The history of hair

A little history

The history of hair dates back thousands of years, and their meaning has evolved over time and across cultures. In ancient times, hair was considered a symbol of strength, beauty and power. Long hair was often associated with virility in men and fertility in women.

In ancient cultures, hair was often associated with religious or spiritual practices. The Egyptians believed that hair was sacred and losing it could lead to a curse. Egyptian priests shaved their heads and bodies to show their devotion to the gods. In ancient Greece, long hair was often associated with virility and strength. Greek soldiers cut their hair before battle to show their commitment and determination.

In the Middle Ages, long hair was considered a sign of nobility and wealth. Members of the royal family and wealthy aristocrats often had long, well-groomed hair, while peasants and workers had short, poorly-groomed hair. Long hair was also often associated with witchcraft and heresy, and many women accused of witchcraft were forced to shave their heads before being executed.

In the 18th century, wigs were popular among aristocrats and the wealthy. Wigs were often very extravagant and could be decorated with feathers, ribbons and precious stones. Men often wore wigs to cover their baldness, while women wore wigs to mimic popular hairstyles of the time.

In the 19th century hairstyles became simpler, but became more elaborate and fanciful. Women often wore high buns, braids and curls, while men sported neatly trimmed mustaches and beards.

In the 20th century, hairstyles continued to evolve according to trends and fashions. The 1920s were characterized by short, curly hairstyles, while the 1950s were characterized by sleek, shiny hair. The 1960s saw the rise of hippie culture, with long, wavy hair, and the 1980s brought punk and new wave hairstyles.

Today, hairstyles and trends are increasingly varied and diverse. Colored hair and short haircuts have become popular, as have long, natural hairstyles. Hair can be styled to reflect one's personality, whether with braids, buns, curls or cropped cuts.

Here are some of the techniques used in antiquity:

1. Oils and ointments: The Egyptians used herbal oils and ointments to nourish and moisturize their hair. They also used animal fat to add shine to their hair.

2. Honey and milk: The Greeks used honey and milk to wash and soften their hair. Honey was known for its anti-bacterial properties and milk for its nourishing properties.

3. Vinegar: The Romans used vinegar to rinse their hair after washing. The vinegar helped remove soap scum and made hair shinier.

4. Rice powder: In Japan, they used rice powder to absorb excess oil from their hair and to make it look whiter and smoother.

5. Herbal Infusions: Herbs and plants have always been used to treat hair. The Indians used henna infusions to dye their hair and give it a reddish shine. The Romans used chamomile infusions to lighten their hair.

6. Protective hairstyles: Protective hairstyles were very common in antiquity. The Egyptians used braids to protect their hair from the sun and dust. The Greeks and Romans used wigs to protect their hair from the elements.