Lanolin for Hair: What Wool Wax Does in Pomade

Many people know lanolin for hair only from their grandmother's tips. In modern pomade, this wool wax plays an important role in the texture. Here you'll learn what lanolin is, what it does in your pomade and who it isn't right for.

What is lanolin?

Lanolin is a wax that sheep release through their skin into their wool. It protects the wool from moisture. It's obtained when wool is washed and purified for cosmetics. You'll find it in lip balm, hand cream and ointments. On the ingredient list it appears as lanolin.

What lanolin does in pomade

• Smooth texture: lanolin makes pomade softer and creamier. It spreads more easily.
• Pliability: your style stays flexible and can be restyled with a comb.
• Moisture-repellent: just like in sheep's wool, it helps moisture bead off.

How the bases work together

Lanolin shows its strength as part of a team. Beeswax provides grip and hold, petrolatum glide and shine, lanolin the smooth texture. Together they make an oil-based pomade that holds firmly yet stays pliable. More on the partners in beeswax in pomade and pomade with Vaseline.

Who lanolin isn't right for

• Wool wax allergy: some people react to lanolin. If you know this about yourself or aren't sure, talk to a dermatologist first.
• Vegan lifestyle: lanolin is an animal product, even though the sheep are only shorn for it.

How to use pomade with lanolin

Warm a pea-sized amount, work it into dry or towel-dried hair and shape with a comb. Because lanolin repels water, wash the pomade out with shampoo. Step by step at how to apply pomade.

The right pomade

NO STYLIST Pomade Pure Lemongrass is oil-based and combines petrolatum, beeswax and lanolin. It gives you a strong, pliable hold, a silky shine and a water-repellent texture. The scent comes only from lemongrass oil, patchouli oil and lavender extract. Handmade in small batches in Germany, free shipping to Germany and Austria. To try it, there is a 10 g size with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Is lanolin good for hair?

Lanolin is a proven cosmetic ingredient that makes pomade smooth. If you have a known wool wax allergy, avoid it.

How do I spot lanolin on the ingredient list?

It's listed as lanolin, sometimes as lanolin alcohol or adeps lanae.

Does lanolin make hair greasy?

Only if you use too much. Tips in hair looks greasy with pomade?.