Santa Barbara Barbershop Guide: Best Pomades for Fades, Tapers & Waves | Wolf’s Head
Santa Barbara Barber’s Guide: Best Pomades for Fades, Tapers, Slick Backs & Waves
Get barber-approved results at home. Our Santa Barbara barbers break down which Wolf’s Head pomade to use for popular men’s hairstyles—plus how to apply and the tools that make the finish look pro.
Why take advice from a barbershop?
Real cuts. Real clients. Real results. At Wolf’s Head Barbershop (Santa Barbara), we style everything from clean side parts to textured crops—and we reach for different pomades to nail hold, finish, and longevity. Use this guide to match your haircut with the right product and technique.
Book your next cut
Get a consultation, a precise cut, and the right product for your hair type—start to finish.
Barber-approved pomades by hairstyle
- Fade (high-contrast, sharp): For structure without shine, choose Clay Pomade (strong hold, matte). Want a polished surface? Finish with a light pass of Styling Gel Pomade (strong hold, high shine).
- Taper (subtle, classic): For clean lines that stay put, use Water-Soluble Pomade (strong hold, classic shine). Prefer soft-matte movement? Go Cream Pomade (medium hold, matte).
- Slick back / side part (polished, timeless): Apply Styling Gel Pomade on damp hair, comb into place, let it set. For an easier rinse while keeping polish, try Water-Soluble Pomade.
- Textured crop (modern, lived-in): Work a fingertip of Clay Pomade through dry hair for separation and grit; detail with a fine-tooth comb only where you want definition.
- Curls & waves (defined, controlled): Emulsify Cream Pomade and scrunch into damp hair for soft control; for a glossier finish on the surface, smooth a touch of Water-Soluble Pomade.
How our barbers apply pomade (step-by-step)
- Prep: Start clean; towel-dry to slightly damp (or fully dry for extra texture).
- Portion: Start small—nickel-size for short hair, less for fine hair. Add only if needed.
- Emulsify: Rub between palms until smooth for even distribution.
- Placement: Work product through mid-lengths first, then roots and surface.
- Define: Use a Kent comb for parts and clean lines; use fingers or a brush for looser texture.
- Set: Comb the final shape and let it dry—or blow-dry for volume, then do a light finish pass.
Tools we use behind the chair
- Kent fine-tooth comb: Parts, tight control, surface polish.
- Kent wide-tooth / pocket comb: Even product distribution; perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Round brush + dryer: Pre-build lift at the front before your finish pass.
Visit Wolf’s Head Barbershop (Santa Barbara)
Not sure what to choose? Sit down with a barber for a cut, style, and personalized product recommendation based on your hair type and routine.
Explore the Wolf’s Head Line
Choose a clean, water-based pomade that matches your cut and finish goals. All formulas are designed for performance and easy rinse.
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Clay Pomade — strong hold, matte finish.
How to use: Apply to dry hair for maximum texture and separation. -
Cream Pomade — medium hold, soft matte.
How to use: Work through towel-dried hair for natural movement. -
Styling Gel Pomade — strong hold, high shine.
How to use: Apply to damp hair, comb clean lines, and let it set. -
Water-Soluble Pomade — strong hold, classic shine.
How to use: Distribute through damp hair and comb into place.
