Here’s a name that speaks for itself - a pomade crafted entirely by Vietnamese hands, from conception to final product. Born from the minds of a passionate group of friends in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade is a true home-brew creation. While still in its development phase (so the sample I tried might not represent the final version), it’s already clear that this clay pomade is worth experiencing.
Design
The packaging of Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade strikes a balance between creativity and elegance. The gray outer box features embossed cloud patterns, with a cutout window showcasing the product label beneath. While the muted tones of the design are clean and understated, I have some reservations about the tin itself.
The metal tin, with its decal label, feels fairly standard. Mine had a small dent at the bottom left corner, likely from shipping between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The tin material, possibly aluminum or tin, is fragile and prone to damage. While functional, the decal label doesn’t elevate the experience as much as it could 😐.
Ingredients and Scent
This pomade is packed with natural ingredients: beeswax, white clay (kaolin), almond oil, grapeseed oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, and orange oil. The scent leans heavily on the soft, warm notes of cinnamon, complemented by the earthy aroma of beeswax and clay. If you’ve used Hanz de Fuko Claymation, it might feel familiar.
The scent fades entirely after about two hours, leaving your hair smelling neutral but clean.
Texture
Beeswax takes center stage in the formula, giving the pomade a firm yet workable texture. It’s not overly challenging to break down in your palms, but it’s not the easiest either.
This is essentially an oil-based pomade with clay blended in, which enhances its washability. While one wash may not completely remove the product (you’ll feel a very thin residue), it still leaves your hair feeling clean.
Shine
The finish is predominantly matte but with a hint of natural shine, thanks to the oil-based ingredients. It’s subtle and keeps your hair looking effortless.
Hair Texture
The hold is impressive, keeping hair in place without feeling sticky or stiff. It gives the strands a natural, attractive texture without weighing them down, unlike heavier oil-based pomades like Reuzel Pink.
For the style pictured, I used about half a fingertip of product, which was more than enough.
Volume
Thanks to its clay properties, the pomade offers decent volume - less dramatic than wax but enough to add lift. It’s an excellent choice for wax enthusiasts looking to explore pomades.
Hold and Restylability
On my thick, nose-length hair, the hold lasted around six hours, even surviving a helmet on a hot summer day.
After taking off the helmet, a quick finger comb or a brush was all it took to restore the style.
The pomade doesn’t make your hands sticky and responds effortlessly to touch-ups.
Even after the helmet flattened the back of my hair, it bounced back with just a few swipes of my fingers.
After a week of daily use, I’d describe Saigon Hustlers Original Pomade in one word: promising. A 100% made-in-Vietnam product with natural ingredients, solid hold, and lightweight feel, it’s an impressive debut for a home-brew pomade. While there’s room for refinement, it’s already a standout product that I’m excited to see evolve.
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