How to wash out pomade, wax and clay properly

Washed your hair and it still feels waxy or greasy? You're not doing anything wrong. Some styling products simply need a different method. Here's how our barbers do it.

First: know what you're using

Water-based products like Ultimate Pomade, Defining Creme, Sea Salt Spray and Fixing Spray dissolve in water. One normal shampoo does it.
Clays, pastes, putties and waxes like Grooming Clay, Sculpting Putty, Texturising Paste and Shaping Wax contain waxes that need a little more work.
Oil-based pomade like Classic Pomade repels water, so water alone just slides off.

The dry-shampoo method (for wax, clay and oil-based pomade)

Don't wet your hair first. Put shampoo straight onto dry hair and work it through.
Add water slowly. Add a little warm water at a time and keep lathering. The shampoo grabs the wax and oil before the water can push it around.
Rinse well, then shampoo again. The second wash gets what's left.
Still coated? For oil-based pomade, work a little conditioner through dry hair first, then shampoo. It helps lift the oil.

Our top tip

Tea Tree Shampoo is excellent at cutting through product build-up and leaves the scalp feeling fresh and cool. Use it once or twice a week if you style every day.

Want a product that's easy to wash out?

Choose Ultimate Pomade for shine or Defining Creme for a natural finish. Both rinse out with one wash. Compare every product in our Hold & Shine Guide.

Still not sure what you need? Message our barbers or ask in the chair next time you're in. We'll point you to the right product.