Hair Style a History
 Hair Styling is an art of arranging the hair or changing it from its
natural state. Hair styling has been an important part of the dress for
both men and women in number of functions and even in day to day life.
Almost all societies have found the importance of hair styling. Some do
it to feel comfortable and most of them do it to look adorable in front
of others. Hair styles vary from basic cuts like bob to the most
gorgeous styles for brides and grooms.
History of Hair Styling
Ancient World: In ancient period the simplest hair style worn
by common people was long or cropped hair held in fillet or a band.
Aristocrats had distinctive and complex hair styles. Sumerian for
example had their hair in heavy netted chignon, rolls or plaits. They
even had their hair fall thickly over the shoulders. They use to enhance
their styles with gold dust or scented yellow starch and adorned it with
gold hair pins. Babylonians and Assyrian men dyed their hair and crimped
and curled them with curling irons. Sometimes wigs were also worn.
Egyptian noblemen and women clipped their hair close. Later they shaved
the hair for coolness and cleanliness in hot sun.
16th Century In the beginning of the 16th century women hair
was parted in the center and fluffed over the temples, later they curled
the front hair and puffed high over the forehead. Married women in
keeping the tradition wore hair pinned up and covered. In this period
wigs and other hair decorators like hats; net worked silk clothes were
used. Men in this century had short hair, brushed back from the
forehead. Longer style hairs became a trend in later part of the
century. Men used close fitting caps, conical caps decorated with
feathers and ornaments to decorate the hair.
17th Century In 17th century hair was worn in loose curls or
waves to shoulders on the sides, with the rest of the hair gathered or
braided into a high bun at the back of the head. The linen or silk caps
were abandoned by women in these ages.
18th Century In the early ages of 18th century were known for
hairstyles and wigs which were built very high with incorporated
decorative objects. The height gradually declined until low, simple
hairdos took there place. Again in the later part the high built hair
style became a style. Wigs with natural hair colors were used. Men in
this age used long flowing wigs.
19th Century
 Both men and women in this age cut their hair very
short, they curled their hair into Greek knots with short curls framing
the face. Men gradually became more concerned with commerce and spent
less time in hair style. Curls were achieved by waving iron invented by
a French hair dresser.
20th Century Women cut or bobbed their hair to tackle there
political and social situation. The short hair was further influenced by
film stars and it became famous in all places. Short hair greatly
influenced the invention of permanent waving, cold wave with chemicals,
rollers. Men during this century had simple and short hairs. In the
later part men started to have long hair to suit their unconventional
clothes.
Conclusion: The detailed study on hair style at different ages
shows that hair styling has been an important part in the day to day
dealings of our ancestors. This has been changing according to the trend
and the requirements of the age.
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