How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1900
Sweety Karlak
In 1900, women’s hair care revolved around long, healthy hair and intricate styling. Hair was seen as a symbol of femininity, and routines focused on grooming, cleanliness, and achieving glossy, well-kept locks. Salon treatments were limited, and most hair care was done at home using natural ingredients and simple tools.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1900.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing was infrequent but meticulous:
20–30% washed hair once or twice per week
5–10% washed daily
Dry shampoo was sometimes used in powdered form
Women valued cleanliness without over-stripping natural oils.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was largely home-based:
15–20% used homemade rinses (like vinegar or herbal infusions)
Hair masks were rare, occasionally using egg, milk, or oils
The focus was on shine, smoothness, and maintaining long hair.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were a mainstay of hair care:
20–25% used oils like coconut, castor, almond, or olive oil
Oils were applied to nourish the scalp, add shine, and protect hair
Commercial serums did not exist; natural oils were the primary method of nourishment.
4. Heat Styling & Setting
Heat styling was minimal and mostly manual:
5–10% used heated irons or curling tongs occasionally
Most styling relied on braiding, rolling, or pinning hair to create waves and curls
Structured updos and braided styles were preferred over loose heat-styled hair.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts were infrequent:
20–25% trimmed hair every few months to maintain ends
Long, flowing hair was favored, often with subtle layers or blunt ends
Maintaining length and avoiding split ends were key priorities.
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styling was common due to long hair:
50–60% wore braids, buns, or pinned-up styles daily
Hair was often covered with scarves or nets while sleeping to prevent damage
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was important and often home-based:
20–25% massaged scalp with oils or herbal preparations
Focus was on maintaining healthy growth and preventing dryness
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home remedies were widely used:
20–25% applied treatments like egg masks, milk, honey, or herbal rinses
Salon treatments were rare; most hair care relied on natural ingredients
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was uncommon:
5–10% used natural dyes like henna or herbal tints
Women primarily embraced their natural hair color
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Night routines were essential for long hair:
50–60% braided or pinned hair at night to protect it
Scarves or nets were commonly used to maintain style and prevent tangling
11. Product Trends
Hair care products were minimal and natural:
Oils, herbal rinses, and soaps dominated routines
Focus was on nourishment, shine, and hair preservation rather than styling or volume
In 1900, women’s hair care emphasized:
Long, healthy hair maintained through careful grooming
Natural oils and homemade treatments for shine and nourishment
Protective styles like braids and buns to preserve length
Minimal cutting, coloring, or salon treatments
Polished, glossy, and well-protected hair was the main priority, with an emphasis on natural beauty and longevity.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1900)
20–30% washed hair once or twice per week
5–10% washed daily
15–20% used homemade rinses or conditioners
20–25% applied oils
5–10% used heat styling occasionally
20–25% got trims every few months
50–60% wore protective hairstyles
20–25% cared for scalp actively
20–25% used DIY treatments
5–10% colored hair with natural dyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1900?
Hair washing was infrequent. About 20–30% washed once or twice per week, while 5–10% washed daily. Dry shampoo in powdered form was occasionally used.
Q2: Were conditioners or hair masks used?
Conditioners were mostly homemade rinses like vinegar or herbal infusions (15–20%). Hair masks were rare, occasionally using egg, milk, or oils for shine and smoothness.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Oils were a key part of hair care, used by 20–25% of women. Common oils included coconut, castor, almond, or olive oil, applied to nourish the scalp, add shine, and protect hair. Commercial serums did not exist.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling was minimal. Only 5–10% used heated irons or curling tongs occasionally. Most styling relied on braiding, rolling, or pinning hair.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1900?
Long, flowing hair was favored, often with subtle layers or blunt ends. Protective styles like braids, buns, and pinned-up hair were very common.
Q6: Were protective hairstyles widely used?
Yes, protective hairstyles were common due to long hair. About 50–60% of women braided or pinned their hair daily and often used scarves or nets while sleeping.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was important. Around 20–25% massaged oils or herbal preparations into the scalp to maintain healthy growth and prevent dryness.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Yes, home remedies were widely used. About 20–25% applied treatments like egg masks, milk, honey, or herbal rinses. Salon treatments were rare.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was uncommon. Only 5–10% used natural dyes like henna or herbal tints. Most women kept their natural hair color.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Nighttime routines were essential. Around 50–60% braided or pinned their hair at night to protect it, often using scarves or nets to prevent tangling.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Hair care relied on natural products like oils, herbal rinses, and soaps. Focus was on nourishment, shine, and protection rather than styling or volume.
