Dictionary Definition
pomatum n : hairdressing consisting of a perfumed
oil or ointment [syn: pomade]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Noun
pomatumReferences
- Dictionary.com
Extensive Definition
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 - a special shampoo, though, may be used. Other de-greasers
include olive oil and
Coca-Cola. Most
pomades contain petroleum
jelly (and in fact petroleum
jelly can be used alone as a pomade) and mineral oil,
and many also contain some sort of wax. They may also contain perfume
and coloring agents. A plethora of pomades are still in production
today and vary in factors such as weight, shine and scent. The
stiffest will have a higher proportion of beeswax while the lightest may
have a higher proportion of oils.
Origin of the name
The word "pomade" has origins in several languages. From French, pommade, meaning "an ointment"; from Italian, pomata from pomo, meaning "apple"; and from Latin, pomum, meaning "fruit, apple", because the original ointment recipe contained mashed apples. Modern pomades may contain fragrances, but they are not often particularly fruity.Popularity
Pomades were once much more popular than they are today. They are associated with the slick men's hairstyles of the early to middle 20th century. More modern hairstyles involving the use of pomade include the Duck's Ass, pompadour, and quiff.An early example of pomade is "Murray's Superior
Pomade", originating in the 1920s. Dixie Peach Hair Pomade was a
popular pomade in the USA from WWII through the 1960s with teenage
boys. In the late '90s, pomade grew from tradition to a general
consumer product meaning any sort of solid "hair-styling product";
including waxes, glues, clays, and a variety of substances marketed
under the original term.
See also
pomatum in Czech: Pomáda
pomatum in Danish: Pomade
pomatum in German: Pomade
pomatum in Japanese: ポマード
pomatum in Polish: Pomada
pomatum in Swedish: Pomada
pomatum in Chinese: 髮蠟