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!

Viva Las Vegas 16.

Hey folks,

As we all know, I’ve been to the last two VLVs and they’ve been nothing but fun and amazing, especially since I’ve met a lot of cats and gals who read this here blog! In turn, I’ve also missed one too many Easter Sundays with my kid. So, I’ll be making this VLV16 my last VLV. I would skip this one completely, but it’s the right time for me to gain inspiration that will help mold my creative angle for my barbering career.

And hey, since this is my last VLV (at least for a while,) let’s make it worth while!

I’m looking to book haircut appointments for this upcoming Viva Las Vegas 16… last minute, I know… But, if you’re interested in booking a haircut appointment with me, I’ll be around from Friday to Monday. Shoot me an email to set an appointment.

Thanks all, I hope to see you all there and have a ball!

- Jan
therebelrouser@yahoo.com

Tuesday Tunes

The Cues – Killer Diller

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!

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!

Barber School Update: 11/20/2012

Product Review: Kent 7T Pocket Comb.

Over the last few months, I’ve carries around my Kent Sawcut 7T pocket comb. I just wanted to add a bit of “class” to my back pocket accessories. After a few too many bent-toothed Unbreakables, I figured this handmade tortoise shell comb would be choice. So, ‘how did I like it,’ you ask? Well let’s take a look!

They’re nearly the same length, albeit the Kent being a few millimeters longer and thicker. The size difference is very minute and hardly makes a difference when it’s in your back pocket. The only difference that matters, is the spacing between the teeth!

The 7T is their fine toothed model. Not nearly as fine as their 20T model, nor the fine toothed end on the Unbreakable. For me, this makes getting the hair slicked tight, real difficult. The finer the teeth- the slicker the hair. Also, the teeth aren’t pointed like plastic combs, but rather blunt or rounded, which makes styling not all that easy.

A reason why people prefer tortoise shell over plastic combs, is because they’re more comfortable on the scalp. Since the teeth don’t comb to a point, they don’t scratch. But since they don’t come to a point, it’s somewhat hard to style with it, since they can’t really “grab” hair all that well. Though these pocket combs are really used to tidy up, rather than style, it’s much easier to style with a plastic pocket comb.

As you can see, a bit of the gold lettering on the comb has scraped off. This comb has definitely seen its better days! After a couple months, plastic combs would have to be replaced since the teeth bend real easily (Well, if you haven’t lost it by then, haha.) I’ve had several bend after the first use, when combing a heavy pomade! But, this Kent has held up nicely, no teeth are bent too out of place and none have snapped! I couldn’t imagine replacing a Kent as frequently as I would an Unbreakable!

The price on these bad boys are quite high, especially when compared to your ordinary plastic pocket comb. Averaging at about $10 a piece, it’s a somewhat hard price to swallow, considering you can get 20 Unbreakables for that price! But, the craftsmanship and history alone justifies the price.

My overall thoughts on this comb, as an everyday pocket comb?

While I dug the touch of “class” it brought to my every day carry, I found myself carrying either an Unbreakable or a palm comb along with it. For me, I prefer my hair to be real slicked down tight, and the Kent couldn’t bring that to the table. Most of the times I had to do touch ups to my hair, it actually got a bit sloppier. Combing through parts of my hair that were already slicked, to blend in the stray hairs, raised the hair off I my head, not keeping it as slicked tight as I like. Had the teeth either been finer or sharper, then it would’ve made a world of difference. I know the 20T has finer teeth, but they’re MUCH shorter, which doesn’t fit my needs.

Overall, it’s still a great comb, but not necessarily a great every day pocket comb. I see myself using this to evenly comb in pomade before styling, but other than that, I’ll be keeping this comb at home.

Well folks, that’s all for now. I know a lot of you dig Ace combs, but I don’t like the way they make them now. If any of you have a new one, that’s still rubber instead of hard plastic, let me know!

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!