If you’ve been searching for a homemade natural pomade that actually holds short hair in place without synthetic fragrance or petroleum, this is the recipe you need!
Before we moved to Pennsylvania, I worked as a hairdresser for fifteen years. Over time, I became increasingly aware of just how many synthetic fragrances and artificial colors were in professional hair products. When we started cleaning up our diet, it only made sense to take the next step and look at what we were putting on our skin and hair too.
With five boys in the house, I needed something simple, healthier, and practical that still worked. This homemade natural pomade became that solution. It is what we keep in the bathroom drawer for fresh haircuts, quick trims, and getting everyone ready on Sunday mornings.
It is traditional. It is straightforward. And it keeps short men’s hair in place without unnecessary ingredients.
Table of Contents
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Why Make Your Own Hair Pomade?
Most store-bought hair products contain petroleum, artificial fragrance, and fillers that simply are not necessary. After we began paying attention to what we were eating, we also started paying attention to what we were using in our home, from soap to lotions to hair care.
Making our own has become part of that shift.
This homemade pomade uses:
- beeswax for hold
- tallow for body and nourishment
- castor oil for grip
- jojoba oil for smooth application
- optional essential oils for scent
You control the ingredients. You control the hold. And you avoid the heavy buildup that often comes with conventional hair products.
If you already make your own soap or body care products, this fits right in. Recipes like my Homemade Face Scrub With Tallow (Gentle Sugar Exfoliator for Glowing Skin) or Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream follow the same simple, traditional approach.
What This Homemade Natural Pomade Does
This is a classic oil-based pomade, similar to what would have been used in a traditional barber shop.
It will:
- Keep short men’s hair in place
- Help prevent side puffing
- Smooth thick or coarse hair
- Add a natural, healthy shine
- Provide medium to firm hold
It will not:
- Create stiff, crunchy hair like gel
- Leave white residue
- Feel sticky once properly worked into the hair
It simply helps hair stay neat and shaped without looking overdone.
Quick Look at This Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes including setting time
Servings: Approximately 4 ounces of pomade
Texture: Firm, smooth, medium hold with natural shine
Best served: Applied sparingly to short hair to control puffing and shape
Ingredients
2.5 tablespoons beeswax
2 tablespoons grass-fed tallow
1 tablespoon castor oil
½ tablespoon jojoba oil
10 to 20 drops essential oil, optional
Cedarwood works beautifully if you prefer a subtle scent. Rosemary can also be used in small amounts.
Essential oils are optional. This pomade is effective without them. When I link to essential oils, I’m linking to the brand I personally use and trust. Young Living offers a 10% share discount on orders of 50 PV or more with code SHAREYL, if you’d like to take advantage of it
Equipment
- double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan
- small whisk or spoon
- clean metal tin or glass jar
- measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Fill the bottom of your double boiler with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the beeswax to the top portion and allow it to melt slowly over low heat.
Once melted, add the tallow and stir until fully liquified.
Add the castor oil and jojoba oil. Stir gently until combined. Then, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about one minute. Add essential oils if using and stir again.
Pour the mixture into your container and allow it to set completely at room temperature. The pomade will firm as it cools.
Tips for Making Homemade Natural Pomade
Melt the ingredients gently
Use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Beeswax melts slowly, and gentle heat helps prevent overheating the oils.
Adjust the hold if needed
If you prefer a softer pomade, slightly reduce the beeswax and add a little more oil. If you want a firmer hold, increase the beeswax slightly.
Let the pomade cool undisturbed
Once poured into the jar, allow the pomade to cool completely at room temperature. Moving the jar while it sets can cause an uneven texture.
Warm it in your hands before using
This is a firm pomade, especially in cooler rooms. Scrape out a small amount and rub it between your palms to soften it before applying to your hair.
Store in a cool, dry place
Because this pomade contains natural fats and oils, keeping it out of direct sunlight and heat will help it last longer.
