Hair Tonic

J.S.Udontknowme · Mar 22, 2007

I used Wild Root and Vitalis, mostly Vitalis when I was young. I stopped using anything when I was in Jr. High school. That was almost forty years ago and I still remember the smell of Vitalis. I hope it hasn't changed because, after reading this thread, I think I'll get a bottle.

mrbork · May 16, 2007

Depending on my mood, the weather and the state of my hair, I regularly use a combination of Vitalis, Groom&Clean and Murray's. Starting with the Vitalis, then G&C, then Murray's. If the weather's OK, I'll skip the Vitalis, or not, again depending on my mood. For me, it's an excellent combination of contol and shine. It washes out easily, too, because of the G&C. Protein29 is also a good choice.

brylcreem boy · May 16, 2007

Well, I haven't posted on here in awhile. I'll give it a shot. Vitalis is a staple, gives a nice groom with not alot of grease, classic smell too. I've used one before I believe it was called "Lucky Tiger with 3 oils" or something like that. Similar to vitalis as far as hold but had more shine for a wetter look. I'm hearing alot about this Groom N Clean, I know it'a not a tonic, but I just may have to try it. I kinda got tired of using products that stain hats, walls furniture etc!!! Also used Vaseline Hair Tonic, beware though this one is almost pure oil, it will give you the dripping wet greasy look for sure., didn't care for it's smell though.

Braxton36 · May 16, 2007

MrBork - Headed to New Orleans next week - any suggestions of a good barbershop to do the kind of cut you mentioned?

mrbork · May 16, 2007

Hair tonic hair cut

Hello, Braxton36,
My barber's name is John Ramirez; he works out of a shop called Paul's, on Airline in Metairie across from Zephyr field. It's in a shopping center called Airline Park, on the west end of the center. John has been cutting hair for 30 or more years, and will do exactly what you request. If you look him up, tell him Mitch sent you.

Braxton36 · May 17, 2007

Hey MrBork
Thanks for the suggestion! I'd like to try him. Can you shoot me an email for directions? Braxton36@yahoo.com. Thanks!

berwynguy · Sep 9, 2008

my favorites

I usually use Pomade (American Greaser Supply brand 40wt), Brylcreem, Groom&Clean, or combo of them. If I really want it to shine with a very wet look, I'll add some Vitalis or Luck Tiger with Oil. Usually the pomade or brylcreem is my daily routine. Both are inexpensive and do a great job. You can order AGS Pomade online. Brylcreem is available at most drug stores like Walgreens, as is Groom&Clean. The Luck Tiger i can only find online.

MrFusion · Sep 9, 2008

I was thinking of giving the Pinaud Eau de Quinine a try. I have used some of the creams in the past but never a liquid like the Pinaud.
Do you apply it to wet hair and how much is enough (or will I just know?

)?

Sorry for the noob questions but this stuff ain't styling gel.

berwynguy · Sep 10, 2008

Hair tonic tip

When using a liquid hair tonic, I apply it to dry hair. You can apply just a little for very very light control, or apply enough to thouroughly saturate the hair making it wet if you want a classic wetlook style. You can then comb it into place, or if you're like me, either add some brylcreem or pomade at this point, and then comb. The wonderful think about liquid tonics is that it makes hair very easy to style - trust me, your hair is going to obey - and makes the hair very shiny and wet looking - afterall, the hair is wet from the tonic. Just give your hair some time to breath before puttin on your hat, if you're gonna wear one. The liquid-wetness will evaporate and leave a very nice slicked wetlooking hair.

MrFusion said:
I was thinking of giving the Pinaud Eau de Quinine a try. I have used some of the creams in the past but never a liquid like the Pinaud.
Do you apply it to wet hair and how much is enough (or will I just know? )?

Sorry for the noob questions but this stuff ain't styling gel.

MrFusion · Sep 10, 2008

Thank you!
It is amazing how little information there is out there about the use of hair tonics. Either that or I am looking in the wrong places.

brylcreem boy · Sep 10, 2008

When I have used tonic I apply it to dry hair also. have used Vitalis, Jeris (with oil) and Lucky Tiger (with oil). Use a little and your hair will have very light control with a little shine or saturate your hair and when it drys the hair will still have a wet groomed look to it. I used to go to a barber who gave "Tonic" massages- (had never heard of that) he's retired now. It was a pretty relaxing experience, he would put a towel around your neck and then thorougly douse/saturate the hair and massage it in completely. Tonics are a nice way to go if you don't want all the build-up from heavier products like pomade- you might want to experiment with some Groom and Clean as well, this is a great in-expensive product- it will give a nice shiny wet look and washes out easily with no build-up.

Frankie Lamb · Nov 11, 2008

Vitalis Shampoo

I've recently gone back to using Vitalis hair tonic with very pleasing results, including a couple of positive comments from the Ladies.
I found they also make a shampoo with a "thickener" agent, but when I tried to find it in my area ( Los Angeles ) nobody had ever heard of Vitalis brand shampoo, only the hair tonic. Any tips on where I might find it in L.A.? I can buy it on-line but I'd rather buy it off the shelf.
Thanks,
Frankie Lamb

cufflinkmaniac · Nov 11, 2008

Right now I have some of Walgreens version of Vitalis (my mother got the wrong bottle),and it works well.My barber sells Pinaud hair tonic,which is what I'm going to try next.

Down2BDapper · Nov 11, 2008

I only use Vitalis. I love the way it smells and it makes my hair feel fresh and clean.

skbellis · Nov 11, 2008

Vitalis

Lately I have been alternating between Tres Flores (brillantine) one day and the next day I use Vitalis. I find that the Vitalis helps prevent a sort of tres flores buildup. I have seen that Tres Flores also makes a tonic but I haven't tried it yet.

Cheers,

Scott

jinenjo · Dec 29, 2010

Slightly off topic, but wearing my fedora with wet hair won't harm the inside, will it?
(Pardon my ignorance. I'm on my second fedora in the last few years and want to know some care tips before developing bad habits.)
Thanks,
LB

AtomicEraTom · Dec 29, 2010

I found some stuff at the dollar general, for a dollar. Seems to be just as good as Vitalis, and a fraction of the price.

Machine Ager · Dec 29, 2010

For those wanting to try an "old school" hair tonic you might like Jeris with or without oil.

Great smell but light hold on non oil ... oil version medium hold.

Most Barber or Beauty supply online have it, as well as Amazon

MA

tealseal · Dec 31, 2012

Hi gents,

Stupid question, but what is "hair tonic" and how is it meant to be used?
I usually use Brylcreem or Groom&Clean, but found a bottle of Vitalis at my local pharmacy for all of two dollars and had to pick it up. What do I do with it? My hair is super thick and super heavy, and has a decent bit of length. I'm just curious because there doesn't seem to be a lot of "how-to's" on hair tonic and I don't exactly have a relation whom I can ask, so your help is much appreciated!

Cheers!
-TS

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