The history of the Pomade Leave a comment

Pomade Origin

The English word Pomade actually comes from the French word “Pommade”, which means ointment. Ointment is a wax-like substance that was used as a medical agent for the skin.

Pomade comes from the Latin word pomum (apple, fruit) via the Italian word pomata or pomo (apple). A main ingredient of ointments back in the day were crushed apples.

Fast forward to 2020 and pomades are made but without a single mention of apples.

History

The first hair pomades originated in the 19th century, where they were first used for hair styling. Although this type of pomade contained the fat from a pig.

There are certainly more recenty references to this in todays pomade market, such as the pomades made by the Reuzel brand, where pigs can be seen on the packaging.

Only later in the 20th century, the pig fat was replaced by a combination of bees wax and pertroleum jelly. Murrays, Royal Crown Hair Dressing and Dixie Peach Hair Pomades formed the basis of the rise of pomades in the 1920s.

The hairstyles in the following years were partly the success for the pomades of that time. Pomades made for shiny and sleek hairstyles.

Pomades 21st century

Where in the early years of the 20th century the pomades were only available based on oil, we now also can find them high quality and water based like Hairbond’s Gripper Professional Hair Pomade, with properties that come close to the original oil-based variants.

However you’ll find it hard to find a water based pomade which is both paraben and sulphate free (nasties) and which smells as lovely as the Gripper by Hairbond.

If you like the smell or taste of cola cubes you’ll love this one. Great hold, great for all hair types and a smooth application.

The emergence of the old-school barber and the hairstyles of the 21st century has made the pomade as popular as ever. Try one today at UKhairbrands.com