Welcome to a journey through time, where beauty standards have constantly evolved, often taking bizarre and sometimes hazardous turns. Here we explore the annals of history to uncover some of the most astonishing and perplexing beauty practices ever adopted. From the lead-based cosmetics of ancient Egypt to the deadly arsenic dresses of the Victorian era, we examine how our ancestors went to extreme lengths in the pursuit of beauty. These historical beauty trends not only reflect the aesthetic ideals of their times but also speak volumes about the societal norms and scientific understanding of those eras.
Contents
- Introduction to Evolving Beauty Trends
- Ancient Egyptian Beauty: More Than Just Cleopatra’s Kohl
- The Elizabethan Era: White Faces and High Foreheads
- The Toxic Beauty of the 18th Century
- The Victorian Era: Binding and Restricting
- The Roaring Twenties: Flapper Fashion and Beauty
- The Mid-20th Century: Extreme Measures for Beauty
- References
Introduction to Evolving Beauty Trends
Strange beauty rituals offer a window into the past, showcasing how beauty standards have been shaped by cultural, social, and sometimes, misguided scientific beliefs.
Beauty Trends in History: A Brief Overview
Throughout history, beauty trends have been as diverse as they have been surprising. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, each period has had its own definition of what it means to be beautiful. These standards have often been influenced by a myriad of factors, including social status, health perceptions, and even political climates.
Fascination with Unusual Beauty Practices
The fascination with beauty trends, especially the more unusual ones, is not just about the shock value. It’s a reflection of human nature’s curiosity and the universal quest for attractiveness. These trends also offer us insights into the human psyche, revealing how societal pressures and personal desires have driven people to adopt extreme and sometimes dangerous practices in the pursuit of beauty.
Ancient Egyptian Beauty: More Than Just Cleopatra’s Kohl
Ancient Egypt, a civilization synonymous with grand pyramids and majestic pharaohs, was also a cradle of some of the earliest known beauty practices. The Egyptians’ approach to beauty was comprehensive, combining both aesthetic appeal and practical health-related aspects. Here, we explore some of the most intriguing beauty trends from this era, revealing that there was much more to their beauty routines than the iconic kohl-lined eyes epitomized by Cleopatra.
The Use of Lead-Based Cosmetics
One of the most surprising beauty practices in ancient Egypt involved the use of lead-based cosmetics. Despite its toxic nature, lead was a key ingredient in the makeup used by both men and women. They believed that these cosmetics, particularly the green and black eye paints, had magical healing powers and could ward off evil spirits. Scientific studies have even suggested that, in small amounts, the lead could have helped prevent and treat eye diseases common in the Nile Valley. However, the long-term health implications of lead exposure were, unsurprisingly, extremely harmful.
Crocodile Dung as a Skin Treatment
Moving from the hazardous to the outright bizarre, crocodile dung was another ingredient in the Egyptian beauty repertoire. Mixed with mud, it was used as a face mask, believed to have beautifying properties. This practice highlights the lengths to which the ancient Egyptians would go in their quest for beauty, relying on the most unlikely of natural resources. The dung was thought to have a dual effect: keeping the skin soft and preventing aging.
The Significance of Elaborate Hairstyles and Wigs
Hair played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian beauty. Both men and women shaved their heads for hygiene and comfort in the hot climate and donned elaborate wigs instead. These wigs were not just fashion statements but also status symbols. Made from human hair and sometimes supplemented with fibers from plants and animals, these wigs were often styled elaborately, reflecting the wearer’s social status and wealth. They were also used during ceremonies and important events, adding a layer of ceremonial significance to the beauty trend [1].
The Elizabethan Era: White Faces and High Foreheads
The Elizabethan era was a period marked by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England. This epoch was not only significant for its literary and exploratory achievements but also for its distinct beauty ideals. The Elizabethan beauty standard was characterized by an almost ethereal pallor and an emphasis on a high forehead, a stark contrast to modern tanning trends and natural hairlines.
