The Fashion History of Hairstyles

The Fashion History Of

Ambrose Tey Department of Mechanical Engineering Imperial College London

The Fashion History of Hairstyles

From the beginning of time,

Age statuettes, known as the Venus of Willendorf and of Brassempouy, show

clear evidence of styled hair. About

that at least some women in the society took care of their hair and had a

concept of beauty and attractiveness.

The presence of distinct hairstyles in early civilisations

have been aware of the connection between hairstyles and their personal image.

The Ancient Egyptians, known for their attention to beauty and cleanliness, used

combs and hairpins in their tresses while Greece women had long hair pulle

back into a chignon, sprinkled with gold powder, and often adorned with fresh

flowers or jewelled tiara. Chinese men shaved the front of the head and wore the

back hair long and braided

kept the back hair pulled tightly into a short stiff ponytail. These imply that although hairstyles

played a significant role in early societies

Hairstyles merely represent the civilisation’s identity

Moving forward in time in English history, hairstyle fashion was slowly evolving and

began to personalise

or adopt the hairstyle of an iconic individual in each era. Durin

for instance, Queen Elizabeth was the main female icon and set the trends for the

era. She was a guiding inspiration in fashion and women strove to imitate her curly

red hair and lily

have significant influence on the trends in fashion hairstyle.

The dawn of the 20th

century saw a transition in hairstyles, from the more

confined styles of the Victorian era to looser, fuller hairstyles of the

era (1901–1910). This was coupled with the modification and eventual

abandonment of the tight corset, or bodice, giving way to more mobile and

flexible clothing styles. Volume was the theme in this decade regardless of hair

length, although longer hairstyles were more po

their hair around balls of padding called ‘rats’ to create this

Edwardian hats, decorated with elaborate trimmings like ostrich feathers,

often essential accessories accompanying this so

in hairstyling was made in 1906 by Charles L. Nesslar: permanent hair curling.

have their hair curled for months although it was an expensive and long process, hence it remained a

luxury that was only available to the upper class.

men’s hairstyle. Men kept their hair short and were pomaded with Macassar oil. It originated from

Indonesia and is primarily made of coconut oil or palm oil combined with ylang

other fragrant oils. Moustache, beard and sideburns were regarded to represent their wealth and

status and were therefore very common at the time.

The transition of fashion hairstyle gradually came to a halt in the

After the horrors of the war, people just wanted to have fun.

the puritanical standards and constraints of

hairstyles. It was a time of racoon coats, boo

epitome of the Jazz Age was the

shockingly short, bobbed hairstyles signify the new independent, free

DESIGN, ART & CREATIVITY


From the beginning of time, humans have cared for their hair.

statuettes, known as the Venus of Willendorf and of Brassempouy, show

clear evidence of styled hair. About 25,000 years old, these statuettes reveal


concept of beauty and attractiveness.

The presence of distinct hairstyles in early civilisations also suggests



hairpins in their tresses while Greece women had long hair pulle



back hair long and braided. Men in Japan also shaved the front of the head but

ir pulled tightly into a short stiff ponytail. These imply that although hairstyles

played a significant role in early societies, there were little variations between each individual.

the civilisation’s identity as a whole and were not personalised.


began to personalise as of the 15th century. There was a huge tendency to imitate

or adopt the hairstyle of an iconic individual in each era. During the Elizabethan era



red hair and lily-white complexion. Even in today’s society, famous

have significant influence on the trends in fashion hairstyle.


confined styles of the Victorian era to looser, fuller hairstyles of the Edwardian

This was coupled with the modification and eventual


Volume was the theme in this decade regardless of hair

length, although longer hairstyles were more popular. Women often wound

around balls of padding called ‘rats’ to create this ‘puffy’ look. Large

, decorated with elaborate trimmings like ostrich feathers, are

essential accessories accompanying this sort of hairstyles. Additionally, an important invention

in hairstyling was made in 1906 by Charles L. Nesslar: permanent hair curling.


able to the upper class. As one would reckon, there was little change in


Indonesia and is primarily made of coconut oil or palm oil combined with ylang

Moustache, beard and sideburns were regarded to represent their wealth and

status and were therefore very common at the time.

ashion hairstyle gradually came to a halt in the 1910s during

After the horrors of the war, people just wanted to have fun. 1920’s society very much abandoned

constraints of the earlier era and it was a unique time in the history of

t was a time of racoon coats, boot-leg hooch, saxophones and ‘boop

epitome of the Jazz Age was the Flapper, with her bobbed hair and her mischievous smile.

shockingly short, bobbed hairstyles signify the new independent, free-spirited and free

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have cared for their hair. The famous Ice

statuettes, known as the Venus of Willendorf and of Brassempouy, show

25,000 years old, these statuettes reveal


suggests that humans



hairpins in their tresses while Greece women had long hair pulled



. Men in Japan also shaved the front of the head but

ir pulled tightly into a short stiff ponytail. These imply that although hairstyles

variations between each individual.

ere not personalised.


