Pomade Review: Deluxe

Been looking forward to this pomade for quite some time now. And since I had pretty much said everything I had to say about Layrite, I put this pomade to work right away.

One detail I am a fan of, is the packaging. Yes, it is pretty generic looking, gun-metal tin, red sticker labels. But in big, bold, and at the top, it says MADE IN U.S.A. One thing a lot of pomades are proud about, but don’t say so… why not?

MADE IN U.S.A. ‘Merica!

 Taking a look at this stuff, I think “Oh great, another wax.”

waaaaaax

Looks like a thick wax, right? Well, aside from just looking like a wax… It “comes out” like a wax. And I put this in quotation marks, because it was a bitch and a half trying to scrape this stuff out!

As she would say “That’s it?”

This stuff was a pain. Breaking through the top layer, was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. No seriously, this sucked. I even had an easier time getting through the High Life wax. But luckily, as soon as I broke into this stuff, it was starting to get easier… S0rt of.

This stuff surprised me, in the sense that everything looked and felt like wax… Up until I started to blend it into my palms. It blended in fairly easily, almost like a very light pomade. This made me have high hopes for this stuff… Because that was really cool in my opinion. A wax that molds out like a pomade? Hell yeah!

It ran through pretty easily. I ran it through my damp hair, because Stone Cold said so! Spread evenly, and seemed like it spread a little thin. And it did… No here’s where the funny stuff happens.

“The clean and tidy look,” is right. Slicking this stuff through was easy. It slicks through nicely, leaving a nice even look without any breaks. It has no sheen whatsoever, and a very little to no scent. This stuff is pretty good to use when slicking back or parting your hair. It’s light, and has enough hold for those looks. But what about a pompadour?

It has enough hold for slick looks, but as soon as I tried to pomp high, I got a very hollow and broken looking pomp. Sigh… I ended up using a pretty hefty amount of pomade for the first time. More than I’d usually like, when trying out a new pomade.

Kind of a lot, wouldn’t you think?

That was slightly disappointing. Looking like wax, holding like a light pomade. It was fun to slick around my hair though, as it slicks really smoothly.

I ended up having to do a wet combing, to style my hair for the first time. I usually like to wet comb a day or two later, to really test out how pomades are, on their own.

It does little to nothing for my sides. Everything was fluffed out, no matter how hard I slicked back and down.

But throughout the day, I decided to take a few pics to see how this stuff held up. And it didn’t do too bad a job, but you’d really have to check your hair every once in a while.

Not too great of a pomp or anything. It’s even hard to retain a good sharp part, since it doesn’t hold the sides down.

So what do I have to say about this stuff?

No wonder that kid in the video I posted up a while back, had to cake this stuff on! I don’t like to think that a pomade is worth its weight, by the amount you have to use. Why would you want to have to use too much of anything? It seems pointless and a waste, to me. As they say, a-little-goes-a-long-way, but not really with this stuff. With semi longer hair, you have to use a lot to get a little hold. And you have to use too much to get a decent hold.

If you have shorter, finer hair, I’d recommend this pomade. As it seems to be really light. It doesn’t do much for my hair, even after a few day old hair cut. Am I disappointed? Not really, since I really like this stuff works, hard like a wax, soft like a light pomade. But this isn’t something I’d plan on buying again. It just doesn’t have the hold or sheen any of the other pomades do. It’s just too light. But if you want to have slicked hair styles without the wet look, this stuff might be right up your alley.

Well, that’s all for now. I may try out a few cocktails with this stuff. Maybe mixing it in with a light or medium hold pomade, with extra sheen. Or maybe some other mixes that I have on hold. Hopefully my other order of pomade comes in soon.

Until then, use the other stuff and stay greasy.

Deciding Which Pomade Is the Right Pomade: Part 2

Time to continue, onto part two. (I’m a rapper, you see…)

I pretty much covered the different types of pomades out there, now it’s time to figure out what’s best for you…

One thing that people really need to understand, is that pomade is made to sit in your hair, days on end. Not just over night. So if you can’t accept that, you’re gonna need something water soluble. Most of these pomades are water based, as opposed to petrolatum based. For the greasy, yet washable pomades, Layrite and Grant’s comes to mind. Even though I’m not sure how the sheen is from Layrite, Grant’s doesn’t have the sheen. But hey, at least it comes from Made-In-The-U.S.A. brand! Or, you can get some of that Axe stuff or American Crew. I personally, don’t ever plan on trying this stuff out. But if it works for you, be my guest. But you aren’t greasy.

