Reuzel Extreme reformulation is too weak/mushy. Need a high-hold, volume-neutral matte alternative for thick black hair
Reuzel Extreme Hold Matte Pomade used to be my go-to, but the newer version feels noticeably different. The jar consistency is much softer, and the hold seems much weaker in my hair.
Looking at the ingredient lists, the main change seems to be that propylene glycol moved higher up, while heavier/waxier components like Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 and petrolatum moved relatively lower. The new formula also seems more solvent/glycol-heavy and less structurally waxy. My guess is that this makes it easier to scoop and apply, but less rigid and less able to keep thick hair locked together.
I have very thick, pitch-black hair, and I can’t really use the new version anymore because my hair starts falling apart too quickly.
I’m looking for something with very strong/extreme hold, a dry matte or at least low-shine finish, and no visible white residue. Ido not want added volume. My hair is already extremely thick and voluminous, so products that puff it up or add too much texture are not ideal.
Products I’ve already tried:
Reuzel Strong Hold Matte Clay: too weak for my hair and gets crumbly quickly, leaving white residue.
Kevin Murphy Night Rider: no visible white flakes in my black hair, but the hold dies after 2–4 hours. It also feels too heavy and looks too shiny on me.
Kevin Murphy Rough Rider: closer to the matte texture I want, but it leaves white crumbs immediately during/after application. Hold still needs to be stronger.
Interestingly, the Kevin Murphy‘s make my hair more wavy which I also don’t really love. Both Reuzel‘s seem to keep it much more straight.
Any recommendations for thick black hair where I need strong control, low/no shine, no added volume, and no white flaking?