Bandoline for the Hair
A Victorian-era hair styling pomade made with olive oil, spermaceti, and fragrant essential oils. This product was used to smooth and hold hair in place.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Olive oil (Base oil for the pomade)
- 1 drachm Spermaceti (Historical ingredient from whale oil; modern substitute would be beeswax or cetyl alcohol (approximately 1/8 ounce or 3.5 grams))
- 1 drachm Oil of bergamot (bergamot essential oil) (Approximately 1/8 ounce or 3.5 ml)
- 6 drops Otto of roses (rose essential oil) (For fragrance)
- 0.5 drachm Annatto (Optional for color; approximately 1/16 ounce or 1.75 grams)
Instructions
- 1In a heat-safe container, combine the olive oil, spermaceti (or modern substitute like beeswax), and oil of bergamot.
- 2Gently heat the mixture using a double boiler or water bath until the spermaceti (or wax) is completely melted and all ingredients are well combined. Stir occasionally.
- 3Remove from heat and strain the heated mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any impurities or undissolved particles.
- 4Beat in 6 drops of otto of roses (rose essential oil) into the strained mixture. If desired color is wanted, add half a drachm of annatto and mix thoroughly.
- 5Pour the finished bandoline into a clean jar or container. Allow to cool completely at room temperature until it solidifies into a pomade consistency. Store in a cool, dark place.
