I tried Vitalis many years ago and found that it dried within a few hours and left my hair unmanageable.
I've been using Danon olive bar soap on my hair for years now...knock on wood but it ended a life long dry scalp proplem....my dandruff was not like killin, but it was always lurking...but I haven't seen a flake since I started using this olive soap a couple years ago....I find it locally in Seattle at several different Turkish or Mediterranian Markets.
I see you never met my Pop....He was the style setter at my house... He used Vitalis or Vasoline Hair Tonic, and Pinaud Hair Elixir
I have one of these on its way to me for $12 shipped. It's matte so may not be good for those shiny pomps though Here's The_Pomp's review of it:
I've been wanting to try this (real Dutch 'lard' pomade). http://reuzelpomade.com/about/ I should visit these guys -scumbags, as they call themselves- for a shave and/or haircut someday. Prices are steep for me, though (shave: € 30.00, haircut: € 30.00, shave & haircut € 50.00). On the other hand, they get really good reviews. Besides, their shop is old style: no women allowed during opening times, no reservations (you just enter and wait for your turn - might take some hours as they have a lot of customers). And it's in Rotterdam, only about 40 miles from home.
Here's The_Pomp's review of that pomade by the way: looks really interesting. I didn't know that it was actually made in the US.