If you wash your hair out with just water daily, or shampoo every other day, and don’t really mind having a bit of pomade in your hair, DAX and Sweet Georgia Brown will work for you. Even though they have good hold and are decently thicker pomades, they seem to wash out semi easily. You’ll have a bit in, but if you don’t mind it, then these are the ones you should try. Sweet Georgia Brown is pretty greasy, so know that you will have a greasy pillow case. Or you can do a quick rinse with water, and it’ll sort of break down the greasyness.

Now… Murray’s is one pomade, that everyone has trouble washing out. Not too many people are really tolerant to Murray’s. And with good reason. If you don’t want a greasy ass pillow case, this stuff is not for you. Unless you completely or at least nearly compeltely wash this stuff out, you’ll have a greasy pillow case. There’s no way to avoid it. Unless you wear a du-rag, THEN YOU’RE GONNA BE RIDING THE WAVES!

I haven’t let High Life sit in my hair for more than a few hours, so I don’t know how this stuff would be, if you let it sleep in. But sinse it is wax, I wouldn’t trust it all that much. Wax just seems to attract lint and stuff a lot easier than pomade. Seems like it to me at least.

Now, if you have some gnarly cowlicks, it’ll be a little harder to style and tame your hair. You really need to understand your hair and how it grows, before jumping into pomades and pomadours. Or else you’ll get upset with your finishing results. Stronger pomades really help with taming your hair, whether it’s the waviness or or the cowlicks. But remember, if you mind leaving pomade in your hair, gotta stick with the water soluble pomades.

These tips should help you get your hair, pomp’d high, have everyone checkin’ out your hair, and keep your girlfriends satisfied. But if you and your lady don’t mind some greasy pillowcases, get with the greasy shit! The sheen makes a difference, folks!

And as they say, it ain’t easy bein’ greasy!

Deciding Which Pomade Is The Right Pomade

This is a long, and tough topic to tackle. Because there are a ton of pomades, from a ton of companies, and a ton of followers and disbelievers. Some swear by the new stuff, some are loyal to the classics. But when it comes down to it, it all comes down to what’s “right” for your hair.

Now, there are some pomades that people with thin hair shouldn’t use. Simply because their type of hair can’t handle the extreme pomades. Their hair type can style the same with medium pomades. Why not? Because since their hair is thinner and lighter, the heavier pomades will really grab their hair. No, it won’t clog up the pores. But when you comb or slick your hair, you will pull out some hair. It is natural for hair to fall out when combing or brushing (duh, look at some of your brushes, there’s a TON of hair in there!,) but with thinner hair, it just makes it a little bit easier. Plus, if you want height, it will weigh you down.

And those like me, with thicker hair, need the thicker, heavier pomades because quite frankly… The light shit ain’t cuttin it. Need to have that hold, whether I’m pomp’n high or low. Need that hold. Plus, it helps tame the hair. Most people with thick hair, also have wavy hair. Thicker pomades help make the hair straight, when slicking. That extra help is nice.

There are also different properties for each pomade, to look out for. Especially if you’re looking to get greasy…

– Consistency. Light or Heavy.
Lighter pomades will usually weigh your hair down. Why? Because it is so light, it will have hardly ANY hold. The only hold it would usually have would be for slicked back or “wet” looking hairstyles. Those hairstyles don’t need any real hold or volume, so the lighter pomades work perfectly.
Medium pomades, are very boarder line. Some have a really good hold, almost comparable to a heavy pomade, some don’t. The medium pomades are some of the better pomades to use in “cocktails.” Mostly people with shorter hair, either thick or thin usually benefit from medium pomades.
Heavy pomades, are well… HEAVY… If you’re looking to have a high pomp or a pomp that doesn’t really move, then heavy pomades are the way to go. Personally, I think that people with thick hair, really benefit from heavy pomades. But there’s a catch… Since our hair is naturally thick, the heavy pomades can potentially weigh our hair down. So you really gotta watch how much pomade you’re using.

