Curly hair ladies know the struggle of keeping your hair constantly looking shiny and healthy all too well.
You probably already have a cabinet full of hair products, but today I bring you two more that might put those others to shame.
Join me as we review the Aveda Humectant vs Anti-Humectant pomades from the Brilliant™ hair product line. I’ll help you decide which one is for you!
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Aveda Humectant vs Anti-Humectant: What’s the Difference?
Firstly, let me explain the difference between humectant and anti-humectant.
What Does a Humectant Pomade Do?
A humectant-styling pomade allows your hair to absorb the moisture in a dry climate and lock it in. As a result, your beautiful curly hair retains its curls and stays shiny all day.
Conversely, in a highly humid environment (60-70°F dew point), a humectant pomade causes your hair to frizz since it’s absorbing too much moisture.
However, it’s worth noting that very low dew points can actually cause humectants to draw water from your hair instead, drying it out. So it’s all about getting the right balance.
What Does an Anti-Humectant Pomade Do?
Now that you know what a humectant pomade does, it makes sense that an anti-humectant is best used on warm, humid days instead of dry ones.
Since these pomades lock the moisture that’s already in your hair and repel more from getting in, they’ll stop your hair from frizzing.
Aveda Brilliant™ Humectant Pomade Review
Aveda’s humectant pomade should be applied to wet or dry hair prior to styling. I’d recommend using it after washing and rinsing your hair.
For the best results, use Aveda Brilliant™ shampoo since it’s made with curly strands in mind.


Who Is It For
Aveda’s humectant pomade is best for those in particularly dry areas. Your hair is more susceptible to frizziness in such weather, so you want to absorb moisture from the air to prevent that.
Check the dew point before applying, though. The optimal range is 35-50°F.
Aveda Brilliant™ Anti-Humectant Pomade Review
Aveda’s anti-humectant pomade is an excellent product to control flyaways and frizzy hair strands. It’s available both unscented and with a lovely rose scent.
When using this pomade, I add a pea-sized amount to my hand, rub it in, and then apply it on the middle and end sections of my hair.
For more impact, you can use more of the product and scrunch it in.


Who Is It For
Anti-humectant pomades are better left for highly humid days – when the dew point is higher than 50°F.
Top Tip: Use this pomade after flat ironing instead of before to hold down your hair and keep it shiny.
Takeaway
Curly heads can’t do without pomades, and Aveda’s Brilliant™ humectant and anti-humectant pomades are a must-have.
Use the humectant one for dry days when the dew point is between 35-50°F. Alternatively, reach for the anti-humectant pomade for warmer, more humid days.