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 high-detergent shampoo or other de-greasers such as olive oil, dish washing liquid 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. They may also contain perfume and coloring agents. A wide range of pomades are in production today and vary in factors such as weight, shine and scent. The stiffest will have a higher proportion of waxes such as 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. 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,but...
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