You see them popping up again lately. The hair tonic. A product still used by many men in the 1950s. It is a liquid substance that men smear into their hair that gives it a nice shine.
Now you would think what would you do with a hair tonic. Why is it being sold again, the hair tonic is back. Only it's not the same stuff as before. It has been further developed and now has properties that can be of interest to any man. The Hair Tonic was used to reactivate the oil-based Pomade and dissolve it a bit, so you could style your hair again. These Tonic's still exist, the Jeris Hair Tonic and the Reuzel Hair Tonic are great examples.
The modern Hair Tonic is more of a Grooming product and is also called a Grooming Tonic. You could say it has been reinvented. The new hair tonics are mainly meant as pre-styler. They often contain many natural oils that protect the hair from heat during blow-drying. It removes the greasy feeling when you haven't washed your hair, gives your hair more volume and makes your hair more flexible.
Those are most of the well-known properties of hair tonics sold again today. But thanks to the composition of ingredients in most hair tonics, they have many more benefits for your hair.
Moisturizes the hair and hair follicles
The hair tonic contains natural oils that moisturize the scalp and hair. This makes your hair look shiny and healthy. Your hair will get more volume and feel softer. So it also works as a kind of leave-in conditioner.
Reduces split ends
Because the hair tonic moisturizes the hair follicles, it is easier for the hair to retain its own oils. This keeps the hair strong and healthy. Should you suffer from damaged hair or split ends, a hair tonic can promote recovery. It keeps your hair healthy and prevents damage when you do not have it.
Protects your scalp and reduces dandruff
Hair tonic protects against heat and contains nourishing natural oils. This keeps the scalp supplied with nutrients and does not damage the hair when blow-drying. The scalp is also less likely to become irritated and better able to repair itself. Thus, you will be less likely to suffer from dandruff and it can reduce dandruff when you already suffer from it.
Helps in styling your hair
The hair tonic gives a nice shine to your hair through the oils. Furthermore, it gives your hair more volume so you can create a nice full look. Especially for people with thin hair this can be a nice addition. The hair tonic gives a light hold which makes the hair even better when you apply a styling product afterwards.
Commonly used ingredients in hair tonic
Of course, not every hair tonic is exactly the same. But in general, most hair tonics do the same thing and often share these ingredients.
Nettle
Yes you read it right. But have no fear this one doesn't sting. Nettles contain ingredients that are very good for the hair and scalp. It stimulates blood flow which helps prevent hair loss and makes hair less likely to become dry.
Besides containing many vitamins that strengthen the hair, nettle also has the unique ability to help regulate the sebum production of the scalp. As a result, your hair does not produce too much sebum but also not too little.
Marigold
Has anti-fungal and healing properties. As a result, the scalp is less likely to become irritated. Dandruff is also less likely to occur.
Chestnut
The nutrients in chestnuts give the hair more volume and improves the condition of the hair.
Rosemary
Rosemary helps prevent hair loss and has an anti-stress effect on the scalp. It also contains many antioxidants such as vitamin c that help protect hair from heat and chemicals from outside.
How to use a Hair Tonic?
Using Hair Tonic is very easy. After washing your hair or showering, dry your hair with a towel. Now put two to three drops of hair tonic on your hands and massage it well through the hair and over your scalp.
Do not use too much because otherwise you may get heavy and oily hair. Then your hair will seem a little too greasy. Now blow-dry your hair. You will start to notice the effect immediately. It gets more volume, is nice and soft and already has a slight hold. Now you can apply a hair styling product.
Buying a good hair tonic
There are now many different hair tonics available. Even at The Alpha Men, the assortment is growing. Here are a few suggestions to help you get at least one good hair tonic.
Reuzel Hair Tonic & Grooming Tonic
Reuzel is a popular hair tonic. As such, it is one of the most widely sold. Reuzel has two varieties. The hair tonic and the grooming tonic. The Hair Tonic is the classic in a modern twist, so meant to reactivate that oil-based Pomade. The Reuzel Grooming Tonic is a grooming product and meant to be used as a pre styler. Reuzel makes nice distinctions between the two products.
Clubman Pinaud Eau de Quinine Hair Tonic
The Clubman Hair Tonic is a classic and meant to reactivate the Pomade. In addition, this Hair Tonic also has a conditioning effect, removes dandruff and stimulates blood flow to the scalp. A classic from Clubman Pinaud.
Captain Fawcett the Bearded Dame Hair Elixir
Captain Fawcett always makes something special. Beautifully packaged, in a beautiful bottle and a fantastic scent. A slightly lesser known hair tonic but top quality. This product is still fairly new and contains all beautiful natural ingredients. This hair tonic can also be used for the beard and a styling product.