Give Your Hair Incredible Shine With Brilliantine, A Product Whose Time Has Returned
Imagine that Sleeping Beauty dozed off a hundred years ago and woke up today.
Her world would be drastically different.
But at least one thing would have remained the same: she would be able to find brilliantine.
In the early 1900s, this oil-based finishing product for hair was commonplace in barbershops and homes.
Then gradually, with changing times, brilliantine vanished from shop and household shelves.
Fast forward a century, and brilliantine is once again recognized as a product that can add shine and subtle definition to hair.
A hundred years ago, oil and fragrance were the main ingredients in brilliantine.
They were easily mixed together at home or in a barbershop.
Castor and olive oil were often selected to bring out a sheen in the hair, and essential oil provided the fragrance.
But other ingredients used in brilliantine were not as acceptable by today's standards.
Vaseline, lard, suet, and mineral oil were sometimes added.
Whatever recipe was used, brilliantine was regarded as the best product for softening and enhancing beards and mustaches.
It was also popular among men and women for adding shine and suppleness to their hair.
Nowadays, brilliantine formulas are diverse and complex, but they are all meant to give the hair shine and some amount of definition.
Bumble & Bumble's creamy brilliantine is designed to add a beautiful sheen as well as subtle definition.
Garnier Fructis takes a high-gloss, strong-hold approach with its brilliantine.
Joico makes a waxy brilliantine for separation and high shine.
These companies generally combine synthetic and natural ingredients.
If you're curious about how a brilliantine would work in your hair, you can give one of these salon or retail products a try.
Or, you can make an all-natural brilliantine yourself.
Here's an easy recipe adapted from an old formula.
You'll need 4 teaspoons of castor oil, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of glycerine, and 2 drops of your choice of essential oil.
Mix the ingredients together (and always shake before using).
Put a dime-sized amount in your palm, rub your hands together, and gently spread the brilliantine through your dry or damp hair.
If you have long hair, distribute more product at the ends.
If more shine is needed, repeat applications with dime-sized amounts because using too much brilliantine can give a greasy rather than a glossy appearance.
When you've finished applying the brilliantine, continue styling as desired.
Her world would be drastically different.
But at least one thing would have remained the same: she would be able to find brilliantine.
In the early 1900s, this oil-based finishing product for hair was commonplace in barbershops and homes.
Then gradually, with changing times, brilliantine vanished from shop and household shelves.
Fast forward a century, and brilliantine is once again recognized as a product that can add shine and subtle definition to hair.
A hundred years ago, oil and fragrance were the main ingredients in brilliantine.
They were easily mixed together at home or in a barbershop.
Castor and olive oil were often selected to bring out a sheen in the hair, and essential oil provided the fragrance.
But other ingredients used in brilliantine were not as acceptable by today's standards.
Vaseline, lard, suet, and mineral oil were sometimes added.
Whatever recipe was used, brilliantine was regarded as the best product for softening and enhancing beards and mustaches.
It was also popular among men and women for adding shine and suppleness to their hair.
Nowadays, brilliantine formulas are diverse and complex, but they are all meant to give the hair shine and some amount of definition.
Bumble & Bumble's creamy brilliantine is designed to add a beautiful sheen as well as subtle definition.
Garnier Fructis takes a high-gloss, strong-hold approach with its brilliantine.
Joico makes a waxy brilliantine for separation and high shine.
These companies generally combine synthetic and natural ingredients.
If you're curious about how a brilliantine would work in your hair, you can give one of these salon or retail products a try.
Or, you can make an all-natural brilliantine yourself.
Here's an easy recipe adapted from an old formula.
You'll need 4 teaspoons of castor oil, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of glycerine, and 2 drops of your choice of essential oil.
Mix the ingredients together (and always shake before using).
Put a dime-sized amount in your palm, rub your hands together, and gently spread the brilliantine through your dry or damp hair.
If you have long hair, distribute more product at the ends.
If more shine is needed, repeat applications with dime-sized amounts because using too much brilliantine can give a greasy rather than a glossy appearance.
When you've finished applying the brilliantine, continue styling as desired.