There was a huge tendency to imitate

g the Elizabethan era



famous superstars still


wardian

This was coupled with the modification and eventual


Volume was the theme in this decade regardless of hair

wound

Large

are

itionally, an important invention

in hairstyling was made in 1906 by Charles L. Nesslar: permanent hair curling. Women could now


As one would reckon, there was little change in


Indonesia and is primarily made of coconut oil or palm oil combined with ylang-ylang oil as well as

Moustache, beard and sideburns were regarded to represent their wealth and

the First World War.

society very much abandoned

it was a unique time in the history of

leg hooch, saxophones and ‘boop-boop-a-doop’. The

, with her bobbed hair and her mischievous smile. These

spirited and free-woman

ethos of the ne

the 1920s progressed, the development of technology

cinemas and theatres, and hence trends in hairstyles, much more

accessible to the general public.

by superstars of the time, such as actress Clara Bow and singer Josephine

Baker. Men’s hair o

was gaining popularity. They were neatly trimmed and slicked back usin

brilliantine or other perfumed oils to give a glossy, well

appearance. Men’s

should not move even when they dance.

In the first three decades of the 20

influenced by many different factors and changes constantly. Economic and social changes resulted

in an increase of social mobility during the

hairstyles. In fact, in the bigger

What was previously unacceptable became a norm with rapid developments in fashion.

the advancement of technology in the 1920s created numerous roads for the communication of

fashion trends. The public gained more exposure in the shrinking world

society took on a new character. Undoubtedly, the Flapper styles, as a consequence, reflect this

change in attitude and women’s outlook on society.

conservative styles of the Victorian era

just three decades. All of which proves that it is impossible to look at current hairstyles and fashion

trends and make anything more than a wild guess as to where things will be in the

will just have to wait and watch.

The Forties can be regarded as the ‘Great Depression’ in the history of fashion hairstyles. With the

world at war, something of a more practical

or in munitions factories and non

at that time was dictated by practicability. Practical women wore their hair in a neat roll around the

nape and over the ears, often covered with a headscarf kn

exposed. Things were not any better

hairstyling. The rule was simple, cut it short, a dab of cream

Time was tough and people live their days without knowing what lies ahead of them. Women fear

for the lives of their family and countrymen while men fought for their lives and country. The fact

that hairstyling was no longer an e

sensitive fashion is to factors affecting one’s life, how one’s image is controlled by one’s emotions

and interactions with the environment. For example, when a person becomes ill, hairstyling b

a chore and can be live without. The person just wants to get better and no longer cares if his or her

hair is a mess. Similarly in difficult times, people’s attention shift from hairstyles and appearances to


ethos of the new age, which serves to represent a carefree attitude.

the 1920s progressed, the development of technology


accessible to the general public. Variations sprang up and trends were set


Baker. Men’s hair on the other hand remained short and centre parting

was gaining popularity. They were neatly trimmed and slicked back usin

brilliantine or other perfumed oils to give a glossy, well

appearance. Men’s hair was perceived to be the neater the better and

should not move even when they dance.

In the first three decades of the 20th

century, it can be seen that the fashion trend

any different factors and changes constantly. Economic and social changes resulted

in an increase of social mobility during the Edwardian era, which sparked off the transition in

hairstyles. In fact, in the bigger picture, people’s perception of fashion was changed altogether.

What was previously unacceptable became a norm with rapid developments in fashion.

ncement of technology in the 1920s created numerous roads for the communication of

trends. The public gained more exposure in the shrinking world and women’s status in the


change in attitude and women’s outlook on society. In essence, the western world went from very

of the Victorian era to the wild-eyed, carefree days of short Flapper hairstyles in


ng more than a wild guess as to where things will be in the

will just have to wait and watch.

can be regarded as the ‘Great Depression’ in the history of fashion hairstyles. With the

, something of a more practical nature was needed. Many women had to work on land

or in munitions factories and non-essential items such as shampoos were hard to come by. Fashion


and over the ears, often covered with a headscarf knotted at the front leaving only the fringe

better for the gents either. There was no time for such fripperies as

hairstyling. The rule was simple, cut it short, a dab of cream oil, and off to battle.



that hairstyling was no longer an essential routine of the day clearly reflects how delicate and


and interactions with the environment. For example, when a person becomes ill, hairstyling b


Similarly in difficult times, people’s attention shift from hairstyles and appearances to

more important matters at hand. This is w

can usually tell if someone had a busy or bad day.

