What is Matte Pomade?
You may have heard it mentioned in locker rooms, college dorms, barbershops and bedrooms across America – matte pomade.
But what exactly is matte pomade and why is it so popular?
Matte pomade is a hair styling product that typically provides high hold combined with a flat, matte finish. This is in stark contrast to shiny, traditional oil-based pomades or hair gels, which usually leave the hair “wet” looking.
Opposite of oil-based pomades or gels, matte pomades give a “dry” look, and also prevents that crunchy or sticky texture on hair that was popular in the last decades.
A Little History
Back in the 1950s-1970s, when the baby boomer generation were beginning to explore different hair styles in their quest for individual fashion, oil-based pomades were really the only option in the marketplace. These oil-based products were responsible from everything from the 1950s “greaser” look to the 1970s mutton chops and pompadours that ruled high schools and college campuses in the last half of the 20th century.
Flash forward to the 1990s, when water-based hair gel started to become popular. This look was popular with both the preppy subculture and the surf/skate subcultures at the same time. Think hard, crunchy spikes with frosted tips, or a gelled-down Caesar cut. One of the most famous examples of the 90s hair-gel look was Ross from the sitcom “Friends,” who famously rocked the wet-look hair style. Even today, fans of the sitcom routinely discuss Ross’ hair-gel styles on Reddit.
Into the Future
Flash forward to the 2020s, where both oil-based hair styles and hair-gel based hair styles are fading out of popularity in favor of a matte look. With matte hair styles, there is less of a “product” look in the hair, and a focus on a more natural look. Matte pomade is perfect for this, because it still provides high hold, but doesn’t give a “wet” or oily look. As a result, it can create hair styles that look like you’re wearing no product at all, all the way to heavy-hold flat matte look that provides hold but doesn’t have a gloss or shine.
To get a matte look like 2020s hair styles, consider the Daytona Hi-Lo matte pomade, which has high-hold properties but with a flat, matte finish. It won’t look wet or feel “crunchy” like older hair gels that were popular in the past.
