The Benefits of Water-Based Pomade Over Oil-Based

Every pomade in the Brosh range is water-based. That was a deliberate call by the Tokyo barbers who built the brand — they wanted the classic pomade look without the drawbacks that come with traditional oil-based formulas. Here's what water-based means, and why it's the better way to wear a pomade every day.

First, the short history

The original barbershop pomade was oil-based — petroleum or wax formulas that coat the hair. It delivers heavy shine and rigid hold, but it comes with real costs: it takes days of repeated washing to fully remove, it builds up on the hair and scalp, it transfers onto pillows and collars, and once your style drops mid-day, the only fix is more product.

Water-based pomade was developed to deliver the same classic looks without any of that.

Benefit one: washes out in one go

Water-based formulas dissolve in water. One wash with warm water and shampoo and the hair is completely clean — no residue, no film, no build-up on the scalp. You start every morning from zero, which is exactly what you want for daily wear. Funky Minty Shampoo handles the job and leaves a cooling mint finish.

Benefit two: rework your style all day

This is the one barbers rate most. Water reactivates a water-based formula — so if you want to change your style at 3pm, you wet your hands, run them through, re-comb, and it's done. No new product, no stiff helmet of layered build-up. Every Brosh pomade is built to be water-reworkable.

Benefit three: hold without the weight

Water-based pomade sets in the hair rather than coating it. The result is a lighter feel — strong hold that doesn't read as greasy, doesn't weigh fine hair flat, and doesn't transfer onto your hands every time you touch your head.

Benefit four: no compromise on the result

The old argument for oil-based pomade was that water-based formulas couldn't match its hold or survive heat and sweat. Modern Japanese formulas closed that gap. Brosh pomades are humidity-resistant — developed through Tokyo summers — and the range runs from high-gloss extra-strong hold to clean matte clay. Whatever an oil-based pomade could do for a style, there's a water-based Brosh tin that does it without the wash-out problem.

Benefit five: easier on the scalp

Because it rinses clean, water-based pomade doesn't accumulate on the skin under your hair. Combined with a regular wash routine — and the Pomade Unscented option for anyone sensitive to fragrance — it's the formula a barber can recommend for genuine everyday use.

The bottom line

Oil-based pomade earned its place in barbering history. But for daily wear — wash-out, rework, feel, and scalp — water-based is the better tool, and it gives up nothing in hold or finish. That's why the entire Brosh range is built on it.

Ready to pick a hold and finish? Start with our guide to choosing the right Brosh pomade.

All Brosh products are made in Japan to professional-grade standards. Shop the range at brosh.au.