Hair Design Through the Ages

Pick up any old photos of family members or friends and it's clear to see that hair styles have changed drastically over the years. What's fashionable in one era or decade can become laughable in the next, though some styles are classic enough to come back around every now and again.

Cosmetologists and hair stylists know this better than anyone. The history of hair design says a lot about what society was going through at the time, from simple blunt cuts to elaborate styles requiring the use of many beauty tools and techniques. As social norms have evolved through the years, so have ideas on acceptable hair styles, and what was once a matter of practicality (keeping hair out your face so you can work, for example), has blossomed into a true outlet for self-expression. Since everything old is new again, let's take a walk down memory lane to outline some of the most famous (or infamous!) styles from the last century.

Check out our infographic on hair design through the ages below to get an idea of how styles have changed over the years:

Late 1800s/Early 1900s

The years leading up to and culminating in the Victorian era saw women favoring romantic updos, usually with curls and held up with hair pins. Hats were also in fashion during the time, so styles that complemented a proper lady's hat and her long, high-necked dress were also the norm. Women of the era generally kept their hair very long, pinning it up during the day and only letting it cascade down at bedtime. Men in this time frame typically kept their hair short and natural, though facial hair was still popular. Hats, especially top hats, were worn at all times outside, so hairstyles and facial hair that complemented them were typical.

1920s/1930s

The more liberated "Flapper" era saw women chopping off their locks in favor of chin-length bobs. Fashion changed for women too, and gone were the long billowy dresses of the past. Shorter dresses with straight, sometimes "boyish" lines were all the rage. Pin curls and finger waves were also popular, and could be applied to these shorter hairstyles. Men favored short, manicured hairstyles that were often slicked back, and hats such as fedoras, flat golf caps, straw boaters and more were very popular.

1940s/1950s

The popularity of movies and the burgeoning world of television allowed both men and women to gather ideas from popular stars of the time. War was also a considerable influence, and curly or wavy styles with names such as "Victory Rolls" became common. Styles that swept hair off a woman's face in manicured updos allowed women to enter factory, mechanical, and manufacturing jobs while the "boys" were away at war. While slicked-back or "greased" hair was still popular for men, the 50s brought styles such as the tall and swoopy pompadour into fashion.

1960s/1970s

This era saw more free expression of hairstyles for both men and women, with short and long hair options popular for both genders. As women became busier and entered the workforce, simple styles reigned supreme, and long straight hair or natural curls were abundant. Accessories such as headbands, flowers, and barrettes gained popularity. Males experimented with longer, shaggier styles for the first time, and African-Americans embraced natural afro styles. The burgeoning "punk" scene in the 70s saw radical styles such as mohawks and brightly dyed hair come into play.

1980s/1990s

Those alive in the 80s most certainly remember the big hair that was popular in this decade. "Hair bands" made teased and curly styles popular, and hairspray was a valued product for both men and women. Experimental styles including mullets, spiky hair, and crimped hair grew in popularity. As the 90s approached, layered cuts for women became popular, and head shaving or "fades" became desirable styles for men. Both men and women embraced using hair products such as gel, mousse, and more.

2000 and Beyond

The turn of the century saw near immeasurable freedom for hairstyles. Women regularly sported both short and long hairstyles, and "beachy waves" became a sought-after style. Highlights and bright, colorful hair also became the norm. Extensions also became a popular choice, allowing women to change their hairstyle drastically in a matter of hours. Men typically favored short styles, and as the decade wore on, interesting shaved styles and strong parts became fashionable. Looking forward, hair styles for both men and women are increasingly becoming part of their "image," with colors, textures, and styles reflecting lifestyles and complementing fashion choices.

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