Davines This Is A Forming Pomade, Medium Hold Structure & Workability
✅ PROS
- Water-soluble formula washes out completely with one shampoo — no waxy buildup
- Lightweight texture that doesn't weigh down fine hair or leave visible residue
- Scent is subtle and sophisticated — citrus and woodsy notes that fade quickly
❌ CONS
- Medium hold won't tame thick, coarse, or unruly hair — you'll need something stronger
- Price is steep for the 2.5 oz jar; comparable drugstore pomades cost a fraction
The Verdict
The $30 question: Does this Italian luxury pomade justify its price tag, or is it just expensive wax in a pretty jar?
Davines has built a reputation on sustainable, salon-grade hair care that looks as good on your shelf as it performs in your hair. Their “This Is” line targets specific styling needs, and the Forming Pomade sits squarely in the medium-hold category. With a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right — but let’s dig into whether it’s right for your hair.
What you actually get
The 2.5-ounce jar feels substantial in hand — thick glass, minimalist design, that unmistakable Davines aesthetic. As shown in the product image, it’s a cream-colored pomade with a smooth, almost whipped texture. You won’t find a greasy, petroleum-heavy paste here; this is a water-soluble formula that breaks down easily between your palms.
Performance and real-world use
Here’s where this pomade separates itself from the drugstore pack. The texture is genuinely unique — it’s pliable without being sticky, and it doesn’t flash dry into a crunchy mess. You get about 20-30 seconds of real workability before it sets, which is plenty of time to shape texture or define layers. The hold is honest medium: it keeps your style in place through a workday but won’t survive a windy commute or humid afternoon.
For fine to medium hair, this is close to ideal. It adds grip and separation without weighing strands down or leaving that telltale glossy residue. The finish is natural-matte with a hint of sheen — not flat, not shiny. One reviewer captured it well: “Finally a pomade that doesn’t make my thin hair look like I dipped it in oil. It gives just enough hold to style without looking like I tried too hard.”
What buyers consistently praise
The washability is the standout feature across reviews. Multiple users note that it rinses out completely with a single shampoo — no waxy buildup, no scalp irritation, no product ghosts lingering for days. The scent also gets consistent love: a light, clean blend of citrus and woods that’s present during application but fades to nearly nothing within an hour.
Where it falls short
Let’s be direct: this is a medium hold, and it means it. If you have thick, coarse, or curly hair, this product will disappoint. You’ll find yourself reapplying by midday or reaching for a stronger product altogether. Several reviewers with heavier hair mentioned exactly this — it’s a styling product for people who already have cooperative hair, not a fixer for unmanageable texture.
The price is the other sticking point. At roughly $30 for 2.5 ounces, you’re paying a premium for the brand, the sustainable sourcing, and the salon-grade formulation. If those matter to you, fine. If you just need something to hold your part in place, a $10 pomade will do the job — just not as elegantly.
Who should buy this
- The fine-haired professional who wants natural-looking texture and control without product buildup
- The product minimalist who hates washing out heavy waxes and wants a clean, water-soluble formula
- The fragrance-sensitive user who wants a pleasant scent that disappears quickly
- The sustainability-conscious shopper who values Davines’ eco-friendly manufacturing and packaging
Skip it if you have thick, coarse, or unruly hair that needs serious hold, or if you’re looking for a budget buy.
FAQ
Q: Is this pomade good for beard styling? A: It works in a pinch for short beards — it adds control and tames flyaways. But it’s not a dedicated beard product, and the medium hold won’t shape a longer beard effectively.
Q: Does it work on wet or dry hair? A: Dry or towel-dried hair works best. Applying to soaking wet hair dilutes the product and reduces hold significantly. For best results, blow-dry first, then work a pea-sized amount through.
Q: How much should I use? A: Start with a fingertip amount — about the size of a pea. Rub between palms, work through mid-lengths to ends, then style. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
The Verdict
The Davines Forming Pomade earns its 4.6 rating with honest, consistent performance. It’s not a miracle product, and it won’t transform difficult hair — but for its target user, it’s genuinely excellent.
Buy it if you have fine to medium hair, want a lightweight, natural-finish hold, and value a product that washes out cleanly and smells great.
Skip it if you need serious hold for thick hair or you can’t stomach paying luxury prices for a styling product.
Rating: 4.6/5 — A refined, well-executed product that knows exactly what it is and does it beautifully. Just know its limits before you buy.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.