For the pomade aficionado always on the lookout for fresh products, Schmiere is likely a name you've come across recently. This brand has been making waves, not just because it hails from Germany - an unexpected source for pomades - but also because of its bold, eye-catching packaging featuring a badass raven as its mascot.
What sets Schmiere apart is its vast selection of pomades, boasting an impressive 16 different varieties. A quick glance at their website might leave you squinting to count them all! Today, with the help of HairBros, I’ll walk you through two of Schmiere’s core offerings. The German names can be a mouthful, so let’s keep it simple and call one Strong and the other Medium, based on their packaging. One thing worth mentioning is that Schmiere is incredibly generous with each tin containing 140ml of product, enough to last you a couple of months, even if your hair touches your lips.
Each tin also comes with a fun, comic-style illustration that guides you on how to use the pomade.
Schmiere Pomade Strong
As the name suggests, this is a heavyweight pomade. The slick-back hairstyle on the raven on the tin led me to expect strong hold - and it delivered.
The pomade itself is lemon-yellow in color and has a refreshing, fruity fragrance reminiscent of a blend of orange and lemon. It’s a nice change from the usual minty or heavily essential oil-laden pomades. When you first tap the surface of Schmiere Strong, it feels quite firm, but with a bit of pressure, it becomes easy to scoop out. In your palms, it softens into a paste-like wax with just a hint of the stickiness that comes with oil-based pomades, but it’s not overbearing.
When I started styling with Schmiere Strong, I expected it to be straightforward, but with my slightly side-swept, slick-back style (a hybrid of a pompadour and a side part), it took me a solid five minutes to get it right. Initially, I used a comb, then switched to my fingers for a more natural look. One feature I appreciate is that Schmiere Strong isn’t overly shiny. It gives a subtle sheen that fades after a few hours. The hold is moderate - pomades typically offer less stiffness compared to waxes - but the hair stays in place, and it’s easy to restyle after removing a helmet. Just make sure to keep a comb handy as the hair can feel sticky.
On my thick, coarse, nose-length hair, Schmiere Pomade Strong held up for about six hours, even in the summer heat. Toward the end of the day, a few strands started falling onto my forehead, but that’s not bad for a warm-weather performance. I expect it to really shine in colder months. Another big plus? Even though it’s oil-based, it washes out easily with just one wash.
Schmiere Pomade Medium
The raven on this tin sports a slightly wavy hairstyle, hinting at the versatility of this product. Schmiere’s clever use of packaging communicates its characteristics clearly.
Schmiere Medium comes in a striking light blue color with a distinctive almond scent, which might be a bit strong for some. The texture is noticeably softer and smoother than the Strong variant, dissolving easily in your palms. Once applied, it leaves your hair smooth and non-sticky, allowing for effortless combing.
The more you apply, the more you’ll notice your hair gaining a certain flexibility. My coarse hair felt softer, and the strands clung together more closely. Schmiere Pomade Medium delivers a slightly above-average shine and a bit of moisture, similar to Reuzel Pink or Green.
As the name implies, this pomade offers medium hold, ideal for longer hairstyles like pompadours or slick-backs. On my hair, it held up for about four hours before starting to lose its form, especially after removing a helmet. Side parts, unfortunately, won’t maintain their shape for more than three hours.
After taking off the helmet, the hair remained mildly disheveled but easy to fix with a quick touch-up.
While both products are oil-based, they wash out easily, and their hold works well with the texture of Vietnamese men's hair. Whether you're going for classic styles or just want to try something unique, Schmiere’s pomades are worth checking out. Plus, who can resist that rugged tin design featuring the cool raven mascot?
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