Men in the early 1900s primarily used Macassar Oil and hair pomades to hold their hair back. Macassar Oil was the leading product for styling and maintaining men’s hair during this period. It was a scented hair tonic made mostly from coconut oil and other oils, offering both conditioning and a light stiffening effect in cooler temperatures. Alongside Macassar Oil, hair pomades—based on lard, mutton fat, or petroleum jelly—played an essential role in hair styling. Various other oils and early commercial products also contributed to men’s grooming routines at the time.
Macassar Oil, trademarked by Rowland’s Macassar Oil, originated in the late 18th century (1783) and remained popular through the early 1900s. The coconut oil base became solid below 76°F and melted at body temperature. This property allowed it to act as a mild gel or tonic for holding hair in place, especially in colder weather. It left a noticeable sheen on the hair and was preferred for slicked-back hairstyles. However, it stained furniture, prompting the use of “anti-macassars,” small cloth covers placed on chair backs to prevent damage.
Hair pomades or pomatum had a long history dating back centuries and saw continued use into the early 20th century. Early recipes, such as those found in the 1779 Toilet of Flora, contained lard or mutton fat. By the 19th century, these pomades evolved to include other oils and petroleum jelly (vaseline). Pomades helped fix hair into styles and also held powders used in 18th-century grooming customs. These products offered a greasy hold compared to the lighter conditioning of Macassar Oil.
Besides Macassar Oil and pomades, men also employed other oils like castor oil, almond oil, and spermaceti. By the early 1900s, many hair products became commercially available rather than homemade. Notably, Brilliantine appeared in the late 1890s and was showcased at the 1900 Paris Exposition. This product paved the way for modern offerings such as Brylcreem and Vitalis, which gained popularity later in the century.
| Product | Composition | Function | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macassar Oil | Coconut oil and scented oils | Conditioned and lightly stiffened hair | Late 18th century to early 1900s |
| Hair Pomade | Lard, mutton fat, sometimes petroleum jelly | Held hair styles and powders | Centuries-long use, popular early 1900s |
| Brilliantine | Various oils | Hair softening and styling | Introduced 1890s |
- Macassar Oil was the dominant hair tonic in the early 1900s, known for its conditioning and mild stiffening effect.
- Pomades made from animal fats or petroleum jelly helped hold hair styles firmly.
- Other oils like castor and almond were also used but less prominently.
- Brilliantine emerged in the 1890s, representing a shift towards commercial, specialized hair products.
What Product or Products Did Men in the Early 1900s Use to Hold Their Hair Back?
In the early 1900s, men typically used Macassar Oil, hair pomade (also called pomatum), and various hair oils such as castor and almond oil to hold their hair back. These products not only styled the hair but also imparted a certain sheen and scent, shaping the quintessential gentlemanly look of the era.
Let’s dive into how these products worked, why they were popular, and what made them the go-to solutions for men’s hair styling a century ago.
Macassar Oil: The Classic Hair Tonic and Gel
Macassar Oil stands out as one of the most famous hair products of the early 1900s. Originally formulated in 1783, it remained widely used well into the 20th century. This oil was a blend mainly composed of coconut oil mixed with other fragrant oils, creating a scented tonic both to hold hair in place and impart a soft shine.
What made Macassar Oil particularly interesting was how it behaved with temperature. Since coconut oil is solid under about 76 degrees Fahrenheit and melts above that, Macassar Oil acted almost like a natural gel when it was cool. On chilly mornings, a gentleman could find his hair stiffened and perfectly styled. However, once body heat kicked in, the oil softened and coated the hair evenly, maintaining hold without turning stiff or crunchy.
However, Macassar Oil came with a notable downside. It was notoriously greasy and had a habit of staining chair backs — hence the invention of “anti-macassars,” the decorative cloth pieces placed over furniture to protect against these oily stains. Imagine the frustration of stylish men whose hair oil ruined their favorite chairs! Yet, that didn’t stop the product’s popularity.
Pomades and Pomatum: Centuries-Old Styling Powerhouses
Pomade, or pomatum, actually goes back even further than Macassar Oil. It had been used for centuries to style hair. Recipes from the late 18th century’s Toilet of Flora show instructions for making pomades, some designed specifically for holding powder on hair.
