How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 2005
Sweety Karlak
In 2005, women’s hair care was largely focused on styling, volume, and salon treatments. The emphasis was on glossy, smooth hair, with trends like straightened locks, highlights, and layered cuts dominating. Natural hair care and protective routines were uncommon, and DIY treatments were mostly home remedies passed down from family traditions.
This blog explores the top hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 2005.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Frequent hair washing was the norm:
60–70% washed hair daily or every other day
15–20% washed every 2–3 days
Dry shampoo was almost nonexistent
Women prioritized a clean, fresh look over preserving natural oils.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was common, but deep treatments were rare:
50% used conditioner regularly
5–10% applied hair masks weekly
Conditioners focused on smoothness and shine rather than repair or hydration.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were minimally used:
10–15% applied oils occasionally (mainly coconut or almond)
Serums were primarily for frizz control
Styling products dominated daily routines.
4. Heat Styling — Widespread Use
Heat styling was extremely common:
70–75% used blow dryers regularly
60–65% used flat irons or curling irons
Heat protectants were rarely used
Straightened styles and voluminous blowouts were major trends.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts focused on layering and volume:
50–55% got trims every 8–12 weeks
Long layers, feathered cuts, and side-swept bangs were popular
Sleek bobs and chunky highlights were trendy
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styling was rare:
Only 5–10% used braids or buns for hair protection
Curly hair routines focused on detangling and smoothing with brushes
Protective and natural styles were nich
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was largely overlooked:
Less than 15% used scalp treatments or oils
Most attention was on shine and styling rather than scalp health
8. DIY Hair Treatments
DIY treatments were mainly home remedies:
10% used egg, yogurt, or honey masks occasionally
Most women relied on salon treatments for repair and shine
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was very popular:
40–50% colored their hair at home or in salons
Highlights, lowlights, and streaking were major trends
Color-protecting shampoos were not widely used
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Nighttime routines were minimal:
About 15–20% tied hair in braids or buns
Silk pillowcases were rarely used
Frizz and split ends from sleep were common concerns
11. Product Trends
2005 was dominated by styling products:
Mousse, gel, hairspray, and serums were used daily
Focus was on volume, shine, and manageability
Natural and minimal product routines were rare
In 2005, women’s hair care emphasized:
Frequent washing
Heavy heat styling
Salon treatments for shine and color
Styling-focused routines rather than hair health
Minimal use of natural or protective care
Glossy, voluminous, and styled hair was the top priority, with healthy or natural hair care trends not yet mainstream.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (2005)
60–70% washed hair daily or every other day
50% used conditioner regularly
5–10% applied hair masks weekly
10–15% used oils/serums
70–75% used heat styling regularly
50–55% got trims every 8–12 weeks
5–10% wore protective hairstyles
<15% cared for scalp actively
10% used DIY treatments
40–50% colored hair at home or salon
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often did women wash their hair in 2005?
Most women washed their hair daily or every other day. Washing every 2–3 days was less common, and dry shampoo use was rare.
2. Were hair masks commonly used in 2005?
No, hair masks were rarely used. Only 5–10% of women applied them weekly, while conditioners were the main focus for smoothness and shine.
3. What oils and serums were popular in 2005?
Hair oils were minimally used, with coconut and almond oils occasionally applied. Serums were mainly for frizz control.
4. How frequent was heat styling in 2005?
Heat styling was extremely common. Around 70–75% of women used blow dryers, and 60–65% used flat or curling irons. Heat protectants were not widely used.
5. What haircuts were trendy in 2005?
Layered cuts, feathered styles, side-swept bangs, sleek bobs, and chunky highlights were popular. Most women trimmed their hair every 8–12 weeks.
6. Did women embrace natural hair and protective styles in 2005?
Protective and natural styles were rare. Only 5–10% used braids or buns for protection, and curly hair routines mainly focused on brushing and smoothing.
7. How important was scalp care in 2005?
Scalp care was largely overlooked. Less than 15% used scalp treatments or oils, with focus mainly on shine and styling.
8. Were DIY hair treatments common in 2005?
DIY treatments were niche. About 10% of women tried egg, yogurt, or honey masks occasionally, while salon treatments were more common.
9. What hair color trends were popular in 2005?
Highlights, lowlights, and streaking were major trends. Around 40–50% of women colored their hair at home or in salons.
10. Did women follow nighttime hair routines in 2005?
Nighttime routines were minimal. Only about 15–20% tied their hair in braids or buns, and silk pillowcases were rarely used, leading to frizz and split ends.
