Debonair hair

As a kid, I remember seeing a red jar of Brylcreem on my grandfather's table in his room. This was probably not such a big deal, but at that time, my grandfather was rather follicly challenged. Despite that, he would apply a gentle spread of it around the back & sides, and a gentle sweep across the combover. It never came across as a particularly noxious, but it did have a very distinct smell. I'm sure I would place that smell if I ever come into contact with it now, even after the 20 odd years since I've last come across Brylcreem.

Created by the British Army to create instant helmets.

I believe that my dad and most of my uncles would use the slick stuff at some point in their lives, judging by the glistening coifs sported in their early years.  At some point as a kid, I even gave it a go, not that I had much sense in how to style my hair. What kid wouldn't enjoy applying warm grease to their head?

Can't touch this. No seriously, don't touch the hair, it won't wash off.

I guess at some point, it fell out of fashion with my family, as most things do. Part of the problem was the curse of male pattern baldness that seems to strike at most of the male members of my family. Some of us may deny it, believing instead in the wow factor of combovers, while others are inspired by the smooth shine of knights like Patrick Stewart.

Real Captains don't wear rugs

I also have to wonder how many of their wives made them give it up, as I can remember my grandfather's Brylcreem stained pillowcases, and it still brings a smile to my face. Maybe it's time to bring back the shine to my head while I still have some hair left.