Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomades displayed on wooden shelf – strong hold shine finish - professional-grade grooming product trusted by California barbers

Ever wondered how to use WATER-SOLUBLE pomades? We got you covered.

If you’re after that classic barbershop finish, strong hold, sleek shine, and all-day control, a water-soluble pomade is the foundation. Designed for clean styles with structure and polish, this type of pomade delivers a high-performance look without the hassle of grease or buildup. Whether you’re going for a side part, slick back, or tidy pomp, here’s why water-soluble pomade belongs on your shelf.

What is WATER-SOLUBLE Pomade and What Does It Do?

A water-soluble pomade is a modern, water-based alternative to old-school petroleum pomades. It provides firm hold and high shine without heaviness, grease, or long-lasting residue. The water base makes it easy to rinse out while delivering the same polished, classic finish barbers have relied on for decades.

Think of it as the best of both worlds: all-day structure with effortless washout. Perfect for slick, refined looks that demand clean definition.

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade jars on vintage red retail shelf with plant– strong hold, shine finish hair product. Open jar shoes smooth gel in jar.

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade in use on Side part hairstyle at a barbershop- Strong hold, Clean shine water based hair product. Made in California

Who Is WATER-SOLUBLE Pomade For?

Water-soluble pomade works best for:

Classic styles: Side parts, slick backs, pompadours, and any structured look that needs clean lines and polish.
Medium to thick hair: Provides the strength to control denser hair types without collapsing during the day.
Men who want shine: Offers a high-gloss, refined finish without greasy residue.
Busy routines: Rinses out with water, so you start fresh daily without buildup.
Flexible styling: Reactivates with water, making touch-ups easy throughout the day.

If you prefer matte texture or relaxed, natural looks, check out our Clay Pomade or Cream Pomade instead.

Benefits of Using a WATER-SOLUBLE Pomade

Strong Hold for Structured Styles: Keeps hair in place all day, perfect for slick, defined looks that require dependable control.
High Shine Without Grease: Delivers a polished barbershop finish without the heavy, oily feel of petroleum pomades.
Easily Restylable with Water: Add a little water and reshape anytime—no flakes, no stiffness, no problem.
Clean Rinse, No Residue: Washes out with one shampoo, leaving hair fresh and buildup-free.
Subtle Signature Scent: Light gardenia fragrance shared across the Wolf’s Head line, clean, modern, and understated.

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade in use on slick back hairstyle at a barbershop - Strong hold, shine finish water based hair product. Made in California

Key Ingredients in WATER-SOLUBLE Pomade (and Why They Matter)

Water (Aqua): The clean base that makes this pomade easy to apply and rinse out—no grease, no buildup.
VP/Methacrylamide/Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer & PVP: Provide strong, flexible hold to lock styles in place without flaking.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil & PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate: Smoothly distribute the product through your hair while boosting shine.
Ozokerite Wax & PEG-8 Beeswax: Add structure and staying power for slick, defined looks that last all day.
PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides & C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate: Lightweight conditioners that keep hair soft and prevent dryness.

How to Use WATER-SOLUBLE Pomade for the Best Results

Water-soluble pomade is easy to use, but a few techniques make all the difference. Follow these steps for strong hold, shine, and clean, classic styles:

Start with Towel-Dried Hair: Slightly damp hair helps distribute product evenly and enhances shine. Avoid soaking wet hair for best results.
Scoop a Small Amount: Start with a dime-sized scoop (less for short hair, more for thick/long). You can always layer more as needed.

Wolf’s Head How to use Water Soluble Pomade - Scoop on fingertip detail – strong hold, shine finish grooming product made in California

How to Apply Water-Soluble Pomade Continued:

Warm It Up: Rub between palms until smooth and glossy. This ensures an even application without clumps.
Work Through Evenly: Apply from back to front, roots to ends, focusing on areas that need structure and control.
Comb Into Shape: Use a comb for side parts, pompadours, or slick backs. Water-based pomade stays pliable—add a touch of water to rework anytime.

Pro Tips

Apply to towel-dried hair for the strongest hold and cleanest shine.
Use a fine-tooth comb for sharp parts or a brush for volume with polish.
Add a bit of water during the day to reactivate and reshape—perfect for touch-ups.
Blow-dry after applying if you want extra lift with shine that still holds firm.
For matte or textured looks, check out our Clay Pomade or Cream Pomade.

That’s it—strong hold, high shine, and easy rinse-out. Once you master the right amount for your hair type, styling takes just minutes.

Try Water-Soluble Pomade

Wolf’s Head how to use Water Soluble Pomade jar in hand showing texture – strong hold, shine finish grooming product made in California

Classic Water-Soluble Pomade Hairstyles

Q: HOW IS WATER-SOLUBLE POMADE DIFFERENT FROM OIL-BASED POMADE?

Unlike old petroleum pomades that leave greasy buildup, water-soluble pomade offers the same strong hold and shine but rinses out with water. For a clean upgrade, try Wolf’s Head Water-Soluble Pomade .

Q: DOES WATER-SOLUBLE POMADE LEAVE RESIDUE OR FLAKES?

No. Our water-based formula washes out clean with one shampoo and won’t leave behind flakes or heavy buildup. For even lighter daily control, explore our Cream Pomade .

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade used on classic haircut at at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold, shine finish water based hair product

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade used on comb over hairstyle at at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold, shine finish water based hair product

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade used on clean haircut at Wolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold, shine finish water based hair product made in California

Wolf’s Head Cream Pomade used on mid length hairstyle at a barbershop – medium hold, natural matte finish hair product

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade used on modern side part hairstyle atWolf's Head Barbershop in Santa Barbara – strong hold, shine finish water based hair product

Answers to common Questions

Unlike old petroleum pomades that leave greasy buildup, water-soluble pomade offers the same strong hold and shine but rinses out with water. For a clean upgrade, try Wolf’s Head Water-Soluble Pomade.

Yes. It works especially well on medium to thick hair that needs control, but it can also tame fine hair when applied lightly. For natural matte options, check out our Clay Pomade or Cream Pomade.

Absolutely. Just add a splash of water to reactivate the formula and reshape your style. This flexibility makes Water-Soluble Pomade perfect for long days or nights out.

No. Our water-based formula washes out clean with one shampoo and won’t leave behind flakes or heavy buildup. For even lighter daily control, explore our Cream Pomade.

It’s ideal for barbershop classics—slick backs, side parts, and pompadours. For a polished look that holds all day, shop Wolf’s Head Water-Soluble Pomade.

Wolf’s Head Water Soluble Pomade on barber station next to Barbicide – barbershop-tested - Strog Hold Shine Finish hair product. Ideal for slick backs, side parts, and structured cuts

Conclusion

Water-soluble pomade is the modern classic for strong hold and high shine. Start with towel-dried hair, apply a small scoop, and comb into place for clean, structured style that lasts. Keep it polished with Water-Soluble Pomade, go matte with Clay Pomade, stay casual with Cream Pomade, or lock in extra-strong shine with Styling Gel Pomade. With Wolf’s Head, you get barber-quality results, clean washout, and styles built to last.