The year was 1999. To most, it seemed the barbering trade was breathing its last breath. Nevertheless, Layrite’s passionate founder, Donnie Hawley, was still in hot pursuit of perfecting his client’s haircuts. His technique was being hindered by the traditional petroleum-based products his patrons wore that wouldn’t rinse out. Never wanting to limit style, yet committed to an elevated standard of barbering; Donnie laboured to find a solution. The end result was a water-soluble pomade formulated to “Hold Like Wax and Wash Out Like Gel."

After one of Donnie's patrons commented that his pomade was the only product that made his hair lay right, a brand was born. Layrite Men's Grooming Products have been setting the benchmark of traditional barbering and men's grooming ever since. Often imitated but never replicated, their products have become the staple brand used by barbers seeking quality and authenticity the world over.