Ceruse: Lead-Based Face Paint for a Pale Complexion
The pursuit of a pale complexion led to the widespread use of a cosmetic called ceruse. This makeup, a mixture of white lead and vinegar, was applied to the face, neck, and chest to achieve the desired whiteness. The paler one’s complexion, the more aristocratic and refined they were considered. Unfortunately, this trend was not only bizarre but deadly. The lead in ceruse caused a range of health problems, including muscle paralysis and even death. The side effects were so severe that they eventually led to the makeup’s disuse, but not before it left its mark on the era.
Plucking Hairlines for a Higher Forehead
In addition to a pale complexion, a high forehead was a coveted feature during the Elizabethan era. Women achieved this look by plucking their hairlines, moving the hairline further back on the scalp. This practice emphasized the forehead, a feature considered a sign of intelligence and beauty. The trend was so prevalent that it became a distinguishing characteristic of the era’s beauty standards [2].
The Symbolism of Red Wigs
Red wigs also found their place in Elizabethan beauty, largely because of Queen Elizabeth I herself. The queen, known for her fiery red hair, set a trend that became a symbol of power and influence. Women of the court and beyond would don red wigs or dye their hair to emulate the queen, showcasing the significant influence of royalty on beauty trends of the time.
The Toxic Beauty of the 18th Century
Stepping into the 18th century, we encounter an era where beauty trends took a notably toxic turn. This period, marked by opulence and grandeur, witnessed the use of hazardous substances in beauty products. These practices, driven by the quest for flawless skin and striking appearances, often had perilous consequences.
Arsenic for a Flawless Complexion
One of the most alarming beauty practices of the 18th century was the use of arsenic to achieve a flawless complexion. Arsenic, known for its poisonous properties, was ingested and applied topically. Women and men alike used it in small doses to brighten their skin, unaware of its deadly nature. Over time, this practice led to a multitude of health problems, including organ damage and even death. The allure of a perfect complexion, however, often overshadowed the risks associated with arsenic use.
Deadly Nightshade: A Pupil-Dilating Beauty Secret
Another dangerous trend was the use of belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. This plant extract was used to dilate the pupils, giving the eyes a dreamy, luminous appearance, which was highly sought after. The side effects, however, were anything but dreamy. Prolonged use of belladonna could lead to vision problems and even blindness. Yet, the desire for this ethereal look kept the trend in vogue, with many continuing its use despite the risks.
Lard and Powder Wigs: A Breeding Ground for Vermin
The 18th century also saw the height of powdered wigs, often made using lard to help the powder adhere. This practice, while creating the desired voluminous and stylish hairdos, had an unanticipated and unpleasant side effect: the lard attracted and harbored vermin. The issue became so widespread that it wasn’t uncommon for people to carry wig scratchers to alleviate the discomfort caused by the pests living in their wigs [3].
The Victorian Era: Binding and Restricting
The Victorian era was a period renowned for its strict social etiquette and conservative values. Here we find beauty trends that were heavily influenced by the ideals of modesty and restraint. However, beneath this veneer of propriety, the era’s beauty practices often involved extreme measures that bound and restricted the body in various ways.
Tight-Lacing Corsets for the Ideal Waistline
One of the most iconic and physically constraining fashion trends of the Victorian era was the tight-lacing corset. Designed to cinch the waist to extremely small proportions, these corsets were a staple in women’s fashion. The ideal waist size was often as small as 16 inches, leading to the use of corsets that were tightened progressively over time. While they created the coveted hourglass figure, these corsets caused numerous health issues, including deformed ribs, restricted breathing, and damage to internal organs. The tight-lacing corset is a stark example of how beauty standards can directly impact physical health and well-being.
Arsenic Dresses: The Deadly Green Fashion
Another hazardous trend was the popularity of bright green dresses, colored using arsenic-based dyes. These ‘Scheele’s green’ or ‘Paris green’ dresses were all the rage, with their vibrant hues considered the height of fashion. However, the arsenic in the dye could lead to serious health problems, including skin lesions, respiratory issues, and even death in extreme cases. The toxic nature of these dresses was not immediately recognized, and they continued to be worn despite the dangers they posed.
