I am an African American male. For the most part, I wear my hair close (Caesar / gentlemen taper/ temple taper). That said, I like my natural waves to show. The problem that I have ALWAYS had is that I cannot stand the oiliness / greasiness that pomades (normally petroleum based) used to leave behind. Having Normal/ Combo skin coupled with a product that melts into the hairline especially when wearing a hat has always been the BAIN on my existence when it came to hair care. Over the years, manufacturers realized a) this problem existed and b) petroleum / mineral oil is really bad for your hair let alone your whole body. These two products serve absolutely benefit to the hair / body. It doesn't make it stronger, softer, more moisturized Â… nothing. All it does is provide sheen temporarily because it's basically placing shellac on the skin / hair. I digress Â… Enter Sebastian Molding Mud. I first used this in the 80's and with great success. When it was taken out of the tub (it was white), you'd put in in your hands and pull them apart and it was like spider webs!!! Then you'd rub your hands together to emulsify and distribute/ style. It was the coolest product and the smell was fantastic!!! It was very moisturizing and didn't harden. It was very moldable and smelled great! The tub used to last me a year, no exaggeration. I can't recall the size of the tub but it was EASILY twice the size of the current re-iteration. The only reason I stopped using it years ago is because it was discontinued (booooo, Sebastian Â… booo!!!) . Fast forward to current timesÂ… I was in Ulta looking for something moisturizing and would help hold the waves w/o the greasiness and I saw Molding Mud!!!** the skies opened and all was right again in the world Âor so I thought Â… The packaging was a bit off putting (again, ½ the size of the original version). It had no smell and it didn't look the same. I purchased it nonetheless bc it must have the same functionality as the original, right?!?! WRONG!!! When you first used it, there's the layer of something on top that you have to crack through (think it the top layer of a creme brulee) to get to the product. Then once you rub your hands together, it emulsifies BUT there are these crystallized flakes that won't break down. I apply to the hair and it feels okay. Brush through and walk out the door Â… only to see that the shine I had upon application is now completely gone (w /in a matter of minutes) and my hair looks like I didn't even touch it. Then the cardinal sin started happening. My head started to itch. Too much alcohol or too much of a drying agent is in this product to do ANYTHING for my head of hair. That said, and $17 later, it will be going back Â… PRONTO!!!! Maybe if they bring back the OLD/ ORIGINAL formulation, I'll be back. Until then, it can stay on the shelf collecting dust or going to someone unfamiliar with the awesome formulation of its predecessor.

This stuff is definitely different from any other pomade that I've tried. Firstly, I do love the smell...smells just like beeswax. Some people probably won't like it though, but I personally don't mind. It's also a lot thinner than other waxes out there, which is good because it doesn't make my hair feel heavy after putting it on. I use this mostly when my hair is straight, and it keeps it sleek and tamed throughout the day. And it lasts forever! I've had my container for almost 2 years and I'm about halfway done! Definitely worth the price!

Spotted this at Marshall's today and knew I had to grab it for only $5.99!!! What a deal! Tried it right away on my curled hair and wow, the product is amazing. I did have to be extra careful with not over applying. I have thin, fine, and long hair; after application, my hair was soft with less fly away. Can't say much about the product maintaining long lasting curls since I just got it today and tried it around the afternoon. Will provide an update on the product later. Ladies, go grab a jar now at Marshalls if you haven't yet!

I'm just going straight to it and say that this is amazing. Bought this at Selfridges after being told that the xtah crude clay has been reformulated into this, which is so much better I found that the xtah crude clay left my hair far too sticky. This, however, gives my hair control, no shine but also doesn't dull the hair, all without leaving it greasy.Also, the great thing about this is that it's buildable, and that's incredibly important and useful especially for shorter styles. I'm a guy with fairly spikey/messy hair. I just rub it into my hair and then a little more to define certain parts. Loving this product!

This is my absolutely HG hair styling product. The balm is a lightweight and completely non-greasy forumula which smoothes hair, eliminating any sign of frizz or fly-aways. Creates wonderful definition, gives hair a beautiful, soft, glossy shine and is and fantastic for piecing out and braiding.I've tried countless other low end and high end finishing products, but time and time again I've come straight back to my Sebastian crafty detailing balm; nothing else matches it. It's completely non-sticky and pleasant smelling and SO soft; other products feel like you're rubbing jam through your hair compared to this. It may seem pricey but a little goes a long way the 48g tub lasts me months and I use it every day.