Yester
In 1945 ladies' hairstyles were mainly 'page-boy' or upswept hair (popular because of factory workers during the war needing to keep their hair well away from machinery). 'Dinky' hair curlers were used to get the right effect. Permanent waves were also popular. When the mini skirt arrived 'beehive' hairstyles were all the rage. Hairstyles now are more natural, many opting not to perm their hair. Hair colouring has become more sophisticated than the old 'peroxide' blonde or henna.
Men in 1945 were still wearing the short 'back and sides' from army days, but soon there was the 1960 fashion for long hair for boys eg Beatles and Rolling Stones. The teddy boys and mods had their hair slicked down with Brilliantine etc., cockscomb on top and ducktail at the back. There were also the skinheads who cut all their hair off or sported Mohican or coloured styles.
Ladies hairstyles in 1945 were usually long and curled by wearing steel curlers or pipe cleaners at night. During the day some women wore a turban scarf over their curlers so that hair would be nice for the evening. These curlers were very uncomfortable to sleep on. Beehive hairstyles needed a lot of back-combing and lacquering. Lots of ladies went to the hairdresser once a week for a 'shampoo and set' using a hood hairdryer. Perming methods improved greatly over the period and 'blow drying' came into being. Many girls nowadays prefer their hair straight.
Men used to go to the barber once a week or fortnightly – short style and Brylcreem. Barbers also sold condoms. Long hair became fashionable and had to be washed often. Teddy boys used hair oil or gel. Punk styles had odd cuts and dyes. Now men are more hair conscious and have much the same treatments as ladies. Older ladies gave up long plaited hair and went for simple permed styles.
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© 2004 Fourth Statistical Account of East Lothian Society