Posts Tagged ‘History’
History of Hair Extensions
Article by Carolyn Clayton
Hair extensions might seem like a new invention but in reality hair additions have been around as far back as the Egyptian times when both men and women work wigs. Since then hair pieces have been in and out of fashion ever since.
In 1800 fake hair was frowned upon and women left their hair to be natural until the Romantic era was in full swing when women wore elaborate Apollo knots. Come the mid Victorian era and hair pieces were used a lot more extensively. Then strangely in the early 20th century Edwardian women wore false hair additions to create the pompadour hairstyle which looked like a woman was wearing a teapot on her head. How that became fashionable I don’t really know!
Around the 1920’s less hair was the big thing so hair pieces took a dive around that time and it wasn’t until the 1940s when long hair came back into fashion and women starting indulging again. Then in the 1960’s big hair was back with a vengeance. Coils were the in thing or the updo as better known to us were seen of many women, this was created by very extravagant human hair pieces. Wigs made from real or fake hair were commonly worn around this time too and carried on into the early 70’s. Come the 80’s and big hair was in but only natural hair. Famous singers wore wigs but that was about it.
In the 1990’s hair pieces or wigs became a lot more affordable to everyone, not just the rich and famous. The famous spice girl Victoria Beckham has been credited for the latest fashion of human hair extensions. When she first got together with her now husband David Beckham it was a time when public interest in the couple was at a all time high and they were both photographed all the time and would be found on the cover or most newspapers and magazines. With this sort of publicity everything about the couple was scrutinised. At that time pictures of Victoria were on the front of every paper or magazine with many different hair styles on view. Some days she had short hair, the next she had long and it was obviously these styles were created thanks to hair extensions. She even spoke about them and explained they were created with natural human hair which caused slight controversy as to where the hair came from.
Since then the trend has become much more widespread with lots of different people using them for different reasons. Teenagers looking for long hair have extensions as do older women trying to replace thinning hair. And many women use them just for special occasions. There are many different materials they are made from including a whole range of fake synthetics ones to gorgeous natural European hair.
Permanent hair extensions can cost a few hundred pounds for each application and they only last up to around 4 months. There are lots of different methods of attaching the hair some safer than others. With permanent hair extensions usually a small group of hair strands are collected which the hair is attached to. There are different types of adhesive including wax, glue, or heat all of which are not that great for your hair. When it comes to removing the extensions chemicals are needed and these can often leave hair damaged. Another option is to have the hair weaved on. It is known as ‘wafting’ and is a much safer option as no chemicals are needed.
The clip-on hair extensions come in a variety of different colours and lengths are the best option for non permanent extensions. They are very easy to use and as long as you get the right hair colour and texture of hair, no one will know your hair is fake. In fact I have sat next to a work colleague for months not realising that her long hair was in fact clip on hair extensions. It was only whilst getting ready for our Christmas works do that she pulled her hair off! I was shocked to say the least as her natural hair was just shoulder length and I had no idea.
About the Author
Carolyn is the webmaster of Inanch Hair Salon London, experts in Great Lengths Hair Extensions London.
What Is The History Of Hair Extensions?
Article by suzlar
You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that hair extensions are a recent phenomenon as they didn’t really gain mass appeal till the 2000’s, however as far back as Egyptian times both men and women have worn wigs or hair pieces to improve the way they looked. Even the Egyptians were slaves to fashion and there is documented proof that hair extensions and wigs were used as far back as 3400BC. And it seems that some things never change as back in these times as it is today, the prices and quality of extensions varied greatly. The highest quality being made of 100% human hair with the lowest quality extensions being made out of anything that the people could get their hands on, including vegetable fibres and sheep wool. Of course, the Egyptians did not have the luxury of the technically advanced methods of application that we now enjoy and it is thought that a full head of hair extensions would have taken 15 hours of intricate weaves and knots.
Wigs, hair extensions and hair pieces have come in and out of fashion in nearly every century and in Georgian times high false wigs were in vogue in both men and women. These wigs were elaborate, intricate and exquisitely beautiful. However, following the Georgian fashion and as we stepped in to the 1800’s extensions, wigs and hair pieces actually became frowned upon. Men wouldn’t be seen dead in a wig during this time and women chose to wear their hair in a more natural and neat style. However, the appeal of fake hair swung into fashion again in the Romantic era. This era saw the elaborate Apollo knots becoming very much the fashion and the more elaborate the better.
