"Strong & Orthodox Pomade" -By James Bui
This one was for you guys. About a week ago, I received a few messages recommending that I give this product, Uppercut Deluxe, a try. I brushed it off the first few times, but then a few of guys kept pushing…so the only way to shut you nuckas up is to try it. Yeah. I got vetoed.
So, this is the product. It comes in a metal jar. This is really unique for a water-based product because as you already know, many metals and water don’t go well together — hence, why some opt for aluminum jars instead. But is definitely not aluminum, so what they did instead was press a plastic jar into a metal one. You can have your tin can and have your water-based in it too.
You’ll see what I’m talking about in the picture below. Notice the transparent edge above the tin can…that’s the plastic. Anyways, the product itself is a Coca-Cola type of color. It’s very similar to Suavecito and Admiral because of this semi-transparent brown color to it.
The smell resembles Admiral pomade a lot, but only more coconut-ty and less like a macaroon. It’s also relatively light yet persistent.
Application
Uppercut has a texture that’s like a hybrid between Slick Devil and Suavecito. It’s thicker than other normal water-based pomades, but definitely not as thick as Slick Devil. This would make it relatively easy to apply. It wasn’t as easy as Admiral or The Daimon Barber No.1. Still, it was much easier than with Slick Devil.
Combing it all through was a slight struggle at first, but once it was all through, the process was easy. You could definitely feel the grip. However, you may notice the product isn’t sticky.
Styling
Time. Thanks to the strength, hold, and adequate control… I was able to style relatively quickly. And to be honest, you’ll have to style pretty quickly with this product. Once it begins to dry, you better be done or ready to start wet-combing. Some water-based products have the capability to be restyled without water (I know. Convenient right?). It’s typically the ones that contain some form of wax in their formula. Uppercut does not. So, be sure to have a source of water when styling and re-styling.
Slickness. Uppercut lacks in this department. This could be remedied by quick and efficient styling. Once it starts drying, you better be done because any further comb strokes will cause fraying hair strands.
Strength. What uppercut lacks in the slickness category, it makes up for in the strength. In the video, you’ll notice the forwardness of my pomp when I turned sideways near the end of the vid. You can also see it in the fourth photo below. It’s beautiful. I can’t deny the fact that Uppercut was able to give me that effect.
Conclusion
As much as I don’t want to say it. I can see the appeal and the advantages of Uppercut Deluxe over many other water-based products. Though it does have a few deficits, the advantages/benefits of Uppercut Deluxe allow it to supersede many other water-based pomades.
It’s a traditional/orthodox water-based pomade in that it doesn’t do anything new. Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes (like right now actually), I want a simple and good water-based pomade to really gimme a good pomp and allow me to lock it all in.
So, Uppercut Deluxe receives my approval.
Also, I know a few of my readers are from Australia and for obvious reasons, struggle to get their hands on American-based pomades. Shit…we should trade. I’ll send you pomade if you nuckas can get me some JDM parts.