I've recently been given the opportunity to review a pomade from a brewer that I've long had my eyes on. Hector from Pompking was kind enough to send me one of his pomades. After talking back and forth about what my preferences are and what works in Asian weather, we settled on one of their heavier holding pomades. This, is Pompking's Red Gamma.
Packaging
Red Gamma comes in a black 4 oz metal tin. Has a label on the lid with an image of a greaser chick on it and another label on the bottom of the tin stating information such as ingredients, directions and credits to who the artist responsible for the design is. Overall packaging is really straightforward and simple but as someone who's into 50s and greaser style, I do appreciate the artwork on it.
Scent
This pomade has a cherry cola scent. It smells pretty accurate to cherry cola drinks, but I personally get more cherry rather than cola. It's still a really nice and enjoyable scent and it's not overly obnoxious to make you dread it as hours go by.
Application
The top layer of the pomade requires quite some effort to be scooped out but once you get past it, it's easier to get it out of the tin. It will still require some elbow grease though as it's a waxier product. Breaking it down is about the same, you'll get that grippy and waxy feel. Goes into your hair with some tug and pull, so you might wanna go easy. Apply in smaller amounts or go into damp hair if you have to.
Slickness
Even though it's a really waxy pomade, it still combs through pretty easily. You will feel some resistance, but not to the point where your comb fights you or snags your hair. You'll still be able to get a fair amount of slickness, though it does lack some stickiness to keep the more stubborn strays in check.
Control
Styling with this pomade is pretty intuitive. Your hair goes where you want it to and stays there for the most part. It's really easy to get height and volume due to the waxy hold that you get. Despite the strong hold, it also doesn't give you a blocky shape unlike other heavier pomades.
Strength
Despite being advertised as a medium to firm hold, this stuff can easily give you a firm or even a heavy hold. It doesn't feel overly dense but it's still sturdy enough to uphold any height that you get.
Shine
This pomade will give you between a low to medium shine.
Durability
Just like most waxy pomades, it has no issue going against hot weather. The lack of greasiness also means that you're not gonna feel the product melting down your face throughout the day. A lot of the height and volume that you got during styling can easily stay that way without requiring much restyling. However, I do find some strays coming loose and my cowlick fighting me due to it not being sticky and slick enough.
Washability
As per usual with heavier pomades, about 3-4 washes with shampoo will get everything out. It leaves behind a clean and waxy buildup which I appreciate.
Price-point
Together with international shipping, this product costs about $40.55 SGD ($30.22 USD) on their Etsy store. Not too bad of a price if you ask me. Plus there's not too many resellers that ship internationally who stock their stuff.
Verdict
Pompking has been a brand that I've long had my eyes on ever since I started getting into pomades. They've also been pretty under the radar amongst the community and I feel that they're fairly underrated in that sense.
After using Red Gamma for a few weeks, I honestly really like it. The problem I usually notice with pomades made in the US is that they're usually not catered to put up with hotter weather. Not with this pomade though, no. Not only can you style a really tall and round pompadour with Red Gamma, but it has no issue staying that way throughout the day and withstanding any heat or humidity. Plus that cherry cola scent just smells amazing. My main drawbacks with this pomade are with the application and the lack of slickness and stickiness. Scooping out the pomade, breaking it down and applying into hair can be a bit tough if you're not used to it, though it's still not impossible. I also wished it had more slickness and stickiness to help keep the strays in check.
Overall, Pompking's Red Gamma is an awesome product. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a pomade to put up with hot weather or if you want something with a really good amount of hold. The scent is also pretty unique and enjoyable. If you're gonna expose yourself to gamma radiation, make it Pompking's Red Gamma. Stop smashing. Get yourself a tin and start pomping.
After using Red Gamma for a few weeks, I honestly really like it. The problem I usually notice with pomades made in the US is that they're usually not catered to put up with hotter weather. Not with this pomade though, no. Not only can you style a really tall and round pompadour with Red Gamma, but it has no issue staying that way throughout the day and withstanding any heat or humidity. Plus that cherry cola scent just smells amazing. My main drawbacks with this pomade are with the application and the lack of slickness and stickiness. Scooping out the pomade, breaking it down and applying into hair can be a bit tough if you're not used to it, though it's still not impossible. I also wished it had more slickness and stickiness to help keep the strays in check.
Overall, Pompking's Red Gamma is an awesome product. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a pomade to put up with hot weather or if you want something with a really good amount of hold. The scent is also pretty unique and enjoyable. If you're gonna expose yourself to gamma radiation, make it Pompking's Red Gamma. Stop smashing. Get yourself a tin and start pomping.
Click here to visit Pompking Pomades on their Etsy store
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