You’ve probably seen it. That bright orange tin with the vintage drawing of a couple sitting on the shelf of almost every drugstore in America. It looks like a relic because, honestly, it is. Murray's Superior Hair Dressing has been around since 1925, and it hasn't changed much. It’s thick. It’s heavy. It’s arguably the most stubborn hair product ever created.
But here’s the thing: most people use it once, realize they can't wash it out for three days, and then throw the tin in the back of the drawer. They're doing it wrong. This isn't your standard modern "paste" or "clay" that disappears with a quick rinse. It’s a commitment.
The Barber Shop Roots in 1920s Chicago
C.D. Murray wasn't some corporate executive in a boardroom. He was a barber. Back in 1925, he started mixing this stuff in his Chicago shop because he wanted a product that actually held up for his Black clientele. He believed in a "fair price for an honest product," and that philosophy is basically why the tin still costs less than a fancy latte today.
In 1959, a pharmacist named Harry Berlin bought the company. He kept the recipe exactly the same. No "new and improved" formulas. No trendy silicones. Just the heavy-duty stuff that worked. It’s rare to find a brand that survives a century without caving to modern manufacturing shortcuts.
What’s Actually Inside That Orange Tin?
If you look at the back of the tin, the ingredient list is shockingly short. We're talking:
- Petrolatum (the base that gives it that "glue" feel)
- Mineral Oil
- Fragrance
That’s pretty much it. Some newer batches might list things like Lanolin or Coconut Oil depending on the specific variation, but the "Superior" version is famous for its simplicity. There’s no alcohol to dry out your hair, which is why it actually leaves your hair feeling softer once you finally manage to get it out.
It's essentially a wax-heavy barrier. It doesn't "set" like a gel. It stays pliable. You can jump in a pool, and your hair will likely stay exactly where you put it because oil and water don't mix.
The Celebrity Secret Nobody Mentions
You might think Murray's Superior Hair Dressing is just for retro grease-monkeys or specific hair textures, but Hollywood stylists have been hoarding these tins for decades.
George Clooney is famously a fan. Rumor has it he even turned Leonardo DiCaprio onto the stuff. Stylists use it on movie sets because it doesn’t flake under hot studio lights. When you see a character with a perfect 1940s slick-back that doesn't budge during an action scene? It’s probably Murray’s.
Even Justin Timberlake has been spotted with it to manage his natural curls when he wants that smoother, side-parted look. It’s the "pro's secret" because it provides a level of control that water-based products just can't touch.
Why Everyone Struggles to Apply It
The biggest mistake? Treating it like a gel. If you take a giant glob and slap it on dry hair, you’re going to have a bad time. You’ll pull out half your hair just trying to spread it.
The Warm-Up Trick
Since the product is so stiff, you have to melt it. Professional barbers often put the tin on a radiator or hit it with a hair dryer for thirty seconds. At home, you need to rub a small amount—way less than you think—between your palms until your hands feel hot. If it isn't completely melted into an oil on your skin, don't put it in your hair yet.
Damp Hair is Mandatory
Apply it to damp hair. The water acts as a lubricant, allowing the heavy petrolatum to slide over the hair strands instead of grabbing onto them like tape.
The "How do I get this out?" Problem
This is where the horror stories come from. You shower, you shampoo, and your hair still feels like a wax candle. Standard shampoo isn't designed to break down heavy oils.
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Honestly, the best way to remove Murray's Superior Hair Dressing isn't even shampoo. It's dish soap. Yeah, the stuff you use for greasy pans. Or, if you want to be a bit more "refined," try the "Aussie Miracle" method:
- Apply a heavy conditioner to dry hair.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes (the fats in the conditioner help break down the pomade).
- Rinse, then shampoo with a clarifying wash.
Some people even use Coca-Cola or olive oil to break it down. It sounds crazy, but the chemistry checks out.
Pros and Cons: A Brutally Honest Look
| The Good Stuff | The Annoying Stuff |
|---|---|
| Indestructible Hold: Wind, rain, and humidity won't touch it. | The Washout: It takes effort to remove. Expect "buildup." |
| Incredible Value: One tin can last a year or more. | Stained Pillows: It will transfer to your bedding if you don't use a cap. |
| Natural Shine: Gives a healthy, classic glow without looking "crunchy." | Acne Risk: If you have oily skin, it can clog pores on your forehead. |
| Versatility: Works for 360 waves, pompadours, or taming frizz. | Learning Curve: You will mess up the first three times you use it. |
Why "Buildup" is Actually a Feature
In the pomade community, "buildup" isn't a dirty word. Many guys who use Murray's only wash it out completely once a week.
On day two or three, the pomade has settled. It’s easier to style. You just wake up, add a tiny bit of water or a "topper" (a lighter, shinier grease), and comb it. It saves time. If you’re a person who wants a fresh, squeaky-clean scalp every single morning, Murray's Superior Hair Dressing is probably not for your lifestyle.
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Actionable Steps for Your First Tin
If you're ready to try the legend, don't just wing it.
First, go to the store and buy a clarifying shampoo or a bottle of cheap conditioner—you'll need it later. When you open the tin, don't dig in with your whole hand. Use the back of your thumbnail to scrape out a pea-sized amount.
Heat it up with a hair dryer until it’s soft. Work it into damp hair starting from the back of your head (where mistakes are less visible) and move forward. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute it evenly.
If you find the hold is too intense, you can mix it with a little bit of Murray’s Super Light to find a middle ground. Most veterans eventually find their "perfect mix."
The orange tin is a classic for a reason. It’s stubborn, old-school, and takes no prisoners. But if you respect the wax, it’ll give you the best hair day of your life. Just maybe buy some extra pillowcases first.
Next Steps for Your Routine
- Check your hair porosity: If your hair absorbs water quickly, you'll need even less product than average.
- Get a dedicated comb: Don't use your wife's expensive brush; the wax will stay on the bristles forever.
- The "Greaseless" Day: Plan one day a week where you use a degreasing shampoo to let your scalp breathe.