Mullish “Hair Through the Ages: From Powdered Wigs to Buffalo Tongue Brushes”
Hey there, fellow hair enthusiasts! Today, we’re taking a whimsical journey through history to explore some of the most peculiar and fascinating hair care and styling aspects. Grab your hairbrush, and let’s dive into the wild and wonderful world of hair in history.
Powdered Wigs: A Royal Mane Mystery
Imagine wearing an enormous powdered wig that could double as a bird’s nest! These fl amboyant wigs from the 18th century were quite the head-turners. They were crafted from various materials, including human hair (for the fancy folks) and more budget-friendly options like horse and goat hair (yes, you read that right – horses and goats!).
Maintaining these towering masterpieces was no small feat. To keep them smelling fresh, they were doused with lavender- and orange-scented powders. After all, nothing ruins a royal audience like funky smells! But these wigs served a practical purpose, too. In an era when hygiene wasn’t a top priority, wigs helped keep lice at bay. You see, those pesky critters preferred to take up residence in natural hair rather than a powdered wig. So, the invention of powdered wigs was, in part, a clever way to combat the ever-present problem of lice infestations. As for the trendsetter behind it all, it was none other than King Louis XIV of France, who began wearing wigs to cover his thinning hair at the ripe old age of 17. His desire to maintain his regal appearance started a trend that trickled down from copycat aristocrats to the upper-middle class.
Native American Hair Care: Nature’s Bounty for Beautiful Hair
Native Americans had their unique methods for maintaining lustrous locks, and they tapped into the power of the natural world. Forget your fancy brushes – they used buffalo tongues as grooming tools! These tongues were soft, pliable, and perfect for smoothing and detangling hair. Talk about resourcefulness! But here’s a cringe-worthy tidbit: they sometimes used the fat of animals like bears and beavers to condition their hair, believing it added a natural sheen. And if that wasn’t adventurous enough, they also employed animal brains for hair treatment, thinking it made hair softer and more manageable. Native Americans’ connection to nature extended to their hair care routines, resulting in some truly unique – and perhaps cringe-inducing – practices.
Ancient Egyptian Hair Products: Beauty Secrets of the Nile
Travel back to ancient Egypt, where they had some peculiar notions about haircare! Instead of modern shampoos, they mixed fat and…wait for it…crocodile dung to style their locks. Yes, crocodile dung! They believed it helped hold their hairdos in place, but it wasn’t just for that. Egyptians also used various natural products to keep their hair in check. Beeswax and resin, for example, were applied to lock in those elaborate hairstyles, ensuring they stayed in place throughout the day. Their fascination with intricate hair styling went beyond fashion; it symbolized their status and identity. 
Haircare in the 1900s: A Squeaky Clean Affair
Fast forward to the 1900s, when women faced a whole new set of challenges and tricks for maintaining fabulous hair, they didn’t wash their hair as frequently as we do today; some might only shampoo once a month! Instead, they relied on a combination of egg yolks, borax, and soap to cleanse their tresses. The result? Squeaky clean, but perhaps not the most pleasant-smelling hair. To achieve those iconic hairstyles of the time, women used various products to keep their hair in place. These included hairpins, combs, and elaborate hairnets. They also used a mixture called “hair lacquer,” which was essentially a sticky, gooey substance made from gum Arabic and water. This concoction helped hold those intricate updos in place, but it wasn’t the most comfortable sensation. In fact, women often complained about the stiffness and discomfort caused by these early hair styling products. Pursuing beauty in the 1900s sometimes meant enduring a bit of pain for the sake of those intricate pinning, twisting, and braiding techniques.
As we journeyed through the annals of hair history, it’s clear that pursuing great hair has always been a fascinating and creative endeavor. From syphilis-inspired wigs to ancient Egyptian beauty secrets, Native American resourcefulness, and the haircare practices of the 1900s, our obsession with hair has shaped some truly unique and remarkable stories.
So, next time you visit your favorite hair salon, remember you’re part of a long and colorful history of haircare and styling! Whether you opt for the latest trend or a timeless classic, your hair is a canvas waiting to be transformed, just like it has been throughout the ages. Stay fabulous, and let your hair be your masterpiece!