False hair saw a dip in popularity after the Romantic era only to be dragged back in to fashion by the mid Victorian era. The Victorians favoured elaborate hair styles that could only be achieved by false hair. In fact hair extensions, hair pieces and wigs were so popular that the Victorian era saw 102 tonnes of hair sold in France in 1873 alone.
False hair became in vogue again for the early 20th century Edwardian women. They wore false hair additions to create the popular Pompadour hairstyle that was thought to make a woman look like she was wearing a teapot on her head!
Stepping into the 1920’s and women abandoned their hair pieces for a look that was natural with many women sporting much shorter looks than ever before. Women were living in a time when almost everything luxurious was rationed and they tended to favour practicality over style in this period.
The 1950’s saw women enjoying shorter bob styles and more youthful styles such as the ponytail, no need for extensions here. By the turn of the century the simple ponytail was transformed into complicated elegant French plaits and chignons. The 1960’s sparked a revisit to the world of big hair and with this came hair a demand for hair pieces and wigs. The 1960’s and 70’s was a great time to reinvent yourself and many people used hair pieces and wigs to create different identities and styles from day to day.
By the 1980’s the interest in hair pieces and wigs had worn off and people were turning to more natural styles with only performers and celebrities still using false hair for big impact on the stage. During the majority of the 1900’s hair extensions weren’t popular as the cost of the hair was massive and they were seen as a luxury that only the rich and famous could afford to indulge in. However, over the last few years the hair extensions industry has boomed. The cost is now a lot more affordable for the public to try out and the extensive range of application methods really do mean that there is something for everyone. Nowadays, hair extensions are not just a luxury that celebrities can afford as more and more of us are deciding to invest our hard earned cash in a new, versatile look and are loving the results.
If you are interested in having hair extensions fitted then you must ensure that you visit a professional for the best possible results. The professionals at Inanch salon in London will be able to advise you on the best method of application for your personal needs. Click here to visit the Inanch website.
About the Author
suzlar writes for inanch
Brief History of Wigs and the Famous People That Wore Them
Article by Benedict Smythe
Wigs have been known and used for many centuries. Many noblemen have tried this great headpiece. Even in the ancient Egyptian civilization, wigs were already into good use. Most ancient Egyptians wore wigs to protect their shaved heads from the heat of the sun. Other ancient civilizations who wore wigs are the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks, and the Romans. This headpiece traces back its roots to the ancient Western civilizations.
The Royals and Other Important People who Wore Wigs
When the Roman Empire fell, the use of wigs was also forgotten and it was only during the 16th century that people started to revive them. During this era, wigs were already worn as a way to improve one’s appearance and also to cover baldness. The conditions during that time was also quite unhygienic, hence, people shaved their heads and started using wigs. It was much easier to remove lice from artificial hair than to get rid of them the natural way.
The many royals who used wigs made great contribution to their revival. The famous red wig of Queen Elizabeth I of England was styled in Roman curls. France’s King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV were the first two men to wear wigs in the 16th century. King Louis XIV (also known as the Sun King) was a dictator who told men of his time how they should dress and what their taste should be. He was an extremely fashion-conscious king who revered extravagance and elaborate styles.
It was during Charles II’s time that periwigs were introduced to the English-speaking civilizations. The wigs that were then in use were long (starting from shoulder length to longer styles). The 1600s was a century where men sported long hair, not because they grew their hairs but because they had their heads shaved and they soon started wearing periwigs. Anyone who had a significant social rank back in the 1600s wore a wig.
It was in the 18th century that men and women’s wigs started to be powdered. Wig powder comprises of starch, lavender and orris root. The powder was scented with orange flower. Sometimes, colorful wigs were also worn such as the violet ones, the pink, blue and yellow versions.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, wigs were worn mainly to hide baldness among old women. This is why not too many people viewed wearing wig as fashionable during these centuries.
Modern Uses for Wigs
Nowadays, wigs are practically worn by people from all walks of life and for different reasons. There are many reasons why modern people choose to wear wigs instead of a natural hairstyle:
* Chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss among cancer patients and there are now custom-made wigs for people like these.
* To hide baldness especially among women
* Famous celebrities like Cher and Dolly Parton have popularized wigs to show versatility.
* During Halloween, there are rubber wigs that can be worn that can be used together with scary costumes. There are also wigs for specific holidays and festivities.
