Unexpectedly Excellent
As I already mentioned to you guys, I have received an unruly number of questions and messages from you vatos about Layrite. You guys asked me for my opinion on it and now, you’re going to get it.
I first tried Suavecito about a year or so ago. And the name, “Layrite” always comes along with Suavecito whenever mentioned. These two product lines are the most commonly known in the water-based pomade world. Thus, I assumed they’re very similar products — I was wrong…Layrite is much different.
This is the jar. It is a white 4 oz. plastic jar that’s honestly…pretty damn well designed. Who doesn’t like having a chick on the jar of pomade? Plus, it’s got a nice gold accent running along the circumference of the cap. Then, as you can see below, the pomade itself is a sweet ass orange color. If you can all remember, most of the water-based pomades we’ve seen come in a coca-cola brown or gold/yellow jello. So, this is a nice change. The scent is a very soft vanilla type of thing, but with a Play-Doh like after-smell. It’s alright but either way, it’s soft anyways.
Application
Just like your standard water-based pomade, it scoops out no differently than Suavecito or Tres Flores — softer than Grant’s or Shiner Gold but thicker than Admiral. Spreading it throughout the hair is pretty easy. I mean, this is rarely ever a problem for water-based products with the exception of a few like Slick Devil or Blind Barber. Combing through was pretty smooth once you got everything going.
Styling
Time. I can style pretty effing quickly with this baby. In my mind, I keep track of products like this…just in case the time ever arrives, I know which products to use if I’m in a time crunch. The strength this product provides and its slowness to cure made it really easy to style my hair. Also, this definitely makes it a great beginner’s pomade to learn how to pomp with.
Slickness. Not bad. Not bad at all, actually. As you can see in the pictures, you can see some shine. Not bad. I wouldn’t call it high sheen as they advertise but it is RELATIVELY high sheen for the water-based pomade market. This makes me really excited to see what the Layrite Super Shine provides. Aside from the shine, the product also kept my hair together well and allowed for very easy restyling throughout the day.
Strength. Layrite Deluxe Pomade, which is their original product, has as much hold as Suavecito Firme. This is something that is cornerstone to traditional-style water-based pomades. The more strength you get, the less product you have to use. Thus, the jar will last you longer. This is important because you will burn through jars of water-based pomades.
Conclusion
As much as I did not want to say it, Layrite was a fantastic product. Yeah, it doesn’t smell too great. But that’s the only downside. This product is actually a damn good water-based pomade.
It has strength, some shine, and doesn’t dry up into a helmet. It will lock-in but not freeze up cement-style. On some days, you really don’t want to fuss with an oil-based…whether you’re lazy, it’s a windy day, or whatever. Layrite locked in my hair just enough to keep it looking good all day and night, yet not enough to make my hair rock hard.
Layrite Deluxe is all good in my books — definitely a standard that should be in everyone’s cabinet.