pomade

A tin of Murray's Pomade

Pomade (also called pomatum) is a greasy or waxy substance that is used to style hair. Pomade makes hair look slick and shiny. Unlike hair spray and hair gel, pomade does not dry and often takes several washes to remove. It can be easily removed using a special shampoo or other de-greasers such as olive oil, dish washing liquid^[1] and lemon juice.

Most pomades contain petroleum jelly (in fact, petroleum jelly can be used alone as a pomade) and mineral oil, and many also contain some sort of wax. They may be anhydrous or emulsified with an aqueous carrier, which makes them easier to remove.^[2] They may also contain perfume and coloring agents. A plethora of pomades are still in production today and vary in factors such as weight, shine and scent. The stiffest will have a higher proportion of beeswax while the lightest may have a higher proportion of oils.

Origin of the name

Use of "pomade" in English is derived from French, pommade, meaning "an ointment", itself arising from Latin pomum ("fruit, apple") via Italian pomata from pomo, meaning "apple", because the original ointment recipe contained mashed apples.^[3] Modern pomades may contain fragrances, but they are not often particularly fruity.

History

In the early 19th century bear fat was a common pomade ingredient,^[4] but by the early 20th century petroleum jelly,^[5] beeswax, and lard were more commonly used.^[6]

Pomades were once much more popular than they are today. They are associated with the slick men's hairstyles of the early to middle 20th century. More modern hairstyles involving the use of pomade include the Duck's Ass, pompadour, and quiff.

An early example of pomade is "Murray's Superior Pomade", originating in the 1920s.^[7] Dixie Peach Hair Pomade was a popular pomade in the USA from World War II through the 1960s with teenage boys. In the late '90s, pomade grew from tradition to a general consumer product meaning any sort of solid "hair-styling product"; including waxes, glues, clays, and a variety of substances marketed under the original term.

See also

• Brilliantine
• Brylcreem
• Hair wax
• Moustache wax

References

External links

• Pomade Acne
•  "Pomade". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911. 

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