As the name implies, Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade is crafted right here in Vietnam, specifically by talented hands in Ho Chi Minh City who oversee every aspect of production. This truly home-brewed pomade is "cooked" locally, and while the version I received may still be a work in progress, it’s clear that Original Pomade is a clay pomade worth experiencing, and I aim to provide an objective assessment.
Design
Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade comes in an impressively creative package. The outer gray paper box features textured cloud motifs and a small window to showcase the product's label and name. The design reflects a simplicity with muted tones, though I do have some reservations about the metal tin.
The tin, adorned with a decal label, feels a bit run-of-the-mill. A closer inspection reveals a dent in the bottom left corner, likely caused during transit from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
The tin, whether aluminum or tin, is somewhat fragile and can easily dent if dropped. Additionally, the decal label lacks a certain visual appeal. 😦
Ingredients and Scent
The ingredient list for Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade has a wholesome vibe: beeswax, white clay (kaolin), almond oil, grape seed oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, and orange oil. The standout scent is definitely the light cinnamon aroma, complemented by the distinctive notes of beeswax and clay, reminiscent of Hanz de Fuko Claymation. The fragrance tends to fade after about two hours.
Texture
The beeswax is the star of the show, giving Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade its firm texture. You won't have to wrestle with it too much to rub it between your palms, but it doesn’t dissolve instantly. As an oil-based pomade mixed with clay, it offers improved washability. After one wash, you may still feel a thin layer of pomade in your hair, but the clean sensation is noticeable.
Shine
This pomade leans towards a matte finish while maintaining a subtle natural shine due to its oil-based ingredients, though it's minimal.
Hair Texture
Once applied evenly, Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade provides excellent hold without stickiness or pulling, allowing hair strands to bond naturally. I particularly appreciate how lightweight this product feels in the hair, as opposed to the heavier nature of pure oil-based pomades like Reuzel Pink.
For styling, I used about half a fingertip of the product.
Volume
Thanks to its clay composition, this pomade adds decent volume without the exaggerated lift typical of waxes. This makes Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade an excellent choice for those who love wax but want to try pomade instead.
Hold and Restyling
With my thick, nose-length hair, I found that this product holds for around six hours, even withstanding the heat of a summer day while wearing a helmet. After removing the helmet, my hair maintained enough structure to be easily adjusted with my hands or a comb.
It doesn’t leave my hands sticky and allows for effortless restyling.
After taking off the helmet, my hair was slightly tousled at the nape but quickly fell back into place with just a few strokes.
In conclusion, after a week of consistent use, I can sum up my thoughts on Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade in two words: promising. This 100% made-in-Vietnam product boasts natural ingredients, a decent hold, and the unique advantages of home-brewed pomade. There's still room for improvement and refinement, but I truly believe it has the potential to reach new heights.
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