– Hold.
It can kind of go under consistency. But like I’ve said, some medium pomades have really good holds. For me, I hate it if I get a split in my pomp, especially in the front. So I’m gonna want something that holds it together, right? Also something that holds my hair up high, if I pomp high. But since I have a D.A. and longer sides and back, I need something to hold them down as well.

– Sheen. Shiny or Not.
Sheen for me, is important. When you’re trying to get greasy, you gotta get greasy. I love to have an amazing sheen, when I pomp. Why not? A pompadour is full, pompous, and just BIG… So why not have the sheen to show it off even more?

Most “greaser” pomades, are… obviously… GREASY… So those who like to have pomadours, but don’t enjoy the greasy look, would usually benefit from salon styled pomades. But that’s not very rockabilly, IMHO. But that is a completely different and long story.

Greaser pomades, have a lot of history and cult following. And there are TONS of brands that have loyalists…

Murray’s Superior being one of them. There are those who strictly use this brand. And with good reason. It’s been around for a long time. This pomade has one of the best holds out there. No one can argue that. But since a lot of people claim that it makes your hair fall out. But guess what… The pomade itself, doesn’t! Read here to understand.

Sweet Georgia Brown, is another pomade that has a following. Not just because it’s been around, but because it has a pretty decent hold and smell. When you look at the color of this stuff, it is just amazing. Seeing it for the first time, you automatically think that it is one of a kind. And it truly is.

Layrite, being one of the newer pomades, has been able to get a huge following in the rockabilly scene. It’s one of the first, if not the first pomade to truly make it’s own name for itself without having to be compared to anything else. Holds like wax and washes out like gel. Not too many other pomades are like it. And I’m still waiting for mine to come!

Even though this pomade has originated in Memphis, there aren’t many places that sell it within the U.S. Almost all of the rockabilly scene in the U.K. swear by this pomade. Black and White. Really though. Originated in Memphis, sworn by the U.K., and not really sold in the U.S. WHAT??? I am still waiting for this order to come in, and this seems like a long wait! Even though the order was just placed on Monday.

This is just a small tid bit about pomade, and finding out which pomade is the best for you.

I’ll continue this tomorrow.

But until then…

Stay greasy, pomp hard. Does this line work?

“This hair ain’t movin my dude!”

Quoted from Pauly D, on Jersey Shore. Yea… This show is pretty entertaining… Do not deny it.

Anyways.

With VLV XIV coming up, (7 long months!!!) I gotta have my hair looking good. So I’ve been stressing over a “cocktail” that’ll hold my hair just right, in that Las Vegas heat. These past couple of weeks, have been good days to try out new mixes, since it’s been KILLER. Sorry, The Bay Area is just not used to 80+ degree weather… Especially consecutively…

A few mixes, have failed completely. Some actually managed to melt, and slowly drip towards my forehead. Not a good look. Some just didn’t hold my hair in the right places. And others were just soo bad, I had to wash my hair out before I left. 

Luckily, I have a decent amount of pomades. They will hold me off during the Winters cold, and the Summers heat. Different pomades and cocktails for different seasons! Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. Same goes for other cosmetic products, lotions, soaps, etc…

There are many factors I look for, when trying to find a perfect match, when mixing pomades.

– If it gives me enough hold. Hold is very important.
– If it melts. You don’t want pomade on your skin. It clogs your pores and feels weird.
– If it gives me that sheen. Shine is very important, when you’re getting greasy. A real greaser pompadour looks greasy. Not flat in shine and height!
– If it weighs down my pomp. Too much product will weigh your hair down, and not give you the desired volume.
– Slick-a-bility. I like to be able to slick my hair, without losing any volume, sheen, or hold.

When I compare my pomades for the hold factor, not too many have that great of a hold on their own. Murray’s, DAX, and High Life have the best hold. Murray’s and Dax are my favorite of the 3 all around, but High Life, being a wax, does have a pretty good hold. I have yet to really try and make a cocktail using High Life as a main substance, so maybe there is some hope for this stuff…

Melting will definitely be an issue in Vegas. During the week, my Murray’s/Sweet Georgia Brown cocktail melted. It still had a nice look, but I lost a considerable amount of volume in my pomp, during those days. So I unless I plan on staying in doors all day in Vegas, that option is out. Maybe at night, will this mix do me some good. Along with some Long Islands…

Sweet Georgia Brown (water based) and Royal Crown (hair dressing) have the most sheen. But they break up the hold of my other pomades, just way too much. Especially during the day, you HAVE to have sheen. At night, it’s a little more acceptable to lose that. Especially if you’ve been drinking that night. Plus, it’s night time. All those neon lights will shine your pomp.