* Some actors use wigs to portray roles in films or theatrical plays.
There are many other practical uses to wigs and these can be indispensable to some people.
About the Author
The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. For human hair wigs and hair pieces advice Benedict recommends Wig Trendz and for hair loss treatments Benedict recommends http://www.londonhairclinic.co.uk
Hair Significance in History – 10 Juicy Anecdotes from Around the World
Hair Significance in History – 10 Juicy Anecdotes from Around the World
Article by Tomer Harel
Since the inception of human history, hair was a symbol of social status and an ever-changing human fashion. From the caveman to the Roman empire, through the Classic era to the 21st century – hair came in all shapes and forms.
We have an emotional connection to our hair, as is evident from the amount of time we spend taking care of it, stressing about it, worrying about losing it, coloring it, primping it, and fondling it absentmindedly. But the significance of a full head of hair is more than emotional. Men battling hair loss today are following the footsteps of many other men and women in history, and not surprisingly, almost every culture on Earth, past and present, attach at least some social significance to hair. Hair can symbolize strength, virility, affluence, and class. In many cases, a King could lose his kingdom by losing his hair, or even just going gray! The next stories spread throughout history and displays the importance of hair in the eyes of past rulers and long lost civilizations!
Samson:
The story of Samson is perhaps the most famous in the bible when it comes to hair and its secret mystical powers. Because of his long hair, he was able to fend the attacks of the Philistines, protect the newly settled area, and be an all around hero to the Hebrews, who were having a hard time dealing with those pesky Philistines that did not take the Hebrew invasion very kindly! Samson, however, had one weakness, namely, the lovely Delilah. One night, after an ardent session of lovemaking, Samson fell into a deep sleep, and the Philistines entered his chamber and cut off his hair, and with it, his strength. Although Samson recovered his powers by intense prayer and piousness, but this story definitely warns us against cutting men’s hair, and links superhuman strength to long hair!
The Egyptian Pharaoh:
It is really hot in Egypt, and was very hot 4000 years ago, and even 5000 years ago. Egyptians mostly wore their head shaved, a practical way to deal with the extreme desert heat. The Pharaohs, however, when in ceremonial dress and demonstrating their power and wealth, wore elaborate wigs made of real human hair, dressed with oil, in locks, and braids. The Pharaoh’s son traditionally had one lock of hair uncut in the center of his head, which he would wear in a bun. No one else was allowed to wear their hair in this particular way, on pain of death!
Caesar:
Julius Caesar, perhaps the most famous Roman ever, was terrified of his hair loss. It is said that he was so embarrassed by his receding hairline that he introduced the fashion of a laurel crown to hide his high forehead… Caesar used to force his defeated enemies to shave their heads to their scalp. Perhaps he thought that if his enemies had even shorter hair than his, he would appear more powerful, as if conquering half of Europe was not enough!
Married/Unmarried Women in Imperial China:
Unmarried Chinese girls’ hair was usually worn long and braided while married women combed the hair back from the face and wound into a knot at the nape. The married or unmarried status of the girl could be signified by her hair, thus avoiding any unwanted advances on married women. Chinese girls’ hair heavily influenced their value in the marriage market. A girl without long, luxurious, very black hair was not considered as good marriage material as girls with.
Japanese:
Samurai would cut their hair when defeated in Medieval Japan. To this day, Sumo wrestlers have a “hair cutting” ceremony when they retire! In Japan, cutting hair was a symbol of defeat and lost of honor, very similar to the honorable Harakiri (ceremonial suicide practiced by the Japanese samurai when disgraced or under a death sentence). Women of samurai families used to cut their hair and even became nuns when she had to part her loved one, and to this day some Japanese girls cut their hair when they have had their heart broken!.
Louis the Fourteenth, King of France:
King Louis XIV, the Sun King, inventor of Ballet and Tennis, was also a particularly vain peacock of a King. When faced with the beginning of hair loss, the King began yet another fashion (in addition to silk vests and high heels for men) – the Male wig. Louis’ wings were so elaborate, that they were built on a wire frame, and more often than not, consisted of three heads of hair in one wig!
The Plains Indians:
Male warriors wore their hair long among the Plains Indians in Northern America. They decorated their hair with feathers and beads, and Chiefs wore large featherhead dresses with additional locks of hair and strings of beads hanging from them, which were considered to be highly impressive. Perhaps the most telling sign of the significance of the hair and scalp in their culture was scalping. People firmly believed that by taking your enemy’s hair you strip him off his manhood. An Indian warrior with the greatest number of scalps hanging from his wigwam was a very powerful man indeed!