Tapeworm Diets for Weight Loss
In a rather alarming turn to weight management, the Victorian era saw the advent of the tapeworm diet. This involved ingesting tapeworm eggs with the intention of allowing the parasite to grow inside the body, consuming food and supposedly leading to weight loss. This dangerous practice could lead to severe health complications, including abdominal pain, malnutrition, and neurological issues. The tapeworm diet is an extreme example of the dangerous lengths people would go to conform to the beauty standards of the time.
The Roaring Twenties: Flapper Fashion and Beauty
The Roaring Twenties, an era synonymous with jazz, prohibition, and a seismic shift in cultural norms, brought about a revolution in fashion and beauty standards. This period saw the rise of the flapper, a new breed of young Western women who embraced a sense of liberation and defiance of conventional gender roles. Their style and beauty choices not only made a bold statement but also marked a significant departure from the restrictive trends of the Victorian era.
The Bob Cut: A Bold Statement of Independence
One of the most iconic symbols of the flapper era was the bob haircut. This drastic chop signified a break from traditional long, feminine hairdos, symbolizing women’s newfound independence and rebellion against societal norms. The bob was more than just a fashion statement; it was a political one, challenging the traditional views of femininity and propriety. Women sporting this new hairstyle were making a clear statement about their autonomy and their desire to be seen as equals in a rapidly changing world [4].
The Use of Cocaine in Lipsticks and Mascaras
In an era marked by prohibition and the speakeasy culture, the use of cocaine in beauty products like lipsticks and mascaras became a hidden trend. Though not widespread or publicly acknowledged, it reflected the era’s fascination with thrill-seeking and boundary-pushing behaviors. These products promised longer-lasting wear and a unique ‘tingling’ sensation, appealing to the flappers’ desire for novelty and experimentation. However, like many of the era’s indulgences, this trend had dangerous health implications.
Pale Skin and Dark Eyes: The Flapper Look
Contrasting the previous eras’ obsession with a pale complexion, the flappers embraced a more natural skin tone but paired it with dark, dramatic eye makeup. This look, characterized by heavily lined and smoky eyes, was a significant departure from the more demure makeup styles of the past. The flappers’ makeup was bold and expressive, reflecting their desire to break free from traditional molds and to express individuality and modernity.
The Mid-20th Century: Extreme Measures for Beauty
Advancing into the mid-20th century, a period marked by rapid technological advancement and changing social norms, we witness beauty trends that embraced extreme and often risky measures. This era, influenced by the glamour of Hollywood and emerging pop culture, saw the rise of new beauty standards that often involved dangerous practices and products.
Baby Bird Diet: Marilyn Monroe’s Secret?
One of the more bizarre weight management trends of this era was the so-called “baby bird diet.” Rumored to be used by iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, this diet involved mimicking the feeding habits of a baby bird, where someone else would chew the food before passing it to the dieter. This practice was believed to reduce calorie intake and control portions. However, not only was there a lack of nutritional efficacy in this method, but it also posed significant health risks due to potential bacterial and viral transmission [5].
Radiation for Hair Removal and Facial Peels
In an age where the full dangers of radiation were not yet fully understood, it was used in a variety of beauty treatments. Radiation therapy was touted for its effectiveness in permanent hair removal and was also used in facial peels to achieve a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion. These treatments were later found to be extremely harmful, leading to severe skin damage and increasing the risk of cancer. The initial appeal of these treatments lay in their promise of quick and long-lasting results, a theme consistent with the era’s fascination with rapid technological solutions.
The Popularity of X-Ray Hair Removal
Building on the use of radiation, X-ray hair removal became a popular method for achieving smooth, hairless skin. This trend was especially prevalent among women, who sought to align with the beauty standards of smooth skin as promoted by movie stars and beauty icons. However, the harmful effects of X-ray exposure, such as skin burns, scarring, and heightened cancer risks, soon became apparent. This trend is a stark reminder of how beauty trends can sometimes prioritize aesthetic ideals over health and safety.
References
[1] 10 Bizarre Beauty Trends Throughout History That You Won’t Believe Were Real
[2] 23 Weird Beauty Trends From The Past That’ll Make You Raise Your Eyebrows
[3] 14 Obscure Beauty Trends Throughout History That Sound So Bizarre Now
[4] The Weirdest Beauty Rituals Throughout History
[5] Six of the Most Peculiar Beauty Trends Throughout History