About Brylcreem
Brylcreem is a legendary British men's grooming brand that has been styling hair since 1928, when County Chemicals created the original hair cream at the Chemico Works in Birmingham, England. The name combines "brilliantine" and "cream," reflecting its signature high-shine formula—an emulsion of water and mineral oil stabilised with beeswax that became synonymous with masculine style. The brand achieved iconic status during World War II when it became the styling product of choice for Royal Air Force pilots, who earned the affectionate nickname "Brylcreem Boys" for their immaculately slicked hairstyles. What began as a tongue-in-cheek term became a badge of honour, symbolising precision and sophistication. The famous slogan "A Little Dab'll Do Ya" captured the product's effectiveness. Brylcreem's cultural impact extended through celebrity endorsement, most notably Denis Compton, the legendary Middlesex and England cricketer and Arsenal footballer, who became one of Britain's first sportsmen to earn serious money from product endorsement in the 1940s and 1950s. The brand reached peak popularity during the 1950s and 1960s when sleek, polished hairstyles dominated men's fashion. Now owned by Unilever (acquired from Sara Lee in 2012), Brylcreem continues as a heritage grooming brand promoted through barbershop traditions. The modern range includes the Original cream, Anti-Dandruff formulas, Wet Look styling, and Extreme Hold Gel, ensuring the "Brylcreem Boys" legacy lives on.