since I hadn’t had that good ol’ VLV prep (dieting and all that good shit!) I figured- fuck it! And after a couple of phone calls, rushed packing, and a sketchy car with no radio, I was on my way to Viva Las Vegas 16!

Click to continue reading!

Pomade Review: Layrite (Super Shine)

Water-soluble pomades have got to be the most popular pomade on the market to date. I mean, there are brands popping out of the woodwork pumping out some cool pomade! But only so many have been able to make their pomades stand out from the rest, and one of those brands is the one and only Layrite. Being one of, if not, the first water-soluble pomade brand around, several brands race to achieve the popularity Layrite has amongst other products around. 

One thing that Layrite fans wanted, was some shine. As we all know, most/all water-soluble pomades dry with a matte finish- for the most part. People have been asking me for ways to add shine to such water-soluble pomades. And well, Layrite heeds the call! They’ve kicked things up a notch, by releasing their newly developed Super Shine pomade.

This stuff comes packed in the same white plastic container as the other Layrite products. Using a deep wine red label with gold foil trim helps differentiate it from its Layrite brethren. Personally, I think the color is odd in comparison to the other two products, but since it is an entirely different product type- it gets a pass.

Opening it up, you see a pastel orange cream-type product. This throws off many cats, as they’re used to seeing a gel-type product. Well folks, let’s introduce you to something new!

Getting this stuff out of the container is not difficult whatsoever, you’ll find that this stuff feels like a cream-type pomade. The closest product I’d compare the product consistency to, is 360 Styles (with Layrite being much lighter.)

The only real downside this product has is the scent… For the most part, it is scentless. But, it has the smell of plastic, which I’m assuming is from the plastic container. From what I’ve heard from gossiping pomade enthusiasts, is that they’re working on developing a (new) scent for it. With the lack of a desirable scent/any scent, it has turned off a number of cats from using it on a daily basis. Hopefully we’ll see and smell something fresh in the near future!

Applying this stuff to your hair may be tricky. Due to the sticky texture of the product, you have to make sure your hair has the “right” amount of moisture in it, to ensure even distribution. Trust me, I’ve got stuck with a fat skidmark right down the center of my head, when I had too much water in my hair! I guess I could’ve passed it off as the bleach streak some cats rock?

Combing up a pomp with Layrite Super Shine can be tricky, especially if you’re used to how the original two products comb. Unlike most water-soluble pomades, this stuff combs just like a grease. No really, it does! One thing that attracted me to this stuff, was the ability to effortlessly shape a well-rounded pomp with it, without any tugging (giggity.) And since this stuff combs through like a grease, you won’t be left with flat shield pomps, that most water-soluble pomades leave you with if you don’t comb them right. Definitely something that I can dig!

The hold of this stuff is like a light medium-weight pomade. So don’t expect any crazy height like you’d get from their Super Hold pomade! But, you will have a greasy lookin’ pomp, without the worry of staining your ladies pillow cases or couch cushions, all while having a slick ‘do! Take a look…

This stuff will retain its hold throughout the day… for the most part. I found that if you try to slick through it dry, it’ll cause it to looks the slickness from the original styling, causing you to (pretty much) restyle your hair completely. For most cats, this isn’t a big deal, but for the rest of you– make sure you got your comb or brush near by a sink!

Overall, I gotta say I really dig this product. You all know how much I dig 360 Styles, and since this is like it’s completely water-soluble little brother, I’ve got no complaints whatsoever! It’s great for modest pomps and for when you want that greasy look, without actually having to go to that “greasy kid stuff.” For you cats looking to add some shine to your flat water-soluble pomades, or if you just want to retain that greasy look while you’re degreasing, this is definitely one to look into!

Now, this review is only for it as a standalone product. So stay tuned for the video, showing you how to use it as a top-coat, adding the nice greasy sheen to your Layrite Super Hold or Layrite Original pomade!

