Vintage Men’s Hair Products: Heritage Hair How-To

Classic men's haircuts are experiencing a much-deserved resurgence in popularity, and Truefitt & Hill is pleased to welcome back some of history's most favored styles. To compliment a host of the last century's most prominent haircuts, we're pleased to introduce some of our very own, era-true, products to help achieve them. Many of these are notable for providing hold and control for any hair type without the crunchiness associated with hairspray and mousse or the dandruff that can be caused by alcohol-based hair products.

Hair Pomade

One of the most versatile of all hair products is classic pomade. It differs from hair gel and hair spray in that it does not give your hair an overly wet look nor does it set hard, rather, it gives a supple, subdued sheen. It is also an excellent choice for men with thicker hair who desire a more structured look.

Styling Paste 

Traditionally thicker than pomade and sometimes confused with putty, styling paste is one of the most widely used old-school hair products. The hair paste can be run through the wearer's fingers to soften during styling but will regain structure and thickness once inside the hair. Truefitt & Hill's Styling Paste is considered the "pomade" of its day—and is a very traditional formulation close to classically used pomades. Perfect for short to medium hair, it can be used to create touchable hold and texture with a natural sheen. To increase hold and definition, simply add more. Work a small amount through damp or dry hair to create your look.

Texture Clay 

Texture hair clay provides a hold that is quite strong, but also lightweight and has low shine. The matt finish works well for those looking to achieve a textured, natural look. Truefitt & Hill's Clay helps to add body, thickness, and structure to the individual hair shafts ultimately providing volume throughout the day. It will also aid control of frizzy hair making it particularly suitable for use on curly hair or longer hairstyles. Our clay will not leave any build-up and will not weigh the hair down.

For best results, it should be used sparingly and can be applied before (as a pre-styler) or after (as a finishing product). Rub a small amount between palms and fingertips and work evenly through damp or dry hair. 

Styling Wax

For total control and a firm hold on the style of your choosing, you may desire a styling wax. Providing a high-shine finish, styling wax has long since been a favorite for defined styling. Traditionally made from a base of beeswax, carnauba wax, or lanolin, it was seen often throughout the 1920s and 1930s as a first choice in maintaining a neat, tidy, structured look with definition. While styling wax remains malleable longer than gel or hairspray, it will eventually dry out, creating a strong hold ideal for spiky and stiff styles.

Tonic and Friction

An old-world hair styling product that holds up in modern times, tonic—often called friction— is historic in its own right. Tonic is unique from many other hair products in that it's often a liquid or cream—not solid as pomade, wax, or clay.

A mainstay in the 1950s and 60s, Tonic has experienced a rise in popularity with the return to traditional barbering and classic cuts for men, and we're thrilled to see its return to favor. When in use, tonic enhances glossiness and smooths hair for easier management and control, and works best when applied while hair is still wet. 

At the barbershop, hair tonics are also often referred to as “friction lotions” because they can be used to give clients an invigorating scalp massage. Massage helps to stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles, while the tonic itself moisturizes and conditions the hair and scalp.