American Crew Fiber VS Hairbond United Kingdom Gripper Leave a comment
It’s finally time for another brand battle! Now we are going to be looking at the American Crew Fiber VS Hairbond United Kingdom Gripper Professional Hair Pomade to decide which product is better!
We are going to put these products side by side and score them out of 5 across the main attributes we look for in quality hair styling products.
Who will be victorious? Will it be the British, or will the Americans out trump them?
Before we get started, it’s important to raise awareness that these products have their own agendas. They do not belong in the same hair styling product families. They both perform completely differently in different hair types but despite one being a wax and one being a pomade we want to establish which one is better value overall.
What do these industry leading brands claim?
American Crew say they have been redefining what it means to be a well-groomed man and as the global leader in men’s grooming and the “Official Supplier to Men”, they have anongoing commitment to elevating men’s style and enhancing their personal image by providing education and marketing which shares the brands’ vision.
Hairbond United Kingdom on the other hand, say with Great Britain being at the centre of the fashion world, they can claim rich customs and heritage that are connected with it. This brand says their products are not just a commodity but are a lifestyle essential. Their aim was to launch the highest quality brand with a superb range of products that prove that British haircare is truly the very best in the world. The Hairbond range has intended to deliver its promise of quality by maintaining the highest possible standards, using top of the range product formulations and ingredients to create an authentic British solution for the ultimate hairstyling results.
Lets take a look, first up Hairbond Gripper Professional Hair Pomade!
Hairbond United Kingdom Gripper Professional Hair Pomade
Packaging:
Faultless and pleasing on the eye. It isn’t glass, but a thick plastic transparent outer with a 100ml inner. 5/5
Application:
Most water-soluble pomades break down similarly. This one coats the hands nicely. Bonus point, this stuff works exceptionally well slicking back damp towel dry hair. I’m told it’s also great for applying to thick dry curly hair for those wanting some extra conditioning and texture. 5/5
Finish:
This product is very versatile. Depending on how you prepare the hair, your finish will be determined. I prefer adding to towel dry hair for a slicker traditional 1940’s inspired look. 5/5
Consistency:
Something inbetween a jelly and a gel. 5/5
Hold:
It is labelled as 4 notches out of 5 for hold. As mentioned this can fluctuate depending on how you prepare your hair. The more you wet it the looser the hold. 4/5
Overall:
4/5
What They Say
“With a mouth-watering cola cube fruity fragrance, this product might remind you of some of the thirst-quenching sweets you had as a kid. Depending on how much is used and how the hair is prepared, different levels of shine can be achieved to best suit the hairstyle. To use, simply start with a small amount in your palms and then apply to your hair and style however you desire. For a lower hold and high shine, give your hair a towel dry keeping some of the moisture in after rinsing, or for a higher hold and lower shine, you could blow-dry the hair first before applying the pomade. The Hairbond Gripper Pomade has a nice 4/5 hold factor, making it ideal for controlling and styling even the curliest, thickest or coarsest hair. It’s strong enough to allow you to work high hairstyles and it’s paraben-free, meaning high, healthy, styled hair! You will find the Hairbond Gripper Pomade in any top barbers arsenal/toolbox as the pomade’s versatility is perfect for finishing off their freshest work giving their clients a well-groomed, smart appearance.”
Lets see how the American Crew Fiber can compete with that!
American Crew Fiber
Packaging:
American Crew Fiber has a super simple packaging design. I did expect more from an industry leader but clearly they make their product packaging cheap to maximise profits. 2/5.
Application:
Easy breakdown. Can get sticky when applying through hair and does quickly build up if you apply too much 3/5
Finish:
Advertised as a matte product the Fiber can look on the edge of greasy in some light. A low shine isn’t a problem but when I look for matte I ideally want a truely natural final look. 3/5
Consistency:
Easy to scoop. Nice consistency for the product type. I would score 5 if it wasn’t as waxy. 4/5
Hold:
Advertised as a strong hold but honestly, it depends on the length of your hair. Good hold in short hair, the longer it gets the more you suffer. 3/5
Overall:
3/5
What They Say
“Fiber-like, resinous product helps thicken, texturize and increase fullness to hair. Provides a strong, pliable hold with a matte finish. Works well in shorter hair, 1-3 inches in length. For high hold with low shine.”
And the winner is..
Scoring a nice 4/5, after close analysis of the tested categories, the Hairbond Gripper Professional Hair Pomade ranks higher than the American Crew Fiber.
For a closer battle, I also recently did a comparison of the American Crew Fiber VS Hairbond United Kingdom Moulder. These products have more similar properties making the battle even closer. Read about it here.