Big thanks again to Mike and the folks at Layrite. Hopefully, we’ll see a little somethin’ somethin’ between Layrite and The Rebel Rouser in the near future!

Until the next time.

Stay Greasy & Pomp Hard!

Recent Haircuts.

Here’s a few more of my recent haircuts.

Click to continue reading.

Enjoy!

Video: Blowdrying a Pompadour.

Long time no updates and no videos!

Finally got some time to make a quick video, showing y’all how you can get a bigger and fuller pomp with a simple blowdry styling technique, all while using a light pomade! I’ve gotten several requests to do so, so why not? Hope y’all dig it!

Pomade Review: Bona Fide Pomade

With the popularity of water-soluble pomades on the rise, you can expect some more reviews by yours truly! I mean, why not? Y’all know I’m not one of those who hates on water-soluble pomades because they’re not “grease.” Well no fucking shit they’re not grease! They’re gel-type water-soluble pomades, you fuck! Anyways…  I got a few inquiries about Bona Fide Pomade, so of course I had to investigate! Hit up Luis and got a package with the quickness. Having not heard anything about this stuff and only knowing it was a water-soluble pomade, got me excited and put it to use right away. So let’s check it out!

This pomade is packaged in a nice plastic container with red labeling and yellow trim. On the top, it has the ever-so favorited switchblade combs crossed into an X. The label reads “Superior Hold,” so let’s see how much of that is true.

Opening up the container, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find this cola colored   pomade filled to the brim. I mean, literally! It’s not too often you’ll find a water-soluble pomade that leaves some excess on the lid. With a pleasant floral scent, having that much excess is a good thing! Don’t worry, fellas, this isn’t potpourri type scents, just a subtle refreshing floral scent. Don’t worry, we won’t judge you for carrying a pocket full of daisies! Well, actually…

Scooping it out, it feels lighter than most water-soluble pomades on the market, but nowhere near as light as Tres Flores Molding Pomade. And if you didn’t dig the scent from Tres Flores, you’d dig the subtle sweet scent Bona Fide Pomade offers; to me, it has a light apple scent.

Applying this stuff is a breeze… As I mentioned, you don’t get a sticky texture to this stuff. It applies real nice and smoothly, leaving your hands with little to no excess, assuring you that you’re putting all of this product to use and not wasting even a bit of it. I was surprised at how easily it applied to dry hair, without giving you those sticky patches we all get once in a while… YOU ALL KNOW WHAT I MEAN! And whatever excess you may have left on your hands, it washes right off, without having to rub your palms together. This, for me, was a definite plus! Since I had also used this stuff on a few cats, I didn’t have to waste too much/any time at the sink to rinse off the pomade. I mean, why would you want your barber to spend more time washing pomade off of their hands, than on your hair?

Combing my hair into a pomp was a piece of cake. With a wet comb, it feels as if you’re combing through your hair with nothing but water in it. No tugging goin’ on here! And for most, it’s a concern, as they feel they’re ripping hair out… which they probably are. So, for you who hate that beautiful struggle between comb, pomade, and hair, you may want to look into this stuff.

It finishes with a nice glossy finish, but doesn’t overly harden like some water-soluble pomades with similar finishes. Definitely a surprising touch, as we all know how the story goes!

Personally, I wouldn’t say the hold is one of the strongest on the market, as I wasn’t able to get a tall pomp out of this pomade (even with two of my applications of pomade.) But, as most of y’all know, I’ve been rockin’ the more conservative profiled pomp, so it’s not really a big deal for me. But, for you cats who dig the big & tall pomps, I can’t say this stuff would give you what you’re looking for. It overall allows me to comb a nicely shaped pomp, and that’s all that matters to me. Take a look!

The only real downside I’ve noticed from this pomade, is that it flakes more-so than most, when combed through after it settles. While not leaving you with chunks of flakes, it’s still a noticeable downside. But, if you’re like me and you wet-comb instead of dry combing a water-soluble pomade, you’ll be in the clear. But, if you like to dry comb water-soluble pomades, you may be out of luck. But as I’ve said, it’s not something a bit of water couldn’t fix!