When a man did not shave or when a woman

had uneven make ups. It also probably explains

why most military men in service are required to

shave their head or at least kept their hair strictly

short, deeming it unnecessary for hairstyling.

This is because safety, personal hygiene and

discipline are most important and shaving their

head just makes things much easier

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w age, which serves to represent a carefree attitude. As

the 1920s progressed, the development of technology in America made


Variations sprang up and trends were set


the other hand remained short and centre parting

was gaining popularity. They were neatly trimmed and slicked back using

brilliantine or other perfumed oils to give a glossy, well-groomed

perceived to be the neater the better and

n trend in hairstyling was

any different factors and changes constantly. Economic and social changes resulted

Edwardian era, which sparked off the transition in

picture, people’s perception of fashion was changed altogether.

What was previously unacceptable became a norm with rapid developments in fashion. Moreover,

ncement of technology in the 1920s created numerous roads for the communication of

and women’s status in the


tern world went from very

eyed, carefree days of short Flapper hairstyles in


ng more than a wild guess as to where things will be in the coming years. We

can be regarded as the ‘Great Depression’ in the history of fashion hairstyles. With the

Many women had to work on land

essential items such as shampoos were hard to come by. Fashion


otted at the front leaving only the fringe

time for such fripperies as

oil, and off to battle.



ssential routine of the day clearly reflects how delicate and


and interactions with the environment. For example, when a person becomes ill, hairstyling became


Similarly in difficult times, people’s attention shift from hairstyles and appearances to

more important matters at hand. This is why you

can usually tell if someone had a busy or bad day.

When a man did not shave or when a woman

had uneven make ups. It also probably explains

men in service are required to

or at least kept their hair strictly

deeming it unnecessary for hairstyling.

This is because safety, personal hygiene and

discipline are most important and shaving their

head just makes things much easier.

The Fifties

an end.

was during this period where the business of hairdressing became popular

and women started visiting hair salons on a weekly basis for the ‘shampoo

and set’. Hair began to suffer abuse and was tea

permanently waved and forced into perfectly formed curls.

trend for men

of their idols Elvis and James Dean. Greased black hairdos were slicked

back severely o

terminated at the nape of the neck becoming a V

a Ducktail.

The King’s influence was colossal and affected men’s hairstyles for many years to come

men were much more conscious about the way they look. More men started taking care of their hair

as they tried to copy him and it was there and then where the important role that hairstyles play in a

person’s appeal was acknowledged by many.

During the 1970s, personal expression was the key to a great hair style. Groovy looks explored

personal values and individuality rather than society’s expectations, and both men and women

embraced more natural styles with longer locks less tamed by

Funky looks were also popular, particularly for trendy, younger individuals, and offered another way

to express one’s personality. Even conservative

expression in the 1970s. The Seventies were basically th

hair long and black people decided they wanted to do it too. While the hippies’ hair hung down,

black people’s hair went in all direction. This is known as the ‘Afro’ hairstyle. The ‘Afro’ looked so

neat that white people started getting perms so they could have it too.


Fifties and Sixties saw a time of glamour and elegance with the war at

an end. Women could now spend more time and effort



and set’. Hair began to suffer abuse and was teased, sculpted, sprayed,

permanently waved and forced into perfectly formed curls.

trend for men took on a major change in the mid 1950s


back severely on the sides with liberal use of Brylcreme and this confection

terminated at the nape of the neck becoming a V-shape, which is known as

a Ducktail.

was colossal and affected men’s hairstyles for many years to come

e much more conscious about the way they look. More men started taking care of their hair


person’s appeal was acknowledged by many.

, personal expression was the key to a great hair style. Groovy looks explored


embraced more natural styles with longer locks less tamed by hair products or overzealous scissors.


to express one’s personality. Even conservative shag hair styles or flirty bobs had room for p

The Seventies were basically the era of long hair. The hippies wore their



e people started getting perms so they could have it too.

