The History of Pomade: From Apples to a Gentleman's Classic

Pomade is one of the oldest styling products for men. Hardly any other product has shaped so many eras: gentlemen at the turn of the century, film stars of the 1920s, rock 'n' roll icons of the 1950s and today a new generation that values a well-groomed appearance.

Where the word pomade comes from

The term comes from the French "pommade", which goes back to the Italian "pomata" and the Latin "pomum" for apple. Early recipes contained apple pulp mixed with animal fats. This mixture gave rise to the name that has remained to this day.

The 19th century: fat, oil and the first scents

In the 19th century, pomade was an integral part of men's grooming. Animal fats were used and scented. Well-groomed, shiny hair was considered a sign of status and order. Many recipes were mixed by pharmacists and barbers themselves.

The 1920s: shine and clean lines

With the Roaring Twenties, the smooth, shiny look became the ideal. Hair combed back with a clean parting defined cinema, dance halls and the business world. Pomade and brilliantine were the tools of this style. The classic slick back has its roots here.

The 1950s: rock 'n' roll and the pompadour

In the 1950s, pomade reached its cultural peak. Rock 'n' roll musicians wore tall, shiny hairstyles with lots of volume. The pompadour, named after Madame de Pompadour, became the symbol of an entire generation. The rockabilly style and the classic quiff also date from this time. A comb in the back pocket was part of the look.

The 1960s to 1990s: a break for the classic

From the late 1960s, longer, natural hairstyles took over. Later, gel and hairspray dominated styling. During this period pomade was used mainly by lovers of classic looks and in traditional barbershops.

The comeback: barbershops and the modern gentleman

With the return of barbershop culture, pomade came back too. Undercuts, side parts and groomed business hairstyles call for a product that combines hold, shine and control. Modern pomades unite the best of both worlds: traditional ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin with careful production and pleasant scents.

Pomade today: a classic with standards

Today pomade stands for a conscious decision rather than chance. Those who reach for pomade value a clean, well-groomed appearance. NO STYLIST Pomade Pure Lemongrass continues this tradition: oil-based, with cera alba and lanolin, strong pliable hold and a silky shine, handmade in Germany.

How to use pomade correctly is explained in our application guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is pomade?

Pomade is a hair styling product that gives hold and shine. Classic pomade is oil-based and stays pliable all day. More in our pomade FAQ.

Why is pomade called pomade?

The word goes back to the Latin "pomum" for apple, because early recipes contained apple pulp.

Which hairstyles are typical for pomade?

Slick back, side part, pompadour, quiff and the classic business look.