Holding up in the heat, I noticed that this stuff didn’t melt all over my face. But, my slicked down sides did fluff up after a bit, and weren’t as slicked as I had initially styled them. Fortunately, the pomp didn’t suffer any loss of shape, which is definitely a good thing!

Overall, this is a great alternative to the once favored, but now unfortunately discontinued Monkey Brains. On the lighter end of the water-soluble pomade market, a sweet yet subtle scent, and is one, if not, the cheapest water-soluble pomade around, it’s a good pomade to have on deck. So, for those who want something to replace the pricier water-soluble pomades, I’d definitely say you should check this out. But, just don’t expect to have the same hold. Then again, why would they want to imitate another pomade???

Big thanks again to Luis at Bona Fide Pomade. I definitely dug this stuff, and have used it more often than I expected!

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!

Recent Haircuts.

This past month, I’ve taken quite a few requests for pompadour haircuts. While my skill level is no where near Hawleywood’s, Schorem, or Mr. Ducktail’s barbering skills, I know it takes time and practice to get up there… Well, A LOT of time and practice! Regardless, here are a few recent cuts that I’m not ashamed of, and hopefully you folks aren’t, either! C&C always welcomed.

Big thanks for the support, I most definitely appreciate it. If you’re in the Bay Area, Ca and want to schedule a haircut, shoot me an email: therebelrouser@yahoo.com. Also include what pomade you want me to use on you! And yes, I’ll whip out the good ol’ Dixie Peach and Mr. Ducktail’s for ya! Or even a custom cocktail, depending on your needs!

School Supplies.

While in barbering school, I’ve yearned for more products to use on not only myself, but on customers and fellow barbers; especially since the products we use in school are less than favorable. I mean, why would I use something on someone if I, personally, don’t approve of it? If you’ve talked to me about barbering, you’d know I only want to use products on others that I dig. And the only way to find out if I dig em for professional use, is to try em on myself, first, then other cats.

Since there’s little to no customers at my school who dig the “greasy kid stuff,” finding more water-soluble pomades was a must. And of course, the fine folks at Grant’s Golden Brand have a new offering of pomade – the Royal Hawaiian scented Medium Blend. As soon as I opened up the can, the cats at school were diggin’ it! Grant definitely made a hitter! Big thanks to Grant and co! Expect a review soon!

Pardon the Instagram screen cap! I apparently don’t have the picture saved anymore!

But, you can’t only have one type of pomade on hand, right?

With more water-soluble pomade being made, of course I wanted to reach out and see what’s up with em. Shot a message to Luis of Bona Fide Pomade and we were set to go! Big thanks, Luis! A couple of cats are down to put the stuff to use!

Somethings my school lacks, in terms of products, is good shaving supplies. So when I saw Crown Shaving Co. on a Facebook group I’m apart of, my interest was definitely piqued! After a quick exchange with Dino of Crown Shaving Co. a little care-package was sent out… well, at least I was expecting “little!”

Big thanks, Dino! I’ve already put this stuff to use on myself, as well as a fellow barber student, so expect a review for this real soon! But let me say this… If you haven’t checked it out, do so! It’s a killer line and once I’m in a shop, I’ll definitely be placing a nice order in!

Big thanks again to Grant, Luis, and Dino, for making my barber school experience much more exciting! It’s a blast trying out products on myself, but it’s that much more exciting to try em out on different folks with different hair styles, textures, and so on! Expect reviews for these awesome products in the near future!

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!

Pomade Review: Steel Toe Pomade

One thing I’ve liked about having my blog, was that it wasn’t limited to just the rockabilly cats. I know it’s been utilized by barbers, stylists, shops, models, gentlemen, ladies, and the list goes on and on and on. But, there’s another scene that’s taken a liking (at least I think a liking) to my blog, and that’s the hardcore/straight edge scene.

