Hairstyles

Fun Facts About Hairstyles

• As early as 3400 BC, ancient Egyptians wore wigs to protect their shaved heads from the sun, to reduce lice infestations, and to signify social status.
• During the Renaissance, elite women plucked or shaved their hairlines several inches back to create the fashionable high forehead look. A prominent forehead was considered a sign of intellect, beauty and noble status.
• In 18th century Europe, some powdered wigs were so tall and heavy that they required internal strutural support, including wire frames, horsehair padding, and sometimes even small cushions to support them.
• The bob hairstyle became popular after World War I, but the style actually dates back a few years prior when dancer Irene Castle popularized the modern, rebellious look. Because it took significantly less time to cut, barbers invented "bob surcharges" to keep up their revenue.
• The "business in the front, party in the back" look of the mullet served a practical purpose for ancient Roman and Celtic soldiers. The longer back served as a neckwarmer, while the short front kept hair out of the eyes for better visibility in combat.
• After The Beatles first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 with their mop-top haircuts, it caused such a rebellious stir that some American schools banned the hairstyle for male students.
• The dramatic topknot was a quintessential symbol of Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Losing it in battle, or through forced cutting, was one of the deepest humiliations a samurai could face.
• The perm was invented in 1906. Using electrically heated, heavy brass rollers and an alkali solution, the earliest methods took a serious time commitment to create long-lasting curls. The first clients sat for up to 12 hours!