Clark Gable, Cary Grant, James Dean – it’s impossible to picture Old Hollywood’s leading men without serious swagger and slick, shiny hair. While pomades have come a long way since they were invented, some classics, like silver-screen stars, have stood the test of time.
The following Old School men’s hair products were used by the Hollywood greats and men who just plain wanted to look good. Join the hoards of cult followers and add these products to your hair care arsenal for leading man appeal. We’ve included vintage commercials where appropriate for your viewing pleasure.
Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade
Murray’s Pomade was originally formulated in 1925 by African-American barber C.D. Murray for black men to create the popular wave look. It soon caught fire with the general male public due to its uncompromising hold and blinding shine.
Reach for Murray’s to achieve a sky-high pomp or a Cary Grant side part that lasts for days.
Tips:
- Murray’s Pomade is extremely heavy and greasy, so you have to warm it up before use. Rub it between your hands or blow dry it until it melts.
- When we say the hold is uncompromising, we mean it. Murray’s Pomade does not wash out with regular shampoo. To wash out, view our article on removing pomade here. Have your dish detergent on the ready.
- Prevent pomade acne by washing your hair and face regularly. See more about pomade acne and treatments here.
Shop: Pomades.com
When Groom & Clean came out, its schtick was that you could run a wet comb through your hair to remove dandruff and oil. And according to the commercial, using Groom & Clean would make mermaids desire you. Indeed, Groom & Clean is a water-based pomade that doubles as a cleansing agent, rinsing grease, dirt, and dandruff out of hair. Groom & Clean solves the stick factor by giving you shine without grease. Because it’s water based, it offers all-day, natural hold that washes out with water.
Unlike petroleum-based pomades, Groom & Clean does not build up. This blue gel (which admittedly looks like toothpaste) will last a long time, even with regular use.
Tips:
- You can use Groom and Clean on top of traditional petroleum-based pomades to break down the grease and make the petroleum-based pomades easier to wash out.
Shop: Amazon.com
Royal Crown Hair Dressing has been packaged in the same vintage red canister can since it debuted in 1936, which just adds to the Old School vibe. The awesome stamped tin lid doesn’t hurt either. This hair dressing was designed for maximum shine and all-day light to medium hold – perfect for that greaser look.
At $3.95 for a 5 oz. tin, it’s easy on your wallet, too.
Tips:
- Royal Crown Hair Dressing works well for a gentleman’s side part or slick-back with loads of shine.
- Use it as a topper for added shine.
Shop: Pomades.com
Brylcreem
Brylcreem was launched in 1928 and drove the ladies wild with its signature greaser shine and pliable hold. And come on – you can’t go wrong with a jingle like “Brylcreem – A Little Dab’ll Do Ya! Brylcreem – The gals’ll all pursue ya; they’ll love to run their fingers through your hair!”
In addition to being used by Royal Air Force personnel, Brylcreem is somewhat of a pop culture phenomenon. It’s been mentioned on Seinfeld, Law & Order, American Dad, and Mad Men (appropriately), as well as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, among many other TV shows and movies.
Tips:
- Can also be used to add volume to hair.
Shop: Amazon.com
Marketed as the anti-Brylcreem, Vitalis was the non-greasy, grown-up alternative to petroleum-based pomades. Vitalis users referred to products like Brylcreem as “greasy kids’ stuff.”
Vitalis adds sheen to your hair while making it easier to comb and style.
A notable user was Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (in the commercial above).
Tips:
- Apply a small amount to your hair and massage your scalp for 60 seconds for a sleek yet natural look.
- Reapply throughout the day for a “wet” look.
Shop: Walmart.com
