Pomade and Comb: How to Style Hair Together
By Rocky Mountain Barber Company | Men's Skin, Hair & Body | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use pomade with a comb for a classic, controlled style. Get step-by-step application tips, common mistakes to avoid, and why a pearwood comb helps.
Quick Answer
To style hair with pomade and a comb, start with a small amount of pomade, warm it in your palms, apply it evenly, then use a comb to shape and define your part or texture.
Why Pair Pomade with a Comb?
A comb is more than a tool to part your hair—it helps distribute pomade evenly from root to tip, so you avoid greasy clumps and get a smooth, controlled finish. Combing also lets you create sharp lines, like a classic side part, that fingers alone can't achieve.
The type of comb matters. A pearwood comb, for example, is anti-static, which means it won't create flyaways or frizz while you style. That's especially helpful when you're working with a water-based pomade that sets as it dries.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Pomade: What to Know
If you're new to pomade, the water-based vs. oil-based distinction affects how you use it. Water-based pomades wash out easily and can give a firmer hold that lasts through the day. Oil-based pomades offer more shine and flexibility but require more effort to remove.
The technique in this guide works with either type, but you may need to adjust the amount. Start with less for a water-based pomade, and add more if you need extra hold or definition.
Step-by-Step Pomade and Comb Routine
- Start with a small amount: Scoop out a pea-sized amount of pomade (about the size of a coin) and rub it between your palms to warm it up. This makes it easier to spread evenly. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. Start small.
- Apply to damp or dry hair: Work the pomade through your hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Use your fingers to distribute the product from back to front, ensuring even coverage. If you apply to damp hair, the pomade will spread more easily; if you apply to dry hair, you'll get a firmer hold.
- Comb to shape and define: Use your comb to create your desired part or texture. Comb through the hair in the direction you want it to lay, and use the comb's teeth to define lines and add volume at the crown. Don't over-comb. Once you've achieved the shape, stop to avoid flattening the style.
- Let it set and adjust: Allow the pomade to set for a minute. If you need more hold, add a tiny bit more product and comb again. If the style feels stiff, use your fingers to loosen it slightly. Water-based pomade sets as it dries, so make adjustments before it fully dries.
Product Spotlight
- Hair Pomade (5 oz) and Comb: This kit includes a 5 oz water and beeswax based pomade and an anti-static pearwood hair comb. The comb is designed to reduce static, so you can create a smooth, polished style without flyaways, and the water-based formula makes it easy to wash out at the end of the day.
Hair Pomade (5 oz) and Comb