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glamour and elegance with the war at

and effort on their hair. It



sed, sculpted, sprayed,

permanently waved and forced into perfectly formed curls. The hairstyle

took on a major change in the mid 1950s with the influence


n the sides with liberal use of Brylcreme and this confection

shape, which is known as

was colossal and affected men’s hairstyles for many years to come. Through him,

e much more conscious about the way they look. More men started taking care of their hair


, personal expression was the key to a great hair style. Groovy looks explored


or overzealous scissors.


had room for personal

The hippies wore their



The 1980s saw less constraints and more freedom o

longer prepared to conform to a set imag

dressers’ emerged and graced the high streets

meticulously groomed hairstyles.

curled under. A good hairdresser was an essential part of

the other hand were busy following Madonna’s ever

unconventional, choppy off-coloured hairdo

Men on the other hand were very minimalist in their approa

the day. In fact anything over an inch was deemed long and there

Prior to the late eighties men had made do with shampoo alone, or occasionally pinched the

girlfriends hair gel but the ‘new

products for men. With new all-

for men’s bathrooms to sport as many products as females.

From the 50s to the 80s, fashion hairs

rigid hairstyles were left in the past and were replaced with trendy, funky styles. From

in hairstyles alone, it is obvious how people’s attitude have changed over the decades. As the

opens up, so does people’s mindset, well expressed through their fashion. Again, in just a couple of

generations, hairstyling went to the extreme and peaked in the 80s.

From the Nineties onward, hairstyle trends are

acceptable. In conclusion, we have come a long way from the Edwardian era and the world today is

definitely very much different from what it was a century ago. As we have seen, changes in hairstyle

fashion are subjected to countless variables. Without knowing what lies ahead of us, it will be

impossible to predict where hairstyle fashion will be in the next decade or so. What is definite is that

our hairstyle had and always will define who we are and our cha

hairstyle essentially tells a story. A story about oneself, one’s life and one’


saw less constraints and more freedom of choice in styles and trends.

longer prepared to conform to a set image and many variances occurred. On one hand, the ‘Power

he high streets – immaculate women with strong tailored clothes and

ticulously groomed hairstyles. The ‘long bob’ was highly favoured – precis

good hairdresser was an essential part of a woman’s life. The rebellious

the other hand were busy following Madonna’s ever-changing style and were willing to sport

coloured hairdos, to match their unconventional, eccentric clothing.

Men on the other hand were very minimalist in their approach – shaved heads being the order of

In fact anything over an inch was deemed long and there was a new trend for products.

men had made do with shampoo alone, or occasionally pinched the

girlfriends hair gel but the ‘new man’ image encouraged companies to produce all

-male packaging of men’s toiletries it became completely acceptable

for men’s bathrooms to sport as many products as females.

From the 50s to the 80s, fashion hairstyle changed dramatically along with the society. Neat and

rigid hairstyles were left in the past and were replaced with trendy, funky styles. From

hairstyles alone, it is obvious how people’s attitude have changed over the decades. As the

so does people’s mindset, well expressed through their fashion. Again, in just a couple of

generations, hairstyling went to the extreme and peaked in the 80s.

hairstyle trends are constantly changing and pretty much anything

e have come a long way from the Edwardian era and the world today is


are subjected to countless variables. Without knowing what lies ahead of us, it will be

hairstyle fashion will be in the next decade or so. What is definite is that

our hairstyle had and always will define who we are and our character or attitude. A person’s

hairstyle essentially tells a story. A story about oneself, one’s life and one’s beliefs.

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f choice in styles and trends. People were no

e and many variances occurred. On one hand, the ‘Power

immaculate women with strong tailored clothes and

precisely cut and evenly

The rebellious crowd on

changing style and were willing to sport

s, to match their unconventional, eccentric clothing.

ds being the order of

was a new trend for products.

men had made do with shampoo alone, or occasionally pinched the

man’ image encouraged companies to produce all kinds of new

male packaging of men’s toiletries it became completely acceptable

tyle changed dramatically along with the society. Neat and

rigid hairstyles were left in the past and were replaced with trendy, funky styles. From this progress

hairstyles alone, it is obvious how people’s attitude have changed over the decades. As the society

so does people’s mindset, well expressed through their fashion. Again, in just a couple of

constantly changing and pretty much anything are

e have come a long way from the Edwardian era and the world today is


are subjected to countless variables. Without knowing what lies ahead of us, it will be

hairstyle fashion will be in the next decade or so. What is definite is that

racter or attitude. A person’s

s beliefs.

The Fashion History of Hairstyles

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