Sometimes, a bad hair day can truly ruin your mood. Perhaps that’s why the charming women of Philadelphia have always paid close attention to their hair. Hairstyle trends were constantly changing, as were the methods for creating them. Read on to learn more at philadelphianka.
For a very long time, women’s hair care was exclusively done at home. However, the 20th century saw the emergence of women’s hair salons in the city, and this industry began to flourish. Today, modern Philadelphians are frequent visitors to beauty salons. Let’s take a look back in time and discover more about Philadelphia’s women’s hair salons and the evolving hair fashion of the 20th century.
A Look Back at Philadelphia’s Hairdressing History
Hair care and the creation of elaborate hairstyles started gaining traction around the 17th century. Back then, Philadelphia women didn’t have hair salons or beauty parlors; they took care of their hair at home. Wealthy families often had enslaved people trained in hairdressing, who catered to their mistresses’ needs in this area.
In the 18th century, barbershops began opening in the city:
- These establishments were primarily staffed by African Americans, who were gaining their freedom at the time and seeking opportunities to earn a living by utilizing their skills.
- Only white men were initially their clients.
- This service gradually became more widespread, especially as the number of enslaved people decreased and the demand for hairdressing services grew.
Furthermore, during this era, barbers started making and maintaining wigs for both men and women. The fashion for wigs rapidly spread among the wealthy elite, contributing to the development of the hairdressing trade and its profitability.
As for women, they continued to care for their hair and style it at home. Wealthy Philadelphia women would occasionally invite well-known hairdressers to their homes if they required an exceptionally intricate hairstyle.
Hairstyle Trends and Hair Salons in the 20th Century
Throughout the 19th century, many white hairdressers emerged in Philadelphia. These were immigrants from European countries who brought their experience and traditions in hairdressing. They initially displaced African Americans from the business, though eventually a certain balance was established between them.
In the 20th century, women finally started frequenting hair salons. In the early part of the century, straight hair with an exposed forehead gained popularity. These hairstyles required little maintenance and were quite convenient.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the hairdressing industry underwent innovative changes. Hairdryers, which were quite large and heavy, as well as specialized perming machines, appeared on the market. These tools significantly influenced hairstyle trends.
In 1924, hairdresser Josef Mayer began using rollers and cylinders to create wavy curls, which quickly became a sensation. Such a style could only be achieved in a salon, so women from even the outskirts would travel to Philadelphia to embrace the latest fashion.
The Great Depression hit in 1940. Philadelphia businesses, including hairdressing establishments, suffered a decline. For a time, the number of salon visitors significantly decreased, but most salons managed to survive and continue their development.
The next major hair trend was long, light-colored hair and permanent waves. Hairdressers began experimenting with various lightening techniques, and women eagerly embraced these new possibilities. Curls were incredibly popular, and their longevity thanks to perms was a true delight for women.
In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe ushered in a trend for shorter hair among women. In Philadelphia’s salons, women also began requesting short haircuts more frequently. The fascination with Audrey Hepburn’s style further supported this trend.
One of the Philadelphia salons founded during that era was “Richard Nicholas Hair Salon,” which is still operating in the 21st century. Overall, the network of salons grew, and in the latter half of the 20th century, women began working in them.
Transition to the New Millennium and Women’s Hair Salons
Towards the end of the 20th century, braids and various weaving styles gained popularity. The hippie style also became widely adopted, including in hairdressing. Women became freer in their style choices and began to experiment boldly with their hair, for instance, with vibrant, unusual colors.
Gradually, very short haircuts like the pixie, bangs, and sharp geometric styles became fashionable. Moreover, a vast array of hair care tools and products emerged. Philadelphia saw the opening of specialized beauty salons for women, offering a wide range of services and hairstyles to suit every taste. Many women now work in this field, perfecting their skills and offering clients exciting options for hair care and styling.
Thus, hairdressing in Philadelphia has come a long way through development and change. From a service catering exclusively to men, barbershops transformed into places dedicated to enhancing women’s beauty. In the 21st century, there are no longer gender stereotypes or limitations in this field, and everyone can pursue a career in hairdressing or visit a salon.