Arcadian Clay Pomade New Formula Review
The Arcadian brand is not foreign to us, in fact we have done a couple of reviews of their products from the recent reformulated Arcadian Matte Paste, to the old version of Arcadian Clay Pomade . In 2018, Eric Dale founder of Arcadian decided to revamp his original products in order to improve their respective performance. And one of them is the newly formulated Arcadian Clay Pomade. We got to say there’s certainly significant improvements from the previous version. But before we dive in, we want to set the context right about what is a clay pomade? With this understanding, you will better appreciate a good clay pomade by Arcadian
What is a Clay Pomade?
Clay Pomade is a product that combines both feature of a pomade and clay hair styling products.
A pomade usually provides a good high shine and better hold as compared to clay. Its texture are usually smooth and easy to scoop out. It works great especially on thick hair.
Get exclusive useful guides and deals
Subscribe to our newsletter
On the other hand, clay contains clays (pun intended) that has natural properties such as repair damaged hair, and alleviates dryness to the scalp. It is matte (low shine) and low to medium hold. It provides better texture and volume especially when blow dried while styling. This means it is best use for fine to medium thick hair types.
UO Select Store
Carefully reviewed and curated men’s grooming brands for your personal care routine
With the context above, the challenge of this Arcadian Clay Pomade Reformulation is to combine the great properties of pomade and clay, yet without compromising much of its respective origin. Let’s dive into the reivew now!
Brand
Origin
Knoxville, Tennesse, USA
Type
Water Based Clay Pomade
Design and Packaging
Arcadian has always been very consistent with their design and packaging. The packaging is similar to the previous version. House is a amber glass jar of 114g (4 Oz). However, this also means is not flight friendly.
Scent
The scent has definitely took a different direction. While it is still woodsy, the new formula introduces some citrusy notes to it as compared to the bay rum scent in its original one. I would prefer this scent because it is much lighter and not too overwhelming.
View fullsize
Texture & Application
The texture is still amazingly creamy, soft and easy to be scooped out. This is definitely due to the leverage of pomade properties. Though I have stored the jar in an air-conditioned, the texture did not change at all. You don’t have to worry if winter is coming ;) GoT fan here! The Arcadian Matte Paste in comparison is thicket than this.
After scooping out from the jar, breaking it down was easy. However, this time you will realize there would be some solid bits (like pepper). These pepperish bits doesn’t affect the texture. When applying on the hair, it is super easy, can either do it with a comb or just with your finger.
Shine
Low Shine. I would say it does has a little shine, not totally matte
Volume
When used with hair dryer, it does give a good volume that last for quite a while despite the humidity here in Singapore. My hair thickness is normal, hence this is pretty impressive. It really reminds me the volume given by Morris Motley’s Treatment Balm and Flagship Black Ship Pomade.
Strength & Endurance
- Medium Strong Hold. It does improved from the previous version. The previous version unable to hold my sides. But this time, it mange to tame them pretty well.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. However, not advisable for high-perspiration sports
- Endurance: I would it’s medium. Some restyling required but very easy one to execute. Doesn’t require any water for restyling.
Washability
One Shampoo is required. Considered pretty easy.
Hair Types
- Thickness – Fine to Medium Thick Hair
- Volume – Low to High Volume Hair
- Straight, Wavy
Hairstyles
Pompadour, Spiky Side Parting, Comb back, Side Swept-Brush Up
(See hairstyles here )
Ingredients
The new formula of Arcadian Clay Pomade ingredients contains more natural properties as its previous one. The usage of aloe vera not only provides good consistency to the product, but has good nourishing properties to the scalp.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Flower Water, Microcrystalline Wax, Kaolin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sea Clay, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Silica, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pinus Nigra (Black Pine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Fruit Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Picea Mariana (Black Spruce) Oil, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Oil, Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Viridiflora (Niaouli) Oil, Potassium Sorbat
Verdict
The Reformulated Arcadian Clay Pomade is definitely has improved compared to its ancestor. Better scent personally, and definitely a better hold. This product is suitable if you are looking for something not heavy, but yet holds great throughout the day. Couple it with sea salt spray will help to improve the hold. I would say the Arcadian Clay Pomade New Formula will be in my favourite list.
As an appreciation to readers, here’s a 15% discount code – URBANOAK15 (only applies to direct store below) for you to try it out!
Performance of Arcadian Clay Pomade (New Formula)
Hold Power: ★★★★☆
Shine:★☆☆☆☆
Endurance ★★★★☆
Washability:★★★★☆
