Pomade and Blow Dryer: Order, Technique and Common Mistakes
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Pomade and a blow dryer complement each other when the order is right. If the hair is blow-dried first and shaped afterwards, it gets a clear direction and can then be finished with pomade.
This guide explains the order to work in and how to use the blow dryer.
The basic rule: blow-dry first, then pomade
- Blow-dry before the pomade: the hair is brought into the desired direction and gets volume at the roots.
- No direct hot air after the pomade: heat can soften the product.
- Reshape with cool air if needed: on a low setting and at a distance you can lightly touch up the look.
Why the order matters
Damp hair can be shaped; dry hair keeps its shape. If you blow-dry first, you give the hair a direction. The pomade then finishes this shape.
Combining pomade and blow dryer: the steps
Step 1: Prepare the hair
Wash the hair and pat it towel-dry. It should no longer be dripping wet.
Step 2: Set the rough direction with the blow dryer
Blow-dry the hair in the direction the hairstyle will later lie: back for a slick back, along the parting line for a side part and up and back for a pompadour.
Keep about a hand's width away from the hair and move the dryer steadily.
Step 3: Build volume at the roots
Where the hairstyle needs height, lift the hair with your fingers or a round brush. For looks with little volume, blow-dry the roots flat in the direction of the hairstyle.
Step 4: Shape with cool air
Finally, let the hair cool briefly with cool air. Then apply the pomade.
Step 5: Apply the pomade
Take a small amount and rub it completely between your palms. Work from the roots into the lengths and follow the direction you set while blow-drying. Pomade Pure Lemongrass is oil-based and designed for strong, pliable hold.
Step 6: Reshape with cool air if needed
If individual sections do not sit right yet, you can reshape them with the cool setting of the blow dryer at a little distance.
Blow dryer for dry or damp styling?
- Blow-dry towel-dried hair: the hair follows the direction more easily. Good for slick back and side part.
- Air-dry and then style: the hair keeps more texture and lift.
- Blow-dry damp hair in a targeted way: helps when unruly hair needs to be brought into a new direction.
Tips for a clean result
- The hairstyle needs more stability: let the hair cool briefly after blow-drying.
- The roots should get more volume: lift the roots with your fingers and blow-dry directly at the roots.
- The contours should lie flat: blow-dry the sides flat in the direction of the hairstyle and close them with the flat of your hand at the end.
- The hair should stay supple: keep your distance and work in short intervals on a medium setting.
Less product thanks to proper blow-drying
If the hair already lies in the right direction before styling, the shape can be finished precisely. The basic application technique is in how to use pomade correctly. An overview of choosing a pomade is in Which pomade for which hair.
Frequently asked questions about pomade and blow dryers
Should I apply pomade first or blow-dry first?
Blow-dry first, then pomade. The blow dryer shapes the hair, the pomade finishes the look.
Can I blow-dry pomade?
A short, cool pass is usually fine. Avoid direct hot air on pomaded hair.
How do I get more volume with pomade?
Volume is created when blow-drying. Lift the roots against their natural fall, blow-dry the roots and let the hair cool. Then work in the pomade.
What do I do if the hairstyle does not hold after blow-drying?
Check whether the hair is dry enough and the roots have cooled. Then add a small amount of pomade if needed.
Can I use pomade on dry hair?
Yes. Dry hair gives more texture; towel-dried hair makes the look smoother and shinier.