The History of Pomade – From Historical Hair Care Product to Modern Revival

Pomade is one of the world’s most traditional hair styling products. For several centuries, perfumed ointments, fats, and oils have been used to keep hair supple, add shine, and shape hairstyles.

Pomade achieved its greatest importance for classic men’s hairstyles in the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Particularly between the 1920s and 1950s, it shaped the well-groomed appearance of film stars, musicians, and elegant gentlemen.

After a significant decline in importance during the second half of the 20th century, pomade is now enjoying a worldwide comeback. Classic oil-based formulas have since been joined by modern water-based pomades and UWB pomades.

Where Does the Word Pomade Come From?

The word pomade comes from the French pommade and the Italian pomata. Behind these is the Latin word pomum, meaning fruit or apple. Early ointments are said to have been perfumed with crushed apples or apple ingredients, among other things.

Originally, pomade did not refer exclusively to a hair styling product but to a perfumed ointment in general. Over time, the term became increasingly associated with fragrant hair greases and products used to shape and smooth the hair.

Pomades in the 17th and 18th Centuries

As early as the 17th century, perfumed pomades were used to care for and style hair and wigs. They consisted primarily of animal fats, plant-based oils, and fragrances. Wigmakers produced such pomades and also used them to care for their customers’ elaborate wigs.

In the 18th century, pomade and hair powder often went hand in hand: the greasy pomade helped shape the hair or wig and bind the powder applied afterwards. Their use and composition varied according to the period, region, and social status.

Pomade in the 19th Century

During the 19th century, pomades became increasingly widespread as products for daily hair care and styling. Historical formulas contained ingredients such as animal fats or marrow, castor oil, and essential oils.

New raw materials and improved manufacturing processes increasingly produced more consistent and longer-lasting formulas. In addition to traditional fats and oils, petrolatum, mineral oils, and various waxes were later used. This laid the foundation for the classic oil-based pomade as it is still known today.

The Golden Age of Pomade

Between the 1920s and 1950s, pomade was one of the defining styling products for men. Well-groomed, shiny, and neatly combed hair was an important part of the masculine appearance.

Film stars and musicians made hairstyles with clean contours, defined partings, and shiny slicked-back hair famous around the world. Pomade provided the characteristic shine, kept the hair flexible, and allowed the hairstyle to be recombed at any time.

The best-known pomade hairstyles of this era include:

• Slick Back
• Pompadour
• Side Part
• Ducktail, quiff, and other classic barbershop hairstyles

Many pomade brands that are legendary today were established during the first half of the 20th century. Their tins, advertising imagery, and characteristic fragrances remain closely associated with classic barbershop and greaser culture.

The Decline from the 1960s Onwards

From the 1960s onwards, fashion and hairstyling changed fundamentally. More natural, drier, and later also longer hairstyles became popular. At the same time, hairspray, mousse, hair gel, and other modern styling products came onto the market.

Classic pomade increasingly disappeared from drugstores and hair salons, particularly in Germany and other parts of Europe. However, it never vanished completely: it continued to be used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various subcultures.

Rockabillies, Teddy Boys, greasers, and enthusiasts of historical hairstyles preserved classic pomade culture. Well-known traditional brands also remained available, although they were often difficult to find in Europe.

The Rediscovery of Classic Pomades

From the 1990s, and especially during the 2000s, interest in classic men’s fashion, traditional shaving, and historical hair styling products began to grow again. The internet made it easier to access old brands, international products, and almost-forgotten knowledge about pomade.

At the same time, new manufacturers emerged and reinterpreted classic oil-based formulas. Small homebrew projects developed into modern pomade brands with their own fragrances, different levels of firmness, and new styling properties.

PomadeShop and the Pomade Revival in Europe

PomadeShop brought pomade back to Europe. Founder Stan Soldan had already developed an interest in the shiny, well-groomed hairstyles of classic film and music stars during the 1980s. In the 1990s, he discovered traditional pomades in nostalgic metal tins at an Australian barbershop.

In May 2008, Stan Soldan opened PomadeShop as Germany’s first specialist shop for pomades and nostalgic hair styling products. At a time when classic pomades were barely available in Europe, PomadeShop made traditional brands accessible again while also sharing knowledge about application, ingredients, and history.

Today, PomadeShop is one of Europe’s leading destinations for classic and modern pomades. Stan Soldan is also the author of the first German-language specialist book about pomades and Hair Tonics—“Das Pomade-Buch”.

The Barbershop Revival of the 2010s

During the 2010s, new barbershops opened around the world, combining classic haircuts, traditional shaving, and modern men’s grooming. Hairstyles such as the Slick Back, Pompadour, and Side Part became popular again.

Pomade thus returned from being a niche product to professional hairstyling. Alongside traditional brands, numerous modern manufacturers and small artisan producers emerged, developing new formulas, fragrances, and levels of firmness.

Pomade Today

Today, the selection of pomades is larger and more varied than ever before. Alongside classic oil-based pomades, there are easy-to-wash-out water-based pomades and flexible unorthodox water-based pomades.

• different levels of firmness, from soft to very firm
• finishes ranging from matte to high shine
• classic and modern fragrance compositions
• traditional and water-based formulas
• products for classic and modern hairstyles

This means that pomade today is not only a historical styling product but also a versatile part of modern barbershop and hair culture.

Pomade Timeline – The Most Important Milestones

From the earliest perfumed ointments to modern barbershop culture, this timeline shows the most important milestones in the history of pomade.

You can find more information about pomade, its application, and classic men’s hairstyles in the Pomade Academy.