Pomade is one of the oldest styling products around, and its history is just as interesting as the product itself. From mashed apples to bear fat, and from the upper classes to Elvis Presley’s iconic pompadour, this blog takes you through the rich history of pomade.
Why is it called “pomade”?
The name “pomade” comes from the French word pommade, meaning ointment. That word, in turn, comes from the Latin pomum (apple), via the Italian pomata. Yet pomade was never actually made from apples: the earliest pomades were based on animal fat, with mashed apples added to give the product a pleasant scent. The apple provided the fragrance, not the base of the product. As the formula evolved, the apple disappeared completely from the ingredients, but the name has remained to this day.
What was pomade originally made from?
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the formula for pomade changed significantly. The base increasingly consisted of animal fat, with bear fat becoming particularly popular. Bear fat was considered a special ingredient and was used because of the properties people believed it had for caring for and styling the hair. The fat made the hair supple, gave it a natural shine, and helped keep it in place.
Because bear fat was scarce and expensive, pomade made with bear fat was mainly available to the upper classes. This created a demand for cheaper and more readily available alternatives. Pork fat, also known as lard, proved to be a practical choice. It was much easier to obtain, relatively inexpensive, and had the greasy properties needed to smooth the hair, add shine, and keep it styled.
This origin can still be seen today: the brand Reuzel still features a pig on its packaging as a nod to this history.
The pomades of that time were, of course, very different from the products we know today. They were greasier, heavier, and often had a strong scent. Nevertheless, these formulas laid the foundation for the pomades that continued to evolve throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The combination of fats, fragrances, and other ingredients was the first step toward the styling products that would eventually become popular around the world.
The rise of pomade in the 20th century
During the 20th century, the way pomade was made changed significantly. The industry increasingly moved toward affordable and readily available ingredients. A combination of beeswax and petroleum jelly, also known as Vaseline, replaced the animal fats that had previously been widely used. This made pomade not only cheaper to produce, but also accessible to a much larger group of men.
During the 1920s and 1930s, pomade became a regular part of everyday hair care. Brands such as Murray’s, Sweet Georgia Brown, Royal Crown Hair Dressing, and Dixie Peach became increasingly well known and introduced pomade to a wider audience. The products were especially popular for their strong hold and characteristic shine, allowing hair to be styled in a sleek and polished way.
The hairstyle trends of the time also helped fuel the popularity of pomade. Slick side parts, combed-back hair, and other well-groomed styles became increasingly popular. Pomade was the ideal styling product for these looks: it provided control and shine while keeping the hair neatly in place throughout the day. Pomade therefore evolved from a luxury grooming product into an everyday part of many men’s grooming routines.
Elvis and the rock 'n' roll look
Pomade’s real worldwide breakthrough came in the 1950s with the rise of rock 'n' roll culture. And if there is one person who became inseparably associated with the classic pomade look, it is Elvis Presley. His signature black hair, high pompadour, and slicked-back sides became an important part of his image. The hairstyle was bold, polished, and rebellious at the same time, perfectly matching the image that allowed Elvis to connect with a young audience.
Pomade was essential for creating that iconic look. It gave the hair the shine, strength, and control needed to keep the pompadour in place throughout the day. Elvis was not only making music, but also had a major influence on the style of an entire generation. Young people adopted his hairstyle, and pomade became increasingly associated with rock 'n' roll, youth culture, and the classic American barbershop.
Elvis’s influence is still visible today. The pompadour, slick back, and other classic hairstyles from that era have made a comeback and remain an important part of modern barbershop culture. What once was simply a product for keeping hair in place evolved into an essential part of an entire style.
The comeback of pomade
After the rise of gel and other modern styling products, pomade faded somewhat into the background for a while. In recent years, however, the product has made a strong comeback. The revival of classic hairstyles such as the pompadour, slick back, and side part, combined with the growth of the old-school barbershop, has made pomade popular again.
The development of water-based pomades has also played a role. These modern formulas offer the hold and styling possibilities of traditional pomade but are much easier to wash out of the hair. As a result, pomade is not only popular among fans of classic hairstyles, but also among men who want to wear their hair neat, polished, and stylish every day.
Curious about what pomade actually is, which types are available, and how to use it? Read our blog about what pomade is.
Discover pomade at KAMM Barbershop
Now that you know where pomade comes from, you may want to experience for yourself why this product has been loved for centuries. At KAMM Barbershop, we always consider your hairstyle, hair type, and how you wear your hair every day before recommending a pomade. In our shop, you’ll find only pomades that we have carefully selected for their quality and results, and that we use ourselves every day in the barbershop. What we sell in our webshop is genuinely what we use on our clients.
Want advice on which pomade is best for your hair? Send us a message or feel free to visit our barbershop. We’ll be happy to help you find the right one.