In the 1800s, pomade was typically a fatty concoction made from lard or mutton fat. Yes, you read that right—men were basically greasing their hair with carefully prepared fat. Later on, petroleum jelly—what we know as Vaseline—found its way into pomade recipes, giving a smoother, more manageable texture.
Pomerade’s usage had a slightly different emphasis than modern gels. Instead of slicking hair back firmly, it was often about holding a style gently and keeping hair powder attached. This made it ideal for the elaborate hairstyles and powdered wigs popular earlier in the century.
Other Oils and Early Commercial Products
Besides Macassar Oil and pomade, men also applied other oils to their hair. Castor oil was a favorite, along with almond oil and even spermaceti—a waxy substance derived from sperm whales, used for its smooth texture and shine-giving qualities.
Though many families made their own hair tonics and styling creams at home, by the early 1900s, commercial products had begun dominating the market.
For example, Brilliantine, developed in the 1890s and showcased at the 1900 Paris Exposition, emerged as one of the first commercial hair products aimed at men. It promised a soft, glossy hold without the heaviness of traditional pomades.
Brands like Brylcreem and Vitalis, household names today for men’s hair care, didn’t appear until a few decades later, but their early predecessors were setting the stage for hair styling as a serious craft.
What Did All This Mean for the Modern Gentleman?
Imagine you’re a man in 1905. You want your hair neat, glossy, and—most importantly—under control. You reach for your Macassar Oil for an oily, fragrant sheen, or maybe your homemade pomade to keep that carefully styled look intact throughout the day. On colder days, the coconut oil in Macassar Oil helps stiffen your hair naturally—no fancy gels needed.
You don’t just think about your hair—you also think about your furniture. You carefully place anti-macassars on your chairs to stop the oil from ruining upholstery. It’s a small price to pay for style, don’t you think?
Fast forward to the modern era. We grumble when our hair gels leave flakes or when hair spray makes us feel stiff. At least early 1900s men had coconut oil and fragrant fatty concoctions that melted at just the right temperature to keep things natural—sort of.
Practical Tips Inspired by Early 1900s Hair Care
- Natural Oils Work Wonders: Coconut oil, still popular today, was the backbone of Macassar Oil. It moisturizes and offers light hold but beware of oily stains.
- Pomades Offer Versatility: Whether fatty or petroleum-based, pomades provide flexible hold and shine. Modern pomades can be water-based for easier washing.
- Protect Your Furniture: If you’re experimenting with oils or heavy products, consider protective covers so your beloved couch doesn’t end up a victim.
- Choose Your Hold: Notice that pomades initially helped “set” hair powder rather than stiffly slicking hair back. Evaluate how firm hold you want before picking a product.
Final Thoughts: The Hair Secrets of Early 1900s Men
In summary, the products men in the early 1900s used to hold their hair back were primarily Macassar Oil and various pomades, supported by other natural oils. These products combined function and style in ways that balanced hold, scent, and shine. They helped men present themselves sharply, with just a hint of that oily charm—sometimes literally.
So next time you slick back your hair or reach for a pomade, spare a thought for those gentlemen in frock coats, anti-macassars perched behind them, navigating the challenges of early hair care with oils, fats, and a touch of flair.
Would you dare try an old-school recipe of pomatum? Or is the modern gel and wax combo more your style? Hair fashion may have evolved, but the quest for that perfect hold certainly hasn’t changed!
What was Macassar Oil and why was it used by men in the early 1900s?
Macassar Oil was a popular hair tonic made from coconut and scented oils. Men used it to hold their hair back and style it. Its solid form in cold weather helped stiffen and hold hair in place.
How did hair pomade differ from Macassar Oil in early 1900s hair care?
Pomade was a greasy product often made from lard or mutton fat. It helped keep styles and hold powder to the hair. Unlike Macassar Oil, which mainly slicked hair back, pomade was used for shaping and maintaining styles.
What other oils were used alongside Macassar Oil for hair holding?
Besides Macassar Oil, men used castor oil, almond oil, and spermaceti. These oils helped style hair before commercial products dominated the market.
Were commercial hair products available to men in the early 1900s?
Yes, there were commercial products like Brilliantine from the 1890s. Brands like Brylcreem and Vitalis appeared later in the 20th century. Early commercial options gave alternatives to homemade hair oils.
Why were “anti-macassars” used in homes during this time?
Anti-macassars were small cloths placed on chair backs. They protected furniture from oily stains caused by Macassar Oil, which was notorious for marking chairs.
