Hair care has always played an important role in personal grooming and style. For men, the use of hair products has become an essential part of their daily routine.
The evolution of hair care products such as pomade, wax, and gel not only reflects changing fashion and styles but also technological advancements in the cosmetic industry. Let's take a look at the origin and development of these iconic hair products.
Do you want to know which hair product best suits your hair and style? Read on to the end of the blog, where I share a handy guide to help you choose the perfect product for your unique look. Discover everything about pomade, wax, gel, and more, and transform your hair care routine!
Pomade: The Classic
The history of hair pomade goes back a long way. The term “pomade” comes from the French word “pommade,” which means ointment. This French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin “pomum” (apple, fruit), via the Italian “pomata” or “pomo” (apple). Originally, pomades did indeed contain crushed apples, but modern versions no longer have fruit in their composition.
In the 18th century, men used animal fat to style their hair. Imagine: men smeared pig fat in their hair to achieve that perfect, sleek look. The first pomades originated in the 19th century, where they were first used for hair styling. This is still visible in brands like Reuzel, which feature a pig on their packaging as a nod to this origin.
It wasn't until the 20th century that pig fat was replaced by a combination of beeswax and petroleum jelly. Iconic brands such as Murray’s, Royal Crown Hair Dressing, and Dixie Peach Hair Pomades were at the forefront of the rise of pomades in the 1920s. These pomades created shiny, slick hairstyles that were popular at the time.
The Rise of Wax
In the 1950s and 1960s, the demand for diverse hairstyles began to grow. This led to the development of hair wax. Hair wax offered an alternative to pomade by providing a matte finish and a stronger hold. It was perfect for the rock-'n-roll hairstyles of that era, such as the famous “pompadour” and “quiff.”
Wax was less greasy than pomade and allowed men to restyle their hair multiple times a day without washing it. This product quickly became popular with men who wanted to style their hair in different ways, without the heavy shine of traditional pomades.
The Popularity of Gel
In the 1980s and 1990s, hair gel made a huge comeback. Hair gel offered a stronger hold than both pomade and wax and became famous for its ability to hold hair in dramatic, structured styles. With the rise of punk and alternative rock styles, hair gel became the go-to product for men who wanted to create spikes and other daring hairstyles.
Hair gel was easy to apply and dried quickly, making it ideal for men with busy lifestyles. The only downside was that hair could feel crunchy and hard over time, but for many men, this was a small price to pay for the perfect look.
Pomades in the 21st Century
In the early years of the 20th century, pomades were only available oil-based. Today, we also find water-based versions, with properties that come close to the oil-based variants. Thanks to the rise of the old-school barber and 21st-century hairstyles, pomade is back. Modern water-based pomades offer the same strong hold and shine as traditional pomades but are easier to wash out.
Modern Hair Products
Today, a plethora of hair products are available for men, each designed to meet specific needs. In addition to traditional pomade, wax, and gel, there are now also products such as clay, paste, cream, and mousse. Each of these products offers unique benefits:
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- Clay offers a matte finish with a strong but flexible hold. It is ideal for creating natural, casual styles.
- Paste gives a medium to strong hold with a semi-matte finish, perfect for messy, textured looks.
- Cream offers a light hold with a natural shine, ideal for men with longer hair who want a soft, natural look.
- Mousse adds volume and texture to fine hair without weighing it down.
- Pomade (Oil-based) provides a strong hold and a shiny finish. It is ideal for creating classic, slick hairstyles. However, the oil base makes it harder to wash out.
- Pomade (Water-based) offers the same benefits as oil-based pomade, but is much easier to wash out and provides comparable shine and hold.
- Hair powder gives hair volume and texture with a light hold. It is ideal for fine and thinning hair and provides a natural, matte finish.
- Hairspray offers a strong hold and is perfect for fixing the hairstyle. It provides a light shine and helps the hair stay in place all day.
- Gel offers a very strong hold and a shiny finish. It is perfect for creating structured styles and keeps the hair in place all day. The downside is that the hair can feel hard over time. Please note: cheap gel may contain traces of plastic (yes, really), so always use Mediceuticals gel.
Conclusion
Men's hair care products have changed enormously over time, from early pomades to the modern variety of styling products we have today. This evolution shows how the needs and styles of different generations have changed. Each product has its own unique history and benefits, giving you the freedom to style your hair however you want. Whether you choose the classic shine of pomade, the flexible hold of wax, or the dramatic style of gel, there is always a product that suits your look.
So, the next time you style your hair, remember that you are part of a long tradition of hair care. Perhaps it will inspire you to try something new and find your own unique style!
