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Hongkonghomebrew Styling Balm Review

After going through quite a number Singapore brands, this time we’ve touched down in Hong Kong! You heard it – Hongkonghomebrew (quite a mouthful name) is a hair care brand proudly crafted in Asia. “Brewed for Humans” as its motto, the founders strive to create hair styling products that is fit for the human bodies through careful selection of ingredients from the US. More than that, since everyone’s hair texture is unique and living in different weather condition, they’ve crafted their product to suit for each. When we reached out to Gary from Hongkonghomebrew, we asked for a product that suits our humid Singapore weather, so he generously sent us the Styling Balm, Styling Clay and Pre Styling Spray.

For this review, we will first explore the Styling Balm. It is the improved of their original Pomade and I believe it went through multiple iteration before they arrived with this end product. I would say this is their unorthodox pomade ;)

Brand

Hongkonghomebrew

Origin

Hong Kong

Type

Unorthodox Pomade

Design and Packaging

Clean and Simplistic. Housed in a white plastic jar, it has the right amount of information with the mentioned of Ingredients and application. There’s a mention that the product free from elements that might be a little dangerous (if over used) such as paraben, petrolatum, EDTA..etc. Plus it’s cruelty free!

Very lightweight, and they kind of gives you a glimpse this might be a lightweight product. It weighs at around 85g (3oz). And that, you can carry them with you while traveling on a plane.

Scent

Lemongrass-Like. It comes from an Chinese Herb plant called Litsea cubeba. Known to provide reliefs for anxiety, fear, fatigue, pain or stress. The scent is really soothing and provides a sense of calmness. Not to overpowering, just the right amount. I would say this a job well done! (not unless you dislike lemon grass scent)

Texture

Unlike your typical gel like pomade, this styling balm is smooth with some creamy texture. Very easy to scoop out and breakdown. Might be a bit similar to the Morris Motley Styling balm but i think this is much smoother.

Application

I have tried both on dry and damp hair. There’s not much difference as it is able to be applied easily on both conditions. With two coin size amount of the styling balm, it is enough for a short hair like mine. Provides a nice slight wavy look with a comb back style. No tucking or grip or hardening whatsoever. It was so easy to style that it actually took less than 30 seconds to set me up for the day!

If you prefer a relax look, you can achieve that as well we lesser product and probably do some blow drying.

Restyling

Restyling is required around 2 times a day to maintain a good hold. Easily restyled with finger or a wet comb.

Shine

Medium Shine

Volume

I would say it does gives a moderate volume when style with comb.

Strength

• Medium Hold. Feels the strength right after using them.

• Suitable for indoor with light outdoor activities. Definitely not so suitable for any high perspiration outdoor activities.

Endurance

Overall, it does last until the 4 hour mark before it requires some restyling. There’s a definitely reduction in the hold and volume towards the end of the day. However, it could be easily restyled after that.

For better hold and endurance, I actually applied the Pre Styling Spray before applying the Styling Balm!

Boy, it really does make a difference. After a couple of spray, blow dry to give a good foundation to the style you want. You will notice there some form of hold with the spray. Somewhat similar to Blind Barber’s 40 Proof Sea Salt Hair Spray but slight weaker. Then apply the Styling Balm accordingly. It volume and hold does last longer around 6 hours before it starts to wear off a little.

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Washability

This is easily washed off with one round of shampoo!

Hair Types

• Thickness – Fine to  Medium Hair

• Works great for both Straight, Wavy

   

Hairstyles

Pompadour, Quiff, Spiky Side Parting, Comb back, Side Swept-Brush Up

(See hairstyles here )

Ingredients

Aqua, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Lanolin Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil PEG40, Vitamin E Oil, Essential Oil, Phenoxyethonal

Drying Alcohol Free, Paraben Free, Petrolatum Free, EDRA Free, Artificial Colorants Free, Cruelty Free

Verdict

This product will be my go to product for a relax look or if I do not need a long lasting hold for the day. The effort shown by the brand to create a product that is friendly to the human body is admirable. For those who are especially concern with risky ingredients, here you go. The Hongkonghomebrew should be on your shelf.

For a much stronger and lasting hold, you can actually either try out together with the Pre Styling Spray, or otherwise, you could check out the Styling Clay!

To you our readers, here’s a 15% Discount code – urbanoak15 for you to save a little of $$ to try this product out. Trust me, this is worth the try.

Once again, follow @urbanoakco for more men’s grooming product reviews!

Price

HK$185 / $SGD33 (Original Price)

HK$157.25 / $SGD 28 (After Promo)

Overall Performance of Hongkonghomebrew Styling Balm

Hold Power: ★★★☆☆

Hold Power (With Pre Styling Spray) : ★★★★☆

Shine: ★★★☆☆

Endurance ★★★☆☆

Washability:★★★★☆