I have what’s known scientifically as “dry, limp” hair that behaves more like hay than hair in its natural state. One product I use is Sweet Georgia Brown, a hair pomade manufactured by AM Cosmetics Inc., NJ, which lists as its ingredients, “Petrolatum, Fragnance”. I apply only a tiny amount, which softens my hair and makes slightly more pliable (while unfortunately imparting a bit of unwanted oily gloss).
The thing that puzzles me about this pomade is that its instructions tell me to “rub pomade into hair with fingertips. Place a towel around hair for a few minutes. Then comb and brush.” I assume that heating the petrolatum gel will make it softer, but it’s already really soft in the box, so I don’t see how it matters. My only hypothesis is that the heat helps the gel penetrate the hair fibres. Explanations?
A related question is whether petrolatum might have harmful effects. It behaves similar to mineral oils, which according to one source “forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out”. While I only apply the stuff to my hair, some of it’s bound to reach my scalp – but perhaps too little to worry about?
Also, product recommendations would be welcome, although it might not be the correct message board for that.
