10 Weird Beauty Trends Women Followed in the Past That Will Shock You
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Beauty standards have always evolved with time, but the lengths women once went to for the sake of appearance are both fascinating and bizarre. A look back at vintage photos from the early to mid-20th century reveals some of the most unusual beauty routines and devices ever imagined. From wooden swimwear to freckle-proof face masks, women of the past endured all kinds of oddities in pursuit of style and perfection.
1. Full-Face Swimming Masks (1920s)
Long before SPF creams and sunblocks were invented, women used full-face rubber swimming masks to keep their skin fair and wrinkle-free. These masks resembled something out of a science fiction novel and were worn to shield faces from sun damage.
2. Freckle-Proof Capes and Glasses (1940s)
To prevent freckles from forming due to sun exposure, women wore specially designed beach capes with built-in sunglasses. It was an early version of UV protection—though more theatrical than functional.
3. Painted Stocking Seams (1926)
During times when silk stockings were either expensive or unavailable, women improvised by painting faux stocking seams onto their bare legs. This illusion gave the appearance of wearing stockings while avoiding the actual cost.
4. Portable Bathhouses (1938)
At Coney Island beaches, women used tiny mobile bathhouses to change clothes in privacy. These odd-looking structures resembled upright phone booths and offered a moment of modesty in public.
5. Hair Dryers That Looked Like Sci-Fi Machines (1920s)
Hair drying in the 1920s involved enormous, noisy machines with tubes attached to the head. These early salon dryers were intimidating and time-consuming but were considered cutting-edge at the time.
6. Wooden Swimsuits (1929)
In a bizarre attempt to promote posture and form, swimsuits were once made out of wood. These stiff and uncomfortable outfits were thought to train women’s bodies into an ideal shape.
7. Rubber Wrinkle Masks (1920s)
To fight aging, women wore rubber masks designed to smooth wrinkles while they slept or rested. These strange face covers tightened the skin but were more terrifying than effective.
8. Breast Washer Machines (1930s)
In France, mechanical breast washers emerged as a beauty tool, promising enhanced hygiene and lifted shapes. These contraptions offered water-powered cleansing in a manner that sounds far more clinical than glamorous.
9. Ironing Hair Straight (1960s)
Before straighteners became mainstream, women used clothing irons to flatten their hair. Though risky, this trend gained popularity among young women seeking smooth, flowing locks.
10. Faceless Beauty Contests (1930s)
In an odd twist on beauty pageants, some competitions judged women solely by the shape of their eyes or facial features hidden behind masks. These events aimed to find “perfect” features without full identity exposure.
Why Did These Trends Seem Normal Then?
Historians suggest that these practices stemmed from evolving technology and social expectations. Dr. Jane Nicholas, a historian at the University of Waterloo, explains that beauty rituals often reflected new scientific tools—even when safety was in question. With urbanisation and more public life, appearances became closely tied to social mobility and self-worth.
While some of these trends may seem laughable today, they offer a fascinating lens into the pressures women once faced. They also remind us how modern beauty practices may appear just as odd to future generations.
1. Full-Face Swimming Masks (1920s)
Long before SPF creams and sunblocks were invented, women used full-face rubber swimming masks to keep their skin fair and wrinkle-free. These masks resembled something out of a science fiction novel and were worn to shield faces from sun damage. 2. Freckle-Proof Capes and Glasses (1940s)
To prevent freckles from forming due to sun exposure, women wore specially designed beach capes with built-in sunglasses. It was an early version of UV protection—though more theatrical than functional.3. Painted Stocking Seams (1926)
During times when silk stockings were either expensive or unavailable, women improvised by painting faux stocking seams onto their bare legs. This illusion gave the appearance of wearing stockings while avoiding the actual cost. 4. Portable Bathhouses (1938)
At Coney Island beaches, women used tiny mobile bathhouses to change clothes in privacy. These odd-looking structures resembled upright phone booths and offered a moment of modesty in public.5. Hair Dryers That Looked Like Sci-Fi Machines (1920s)
Hair drying in the 1920s involved enormous, noisy machines with tubes attached to the head. These early salon dryers were intimidating and time-consuming but were considered cutting-edge at the time. 6. Wooden Swimsuits (1929)
In a bizarre attempt to promote posture and form, swimsuits were once made out of wood. These stiff and uncomfortable outfits were thought to train women’s bodies into an ideal shape. 7. Rubber Wrinkle Masks (1920s)
To fight aging, women wore rubber masks designed to smooth wrinkles while they slept or rested. These strange face covers tightened the skin but were more terrifying than effective. 8. Breast Washer Machines (1930s)
In France, mechanical breast washers emerged as a beauty tool, promising enhanced hygiene and lifted shapes. These contraptions offered water-powered cleansing in a manner that sounds far more clinical than glamorous.9. Ironing Hair Straight (1960s)
Before straighteners became mainstream, women used clothing irons to flatten their hair. Though risky, this trend gained popularity among young women seeking smooth, flowing locks. 10. Faceless Beauty Contests (1930s)
In an odd twist on beauty pageants, some competitions judged women solely by the shape of their eyes or facial features hidden behind masks. These events aimed to find “perfect” features without full identity exposure. Why Did These Trends Seem Normal Then?
Historians suggest that these practices stemmed from evolving technology and social expectations. Dr. Jane Nicholas, a historian at the University of Waterloo, explains that beauty rituals often reflected new scientific tools—even when safety was in question. With urbanisation and more public life, appearances became closely tied to social mobility and self-worth. While some of these trends may seem laughable today, they offer a fascinating lens into the pressures women once faced. They also remind us how modern beauty practices may appear just as odd to future generations.
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