The Short Answer
Struggling to wash out heavy pomade? Whether you are using REUZEL Pink, REUZEL Green, or a classic tin like Murray’s, water alone will not work. The most effective method is the "Dry Condition" technique: Apply Daily Conditioner to dry hair first to break down the grease. Once emulsified, layer a Scrub Shampoo on top, rinse, and finish with a standard wash.
The Science: Why Water Won't Work
Oil and water don’t mix. It is the first rule of chemistry, and it is the reason your heavy hold pomade stays in through sweat, rain, and styling.
Products like REUZEL Pink are formulated with "hydrophobic" ingredients like beeswax that actively repel water. If you jump straight into the shower and soak your head, the water creates a barrier over the wax, sealing it onto the hair shaft.
To get the grease out, you have to break the molecular bond before the water touches it.
The 3-Step REUZEL Degreasing Formula
Use this method to reset your hair back to zero, regardless of which oil-based product you use.
Step 1: The "Dry" Condition (The Secret Weapon)
Do not wet your hair yet.
Squeeze a generous amount of REUZEL Daily Conditioner into your palm. Apply it directly to your dry, styled hair.
- The Science: The oils in the conditioner act as a solvent. They bind with the heavy oils in the pomade, loosening the hold without water blocking the process.
- The Method: Massage vigorously into the roots and tips. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes (a perfect time to shave or brush your teeth).
Step 2: The Scrub Down
Without rinsing the conditioner out, apply REUZEL Scrub Shampoo directly over the grease/conditioner mixture.
- Why Scrub? This shampoo contains unique exfoliating beads (like a face scrub, but for your scalp). It mechanically lifts the heavy wax off the hair cuticle.
- Lather: Add a tiny splash of water just to get a lather going, but keep the mixture concentrated.
Step 3: Rinse & Polish
Now, rinse everything out with warm water. The conditioner has loosened the grease, and the scrub has lifted it away.
- Final Finish: Follow up with REUZEL Daily Shampoo for a final cleanse. This removes any lingering debris and ensures your scalp is hydrated, not stripped.
The "Dish Soap" Myth
If you search Reddit for "how to remove pomade," you will see people recommending dish soap (like Dawn).
Please stop doing this.
While dish soap does cut grease, it is formulated for ceramic plates, not human skin. It strips the natural sebum from your scalp, which can lead to:
- Severe dandruff and dry scalp.
- Brittle, straw-like hair prone to breakage.
- Over-production of oil (your scalp panics and produces more grease to compensate).
Use a dedicated Scrub Shampoo that balances deep cleaning with scalp health.
The Degreasing Tool Kit
- REUZEL Daily Conditioner: The solvent that breaks the bond.
- REUZEL Scrub Shampoo: The heavy lifter that exfoliates the wax.
- REUZEL Daily Shampoo: The daily driver for a clean finish.
FAQ: Managing Your Build-Up
Do I need to get it ALL out?
Not necessarily. In the traditional barbershop world, we call this "The Build-Up." Many users of REUZEL Pink or Green prefer to leave a little bit of grease in the hair. It acts as a foundation, making it easier to style your pompadour the next morning.
How often should I do the full degrease?
We recommend the 3-step formula once every 3 to 4 days, or whenever you want a fresh start. On the days in between, a simple rinse and top-up of pomade is usually enough.
Is REUZEL Pink water soluble?
No. REUZEL Pink is a beeswax and oil-based pomade. It is designed to hold like a brick wall. If you want a product that washes out with just water but still holds strong, try REUZEL Blue or Concrete Hold Matte Pomade.