Use essential oils sparingly
If adding essential oils for scent, start with just a few drops. A little goes a long way in a small batch like this.
How to Use
This is a hard pomade, especially when the room is cold, so you will need to scrape out a pea-sized amount.
Rub between your palms until fully melted.
Apply to slightly damp hair and comb into place.
A little goes a long way. Using too much can make hair appear heavy, so start small and add more only if needed.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Because this recipe contains no water, it is naturally shelf stable for several months.
If your home becomes very warm in June or during the summer months, it may soften slightly. Simply move it to a cooler spot and it will firm back up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Natural Pomade
Is this good for greasy hair?
Yes, when used sparingly. Only a very small amount is needed. Most heaviness comes from using too much, not from the recipe itself.
Can I substitute coconut oil?
You can, but coconut oil softens the structure and melts easily in warm temperatures. For stronger hold and better stability, tallow and castor oil work best.
Does this work as a hair texturizer?
It provides structure and control, but it is not a dry matte texturizer. It is closer to a traditional pomade with a natural finish.
Can I add clay?
You can add a small amount of cosmetic clay if you prefer a more matte look, but that changes the texture and feel of the final product.
Why Tallow Works So Well in Hair Care
Tallow has been used for generations in soap and skin care. It provides weight and nourishment without unnecessary additives. When combined with beeswax, it creates a stable base that helps hair stay shaped while remaining flexible.
Just as it works beautifully in traditional soap and face cream, it performs just as well in simple grooming recipes like this one.
Final Thoughts
If you have short men’s hair that tends to puff at the sides or refuses to stay in place, this homemade natural pomade offers a practical solution.
It uses traditional ingredients.
It avoids unnecessary fillers.
And it keeps grooming simple.
For our family, it has become just another small way we choose to make what we use — instead of relying on what is sold on a shelf.
Tried this recipe?
I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!
Homemade Natural Pomade Recipe (Tallow & Beeswax for Men’s Hair)
Equipment
- double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan
- small whisk or spoon
- clean metal tin or glass jar
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2.5 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed tallow
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- ½ tablespoon jojoba oil
- 10 to 20 drops essential oil optional
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of your double boiler with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the beeswax to the top portion and allow it to melt slowly over low heat.
- Once melted, add the tallow and stir until fully liquified.
- Add the castor oil and jojoba oil. Stir gently until combined. Then, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about one minute. Add essential oils if using and stir again.
- Pour the mixture into your container and allow it to set completely at room temperature. The pomade will firm as it cools.
Notes
Melt the ingredients gently
Use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Beeswax melts slowly, and gentle heat helps prevent overheating the oils. Adjust the hold if needed
If you prefer a softer pomade, slightly reduce the beeswax and add a little more oil. If you want a firmer hold, increase the beeswax slightly. Let the pomade cool undisturbed
Once poured into the jar, allow the pomade to cool completely at room temperature. Moving the jar while it sets can cause an uneven texture. Warm it in your hands before using
This is a firm pomade, especially in cooler rooms. Scrape out a small amount and rub it between your palms to soften it before applying to your hair. Store in a cool, dry place
Because this pomade contains natural fats and oils, keeping it out of direct sunlight and heat will help it last longer. Use essential oils sparingly
If adding essential oils for scent, start with just a few drops. A little goes a long way in a small batch like this.
How to Use This is a hard pomade, especially when the room is cold, so you will need to scrape out a pea-sized amount. Rub between your palms until fully melted. Apply to slightly damp hair and comb into place. A little goes a long way. Using too much can make hair appear heavy, so start small and add more only if needed.
Storage Store in a cool, dry place. Because this recipe contains no water, it is naturally shelf stable for several months. If your home becomes very warm in June or during the summer months, it may soften slightly. Simply move it to a cooler spot and it will firm back up.
Welcome!
Hi! I’m Stephanie, also known as Idie. Follow me as I tap into the methods of the past and learn how to make my world a little smaller.
