Timeline of Trendy Hairstyles Throughout the World
No matter what style it’s been through the ages, hair remains our crowning glory. Let’s look at how hair trends have changed throughout the eras and decades of history.
Ancient Egypt
Men and women wore shoulder-length hair and wigs. Young boys shaved their heads except for a single “lock of youth.” Young girls’ hair was often braided.
Ancient Greece
Greek women loved using headbands and flowers for hair accessories. Men had shorter hairstyles. Those who were not soldiers often wore beards.
Ancient Rome
Romans used wigs and false hairpieces. The richer, the more elaborate, with pearls and jewels pinned on. Men preferred a clean-shaven face.
The Far East and Africa
Buns Buddha-style was the custom. Young Thai and Burmese boys wore high buns, while Chinese women kept their hair long. Chinese men would braid their locks. In Japan, women grew out their hair. They would pin it up in buns, using flowers, hand-painted combs and hair-stick. Tribal warrior men colored and braided their hair. Often, married women shaved their heads.
Native Americans
Mohawks were made with both fake and real hair, and they believed that more hair meant more wisdom and power.
Western World in the Middle Ages
In the 13th and 14th centuries, women wore simple long hair in waves, braided or in chignons. Veils and hats were fashionable.
Renaissance
In Western Europe, women began dyeing their hair blonde, as this began to be considered beautiful.
Elizabethan Era, 1500s to 1600s
Pale skin and red hair followed the queen’s fashion. Rouge makeup was trendy, as was white facial powder.
18th Century
Wigs were everywhere. Both men and women wore high coiffures. Feathers, jewels and extravaganza adorned.
Victorian Era 1800s to 1900s
Toning down the hair and makeup, more focus was on hygiene. Both men and women sported sleek, oiled hairstyles.
1920s
The popular bob took over, and film stars sparked a fashion trends for heavy eyeliner.
1940s
Slick, shiny waves were all the rage. Bette Davis and Rita Hayworth popularized side-parted hair.
1950s
Women wearing perfect curls greeted their lovers coming home from the war. Hair spray was applied heavily.
1960s
Practicality ruled. Independent, career-focused women went for either the short bob or long straight hair. In the late 60s, hippie hairstyles went untamed and wild.
1970s
Farrah Fawcett’s “wingback” hair was everywhere. Later, spiked punk hairstyles began.
1980s
Neon colors maximized the big hair effect. Women wore their hair shorter, and hairspray still dominated.
1990s
Everyone wanted the “Rachel” shag hair cut from the TV sitcom “Friends,” with layers to frame the face.
2000s
People still take their hair-styling cues from fashion icons. But today, we are freer to think independently and style our hair how we please.
Unfortunately, hair loss has also been an issue throughout all of the eras since the beginning of time. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics hair restoration is our passion. If you’re suffering from thinning hair or hair loss call us today to schedule a free consultation at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Special Collections Toronto Public Library Via Flickr Creative Commons