Was it surprising? Not really. Was it surprising that a straight edge cat would make a pomade? No. So, when Tanner Swift of Redeemer emailed me about his pomade, of course I had to try it out! I know a lot of hardcore kids like to stay slicked and want that pomade that’s made just for “them,” so, here’s that pomade!

Getting the can, the label design is clean and simple: A red boarder, reading “Steel Toe” on top and “Pomade” on the bottom, and a Popeye The Sailor aesthetic cat with a pomp and (steel toe boots,) with two anchors to the left and right of him. Now, I know a lot of older folks have been perplexed by this design. I won’t say why, but I’ll let you folks have your way in the comment section.

Opening it up, you see a nice pale, creamy looking pomade. Right out of the can, you get a strong scent of clover.

Now, Tanner was hesitant about emailing me, as he’s taken note of my distaste for wax-like “pomades.” Prior to receiving the pomade, he told me that the pomade was a lot waxier than most, and to be honest with the review, whether I liked it or not… Well, that’s what y’all dig, right? Honest reviews? And if anyone wants to say my reviews have been anything but honest, speak up now, or forever hold your peace!

Now, for the moment of truth…

As I’m prepping to scoop this stuff out, I got my fingers in The Claw mode and was ready to dive right in. To my surprise, it didn’t take all that much effort, and I ended up digging a whole lot of it out! Yeah, thanks for the “warning,” Tanner!

Surprisingly, this stuff wasn’t as waxy as I had imagined. Yes, it has a waxier base, as do a lot of home-brewed pomades go, but this one had a bit different texture to it- it was waxy, but as soon as you rubbed it in your palms, it melts away. This made it a lot easier to spread thoroughly into your hair, which is definitely nice.

After spreading it in my hair, combing it up was pretty smooth. The way it softens up, allows you to comb through with ease, without much of a drag or pull. While it isn’t waxy enough to make my waxy hair lay stick straight, it didn’t make my hair waxy like some products with similar textures.

Styling a pomp with this stuff isn’t a struggle at all. It combs through like a pomade, and holds your hair in place like a wax. Surprisingly, it held up really well in the heat! I mean, I drove down the freeway with my windows down and hair pomp’d high on a hot day, and the only hairs that got moved out of place was at my left temple, because it’s closest to the window; all the other hairs stayed in place! My pomp did not even split.

Once it settles, you get left with a slightly matte finish. It’s not entirely matte, as seen above, but it doesn’t have the sheen you’d get from regular petrolatum pomade, due to the waxier base. I know there’s a few of you that want something strong like some of the other pomades on the market, but don’t like the petrolatum/greasy sheen you get from em; so this may be right up your alley!

Overall, I have to say I’m really impressed with Steel Toe Pomade. Tanner definitely did his homework. For you cats liking wax-like holding products, but not the overly waxy texture, this stuff would definitely be choice. It’s strong enough to keep my wavy hair looking good, but not too waxy to make straight hair shoot straight out. The winning factor for me was the type if hold it offers, plus, it not being like what Tanner had “warned” me about. Maybe he intentionally made his pomade sound ‘bad’? Just kidding…

Big thanks again to Tanner. Real sorry for the late review, man!

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!

Guest Blogging: Top 5 Pomades

I’ve been asked by a number of bloggers to “guest post” on their sites. For me, it’s more than flattering… I mean, why me??? Haha. Especially for some of these blogs, they make mine look like your reading out of a notebook. But, I guess that’s what folks dig about my blog, right? The originality? Anyways…

Though I haven’t done any guest blogging in the past, I didn’t pass this one up. Frank has given me some great tips, to aid my barber school journey, so why not show some appreciation by guest blogging?

The topic is “top 5 pomades,” and I’m sure you folks would want to know what my top 5 are, right?

So click here to swing by Frankie The Barbers blog, to check out my top 5 pomades! I’m sure you’ll dig it!

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!