During World War II, which of the armed forces were nicknamed 'The Brylcreem Boys'?

Since 1928, Brylcreem is an iconic product of men's hair styling. Founded in Birmingham by County Chemicals, it was created as hair cream that was originally only sold to barbers. Men flocked to Brylcreem in droves to recreate that clean, smart hairstyle that was the fashion at the time.

During World War II, members of the Royal Air Force were known as Brylcreem Boys thanks to their tidily done hair.

The 1950s saw an even further increase with Brylcreem becoming the most dominant product in men's hairstyling. Brylcreem must have been thanking their lucky stars that the super-styled Teddy Boy look was so popular.

The 80s and 90s saw a slight renaissance when the brand tried to reinvent itself for the youth market. In 1997, David Beckham became the face of Brylcreem and showed that it wasn't just for those neat hairstyles of a different era.

More Info: www.theguardian.com

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58 Comments

Michael Doherty

A little dab'l do ya.

Marguerite LaHaye

My dad used it in the 1950s. I still remember the morning he was brushing his teeth and grabbed the Brylcream tube instead of the Colgate toothpaste. The bad start ruined his day.

Kevin Somerville Weir

In the 1960s we used to smear it on our skin as a tanning lotion! I wonder how much cancer we were causing.

Michael Doherty

A little dab'l do ya.

Carl Belken

I used it in the 50's and early 60's. Then one day I discovered I liked the dry look a heck of a lot better.

Marianne Hays

Thank you Cool Dude and Quiz club.

Player

It made the fly boys even more debonair.

Armadillo

teresab, and settler.

Armadillo

Michael Doherty, literally.

Jarvis

The advertisement used features a young Richard Greene just before his fame in the 1960's The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Wyla Reedy

Now I have the ad limerick in my head. Even the second verse. Or watch out, the girls will all pursue you.

aaustin

Of course I know about Brylcreem, but I know nothing about the British soldiers. Chose the first answer and it was right!

Marianne Frederick Halterman

"...They'll love to get their fingers in your hair..."

Wayne Roberts

As an old Teddy Boy it was a must to get that DA and Quiff!

dsneed

tesla alset, 👍

teresab

I still use a hair cream on my tresses every night, helps control the static, and I use it as a setter as well.

Peter

My Dad used it right up until about 2 years before he passed in 2002. Once he stopped, he went grey as grey and appeared to age rapidly.

Char

Forgot to add I got it thinking who would be the preppie types

Char

My Dad used that he was quite handsome however he was Army. Bet that's why he wore his that way..

Caroline Wolter Hall

Marguerite LaHaye, you should write down these stories.

stellaclaude

I did not know this!

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