Anytime I can sample an Italian product I’m in heaven. (According to my Grandma, our last name comes from “bella” the Italian word for beauty.) So naturally I was thrilled to test drive Barex’s latest hair care innovation, their Gum Gum pomade.

Barex Italiana Gum Gum

This pomade is supposed to be a modeling paste that can shape, mold and define hair. It’s also supposed to have a strong hold and a matte finish. And it costs *gulp* $24.50.

Sadly, I don’t think this Gum Gum was yum yum for my hair type. I was looking for a sticky putty to give my hair some texture. Gum Gum made my hair shiny and smooth but gave it very little texture or hold. It was a little too shiny for my tastes- it felt kind of greasy. Based on what Righty tells me, that’s because it has too much 2-ethyl hexyl palmitate and not enough VP/VA Copolymer. (How’s THAT for some science? In your face, Sarah Bellum haters!) But if you’re looking to add smoothness and shine to your hair, you may love this product.

Does anyone else like styling creams and puttys? Share your comments with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.