What is Bay Rum?

[mikemorton]

I go to a traditional barber's and get a nice haircut and even the occasional hot towel shave.

Last week I picked up some Bay Rum, which was sold to me as a type of hair product that would help tame my frizzy locks (I have very thick hair).

It works!

But am I right in thinking it's actually an aftershave?

Or is Bay Rum the grooming product that keeps on giving?

I'm not sure if I should be feeling stupid right now.

 

[Shave_Rat]

"Bay Rum" is just a category of scent that can be used in AS, cologne, shaving soap/cream, bath soap/shampoo, and as it seems to turn out, other hair product as well.

 

[jzuzphreek]

I think it's just a fragrance that is used in a variety of grooming products. I could be wrong, but I don't think there are any cosmetic or medicinal properties for "Bay Rum."

 

[Shave_Rat]

I was a bit short on time earlier, so....

Bay rum originated as an AS. From what I recall, it was made by taking rum, then steeping leaves from the west indies bay tree in it along with cloves and whatever other spices the person decided to use (cinnamon, peppercorns) for a period of time, and they got this really nice unique scent out of it.

They now make a bay rum essential oil that you can use to add to whatever product you want to add it to, and give it the bay rum scent. Sort of like sandalwood, no two bay rum products from different companies smell the same.

 

[mikemorton]

Ah OK, thanks guys.

Mine is Taylor Of Old Bond Street, but my barber did have another bottle simply marked "American Bay Rum".

In the case of my TOBS bottle, there is nothing on the label to actually say what it is or how it should be used.

To tell me "it's been in use by gentlemen for more than 100 years" is not really all that revealing.

Because of the cloves it does fit in nicely with Christmas though.

I may as well keep taming the frizz with it, as it does appear to work quite well this way.

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

Bay rum originated as an AS. From what I recall, it was made by taking rum, then steeping leaves from the west indies bay tree in it along with cloves and whatever other spices the person decided to use (cinnamon, peppercorns) for a period of time, and they got this really nice unique scent out of it.

What he said.

I might add that it originates out of the Caribbean - that is where bay trees grow. Lore has it that sailors developed it many hundreds of years ago.

And now would-be sailors try their hand at it on occasion.

 

[Squidma]

What he said.

I might add that it originates out of the Caribbean - that is where bay trees grow. Lore has it that sailors developed it many hundreds of years ago.

And now would-be sailors try their hand at it on occasion.

I believe that to say, "try their hand at it," is a gross understatement. It would be more accurate to state, "knock it out of the freaking park".

 

[Shave_Rat]

I believe that to say, "try their hand at it," is a gross understatement. It would be more accurate to state, "knock it out of the freaking park".

+1000

I'm signing up for the purchase restraint for 2013... I'll have to order at least one bottle of each of the Captain's magic elixir prior, so it lasts the year.

 

[noelekal]

I've read here on the Forum before that there are bay rums with additional added fragrances. Which brands could be considered unadulterated bay rum?

 

[Shave_Rat]

I've read here on the Forum before that there are bay rums with additional added fragrances. Which brands could be considered unadulterated bay rum?

Captain's Choice Bay Rum Aftershave