How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1950
Sweety Karlak
In 1950, women’s hair care revolved around polished, structured styles and careful grooming. The decade favored curls, waves, and carefully set hair. Salon visits, home setting techniques, and minimal chemical treatments defined the era. Natural hair care routines and modern styling products were rare.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1950
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing was less frequent but careful:
30–40% washed hair 2–3 times per week
15–20% washed daily
Dry shampoo was not commonly used
Women aimed for clean hair but relied heavily on styling to maintain shape and volume between washes.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was basic and minimal:
20–25% used conditioner or rinse
Hair masks were almost nonexistent
The focus was on shine and manageability rather than repair or hydration.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were mostly used sparingly:
5% used oils (almond or mineral oil)
Serums were rare; frizz control was managed through setting and brushing
Most care focused on styling rather than nourishment.
4. Heat Styling & Setting
Heat styling and setting were common:
40–50% used blow dryers or hooded dryers
50–60% set hair with rollers or pin curls
Heat protectants were not in use
Structured curls, waves, and volume defined the decade.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Cuts emphasized precision and maintenance:
35–40% got trims every 6–10 weeks
Soft waves, curls, and short bobs were very popular
Finger waves and layered curls were fashionable
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styles were rare:
2–3% wore braids or buns for protection
Haircare revolved around careful styling and setting rather than natural maintenance
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was minimal:
Fewer than 10% used scalp oils or scrubs
Hair health focused mainly on shine and manageability
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home treatments were occasionally used:
5% tried egg, milk, or olive oil treatments
Salon or professional styling was preferred for setting, perms, and shaping
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was emerging but limited:
10–15% colored hair at home or in salons
Natural shades and subtle highlights were preferred
Color-preserving products were rare
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Nighttime routines were structured:
10–15% wrapped hair in scarves or used pin curls to maintain style
Silk pillowcases were not widely used
11. Product Trends
Styling and setting products dominated:
Hair sprays, setting lotions, and pomades were widely used
Focus was on structure, shine, and curl longevity rather than hair health
In 1950, women’s hair care emphasized:
Careful washing and precise setting
Salon or home setting techniques for curls and waves
Structured, polished styles over natural hair trends
Minimal chemical or protective treatments
Polished curls, finger waves, and bobs were the defining looks of the decade, with focus on grooming and style rather than natural hair health.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1950)
30–40% washed hair 2–3 times per week
15–20% washed daily
20–25% used conditioner or rinse
5% used oils
40–50% used blow dryers or hooded dryers
50–60% used rollers or pin curls
35–40% got trims every 6–10 weeks
2–3% wore protective hairstyles
<10% cared for scalp actively
5% used DIY treatments
10–15% colored hair at home or salon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1950?
Hair washing was less frequent than in later decades. About 30–40% washed 2–3 times per week, while 15–20% washed daily. Dry shampoo was rarely used.
Q2: Were conditioners or hair masks popular?
Conditioners were minimal, with 20–25% using them regularly. Hair masks were almost nonexistent. Shine and manageability were the main focus.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Hair oils were sparingly used by about 5% of women. Serums were rare; frizz control was mainly achieved through setting and brushing.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling and setting were common. Around 40–50% used blow dryers or hooded dryers, and 50–60% set hair with rollers or pin curls. Heat protectants were not used.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1950?
Soft waves, finger waves, layered curls, short bobs, and structured curls dominated. Most women trimmed every 6–10 weeks.
Q6: Were natural or protective hairstyles widely used?
Protective styles were very rare. Only 2–3% wore braids or buns for hair protection. Haircare focused on structured styling rather than natural maintenance.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was minimal. Fewer than 10% used oils or scrubs. The emphasis was on polished hair and styling rather than scalp health.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Occasionally. About 5% tried home remedies like egg, milk, or olive oil treatments. Most styling, setting, and curls were achieved professionally or at home with rollers.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was limited. About 10–15% colored hair at home or in salons, usually opting for natural shades or subtle highlights.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Night routines were somewhat structured. Around 10–15% wrapped hair in scarves or used pin curls to maintain their style. Silk pillowcases were uncommon.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Styling and setting products dominated, including hair sprays, setting lotions, and pomades. The focus was on curl longevity, structure, and shine rather than hair health.
