Imitative Bear's Grease Hair Pomade
A Victorian-era hair pomade recipe that creates a shelf-stable grooming product by combining lard with benzoin and palm oil. This was used as an affordable alternative to genuine bear's grease, which was a popular hair treatment in the 19th century.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Lard (hog's lard) (Use refined, food-grade lard for best results)
- 0.125 ounces Benzoin resin powder (flowers of benzoin) (Acts as a preservative and adds fragrance; approximately 3.5 grams or 1/2 tablespoon)
- 0.125 ounces Palm oil (Adds firmness to the pomade; approximately 3.5 grams or 1/2 tablespoon)
- 10 drops Essential oil of choice (Optional scenting; lavender, bergamot, or cedarwood work well)
Instructions
- 1Measure out 8 ounces of lard, 1/8 ounce (approximately 1/2 tablespoon) each of benzoin powder and palm oil. Have all ingredients ready near your heat source.
- 2Place the lard, benzoin powder, and palm oil in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are completely melted and combined into a uniform liquid.
- 3Remove from heat and stir the mixture continuously as it cools to room temperature. This prevents separation and ensures a smooth, uniform texture. The mixture will begin to thicken and turn opaque as it cools.
- 4When the mixture has cooled to lukewarm but is still pourable, add your chosen essential oil (about 10 drops) and stir thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly throughout the pomade.
- 5Pour the pomade into clean, dry jars or tins while still slightly warm and pourable. Allow to cool completely and solidify at room temperature before sealing with lids.