As I’ve said, too much pomade will weigh you down. So unless you make your mixes very very meticulously, you’ll end up having too much product in your hair.

Today I started off light. A finger tip of Murray’s as a base coat. For me, Murray’s is a good base coat, simply because of it’s hold. Then I did the usual Sweet Georgia Brown mix. Putting Sweet Georgia Brown over the Murray’s breaks up Murray’s slightly, giving you not as strong of a hold, as you would with Murray’s on its own. I didn’t want to put a light coat of Murray’s on top, because it just weighed my hair down way too much, in earlier experiments. So I opted for some DAX. And it was a good choice.

It didn’t cover up SGB’s sheen, since DAX on it’s own, has a pretty amazing sheen. It’s light enough to be a top coat, and had decent enough strength to be used on its own. And today was a good day to put this cocktail to the test. Not only was it hot outside, it was also really windy. On my walk, I got hit with winds coming from all angles.

When I finally got behind a restroom mirror, I dreaded what I was about to see…

NOT TOO SHABBY!

The only thing I had to really “fix” was the sides. A quick slicking of the sides and ducktail, and I was good to go. Nothing really moved. and that was a good thing! I think I found my mix, for Viva Las Vegas 14!

But with a few more different pomades on the way, the’re will be more cocktails to be mixed. So stay tuned.

But, until then…

Pomp hard, stay greasy.

(should this be my new punchline? Does it work? Maybe I should stick with “I’m Ron Burgandy. You stay classy San Diego!”)

OH BOY! I THINK WE HAVE A WINNER!

I think I found my jam, when it comes to pomade/pomade combos!!!

This morning, I realized that I really do need the HOLD that Murray’s Superior offers… And the smell and sheen of that wonderful Sweet Georgia Brown… So what did I do?
USED BOTH!

Did a very light coat of Murray’s. Because, hey… For Murray’s, a little really does go a long way!
Then did a decent sized coating of SGB… And then the stars aligned…

Off the bat, slicking it back, I knew something was working right. And as soon as I started to comb up a pomp, everything was perfect. It had the smell and sheen of SGB, and the hold of Murray’s, and all was good again. After a few days of bad hair, I finally had a good one!

Oh baby, take a look at that sheen!

Off the bat, just from this picture compared to my last review, you can notice a difference. Can you?
If you can’t…

(I didn’t comb my “chops” don’t look!)
1) My sides are actually held down.
2) There is shape and hold in the pomp.
3) That bug bite next to my hair line looks worse. WTF.

I did my hair a little differently, than how it was when I went out.

Lovin' that sheen!

No pictures of the ducktail at the moment. But man… Does it actually look a lot better!
With just Murray’s, the back of my hair tends to go stick straight. So as I’m slicking my hair back and down, it actually sticks outward. But with the Sweet Georgia Brown, it actually makes the hair more maluable, making the hair at the crown blending in a lot better with the back.

All in all, I’m VERY impressed and extremely satisfied with this small mix.

Next week, I will be trying out DAX. Supposedly this stuff is similar to Murray’s, but not as harsh. So maybe a Dax/SGB mix will be my one and only!

I really need to use an actual camera… I don’t think the iPhone is doing my hair justice!

Back to school…

There are a lot of movies about high school kids rebeling about everything, and teachers trying to make a difference. Everyone has watched Coach Carter and Dangerous Minds.
Blackboard Jungle is one movie that helped pave way for these types of movies.

When kids in gangs carried knives instead of guns! Shit, if only things were still this way…

I’m not gonna do a write up on this movie, but it’s definitely a flick you have to watch.

Plus, you can get a taste of how guys used to do their hair in the 50s… It wasn’t just slick backs and pompadours!

Blackboard Jungle

This movie has one of my favorite opening scenes.

Here’s a little preview of the movie.

If you see this dvd around, pick it up. You won’t be disappointed!

Plus, it’s the first movie to use Bill Haley and His Comets – Rock Around The Clock!