The Rastafarian Dreadlocks:
Perhaps the most significant indicator of the Rastafarian social and religious movement is the dreadlocks, which became so popular to this day. The Rastafarian express their spiritual beliefs by wearing locks.
Shaving off the Hair:
Most Monks of all religions, as well as Nuns of the Buddhist faith, shave their head as a symbol of releasing the vanities of the material life. The fact that the vanity involved in hair is so embedded in the human mind is definitely a factor in these vows. Simplicity means having no hair to be vain about, the Buddhist Monks and Nuns say. The unsaid current is, of course, how powerful and strong and beautiful our hair can make us feel, and how deeply we are attached to it.
The Cowboy:
There is probably a second, less verbalized reason for the Cowboy Hat then just sun protection. Cowboys, embodying the most masculine and virile male archetype, battled their hair loss magnificently. The most tough and hardened cowboys lined up to spend their hard earned money on worthless “Snake Oil”, hair growing tonics peddled by charlatan “Doctors” from the side shows and stages of the great wild west medicine shows. Cowboys also used the trick of rubbing grease into their hair, causing it to look thicker. While this was slightly effective, it was a very messy process.
So you see, being obsessed with your hair is a completely normal human emotion!
About the Author
Reveal the benefits of our Amazing hair loss herbal treatment. Please visit our website for more information. http://www.amg-us.com
The History Of Wigs
Article by Wigshop
In the WiginningWigs can be dated back to the 4th century B.C. being a part of the Egyptian culture. Egyptians would shave their heads to protect themselves from vermin, but the hot sun lead their sensitive heads susceptible. The use of wigs was incorporated into the social structure so as to show status. The more elaborate and involved the wig was, the higher the rank or those who wore them. Palm and wool fibers, animal hair, and metals such as gold and silver were used in composition.
Women’s partial nature towards thick hair lead wigs to be formed from human hair and sheep’s wool. Dyes and natural colors were implemented into wigs, with blues, greens, and gold hues being the most popular. Cleanliness and appearance was of optimal importance to the Egyptians. Wealthy Egyptians would have barbers maintain their wigs for them on a daily basis. Many tombs have been uncovered showcasing combs and hairpins.
Around the RenaissanceThe 16th century brought with it the periwig. The periwig simulated real hair and was primarily used for adornment or to cover the loss of real hair. Thought to have become en vogue by Louis XIII, who was prematurely bald, it was not uncommon for men of great stature to follow suit for years to come. The fact that kings and queens wore wigs shows the regal nature and status that came with donning a wig. During this period a wig would cost the same amount as the rest of one’s ensemble. A wig required constant maintenance pertaining to curling, cleaning, and powdering. Powder became popular due to the rise in lighter colors being in fashion. Coupled with scented dyes, powder became a necessity until the end of the 17th century.
Styles in the TimesAt the beginning of the 18th century, the most popular dress wig was that of the long, full-bottomed wig. A popular undress wig was the bob wig, a shorter wig that originally was worn by those who could not afford the longer, more expensive wigs. Bob wigs were very popular in Colonial America.
A simpler fashion called the Club wig or the Cadogen, became popular as well by the end of the 18th century. Men emulated the ladies’ interest in the wig much through the 17th and 18th centuries. By the end of the 18th century, young men were wearing their hair natural, but kept the wig-esque powdered look going.
The end of the 18th century marked a curtail on the wig fashion being that both powder and wigs were reserved for older, more conservative men and ladies being presented at court. In 1795, the English government imposed a tax of hair powder that caused the demise of the wig fashion and powder by 1800. The wig vogue in France also, became eradicated around this time due to the connection between the fashion and aristocracy during these volatile years.
Wigs in the Current DayThe wearing of wigs is not extinct in today’s world. In some cultures around the globe, the wearing of the wig is still a mark of status and prestige. More often today wigs are worn either for convenience or for medical reasons stemming from hair loss. Aesthetically speaking, wigs can still be seen worn by stars and commoners looking to spice things up a bit. Whether for altering appearance or enhancement, wigs still remain a part of pop culture.
About the Author
Wigshop provides a full selection of fashion wigs, hairpieces and wig accessories. We offer luxurious products and insightful resources to our valued customers.
