How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1700
Sweety Karlak
In 1700, women’s hair care focused on long, healthy hair and elaborate styles reflecting status and fashion. Hair was a symbol of femininity and social standing, and most care was home-based. Natural oils, herbal rinses, and careful grooming were key, while wigs and powdered styles became popular among the elite.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1700.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing was infrequent:
5–10% washed hair once per week
<5% washed more frequently
Dry powders or saponified oils were sometimes used to cleanse hair
Maintaining natural oils was considered important for hair health.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was entirely natural:
5–10% used herbal rinses such as rosemary, sage, or chamomile
Hair masks were rare, occasionally using egg, milk, or olive oil
Shine, softness, and hair preservation were primary goals.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were widely used:
15–20% applied oils like olive, almond, or castor oil to scalp and ends
Oils promoted growth, added shine, and protected against damage
Commercial serums did not exist; natural oils were essential.
4. Heat Styling & Setting
Heat styling was virtually nonexistent:
<1% occasionally used heated irons or tongs
Most styling relied on braiding, twisting, pinning, and natural curls
Elaborate updos, rolls, and pinned styles were common.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts were rare:
<10% trimmed hair occasionally to maintain healthy ends
Long hair was highly prized and often grown for years without cutting
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styles were common:
70–80% braided, pinned, or tied hair daily
Hair was often covered with scarves, nets, or caps while sleeping
For the upper class, wigs and hairpieces were often powdered and styled on top of natural hair.
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was home-based:
10–15% massaged oils or herbal infusions into the scalp
Focus was on stimulating growth and maintaining hair health
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home remedies dominated:
20–25% applied egg, milk, honey, or herbal treatments
Most hair care relied on natural ingredients rather than commercial products
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was rare, except among elites:
<5% used natural dyes like henna or herbal tints
Powdered wigs and hairpieces often provided color and volume
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Nighttime routines were essential:
70–80% braided, pinned, or wrapped hair at night to protect long locks
Scarves, nets, and caps were widely used to prevent tangling and damage
11. Product Trends
Hair care products were entirely natural:
Oils, herbal rinses, soaps, and powders dominated
Focus was on hair preservation, shine, and health rather than styling or volume
In 1700, women’s hair care emphasized:
Long, healthy hair maintained through careful grooming
Natural oils and herbal treatments for shine and nourishment
Protective hairstyles, caps, and nets to preserve hair
Minimal cutting or coloring, with wigs and powder often used by the elite
Long, glossy, and well-protected hair reflected beauty, social status, and health.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1700)
5–10% washed hair once per week
<5% washed more frequently
5–10% used herbal rinses or conditioners
15–20% applied oils
<1% used heat styling occasionally
<10% got trims occasionally
70–80% wore protective hairstyles
10–15% cared for scalp actively
20–25% used DIY treatments
<5% colored hair naturally; wigs/powder provided styling and color
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1700?
Hair washing was infrequent. About 5–10% washed once per week, and fewer than 5% washed more often. Dry powders or saponified oils were sometimes used to maintain cleanliness.
Q2: Were conditioners or hair masks used?
Conditioning relied entirely on natural remedies. About 5–10% used herbal rinses like rosemary, sage, or chamomile. Hair masks were rare, occasionally using egg, milk, or olive oil.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Oils were essential. Around 15–20% applied natural oils such as olive, almond, or castor oil to nourish the scalp, promote growth, and add shine. Commercial serums did not exist.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling was virtually nonexistent. Fewer than 1% used heated irons or curling tongs. Most styles were achieved with braiding, twisting, or pinning.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1700?
Long hair was the ideal, often styled in braids, buns, pinned-up rolls, or elaborate updos. Among the elite, wigs and powdered hairpieces were fashionable.
Q6: Were protective hairstyles widely used?
Yes. About 70–80% of women braided, pinned, or tied hair daily. Hair was often covered with scarves, nets, or caps while sleeping to prevent tangling and damage.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was home-based. Around 10–15% massaged oils or herbal infusions into the scalp to stimulate growth and maintain hair health.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Yes. About 20–25% applied treatments like egg, milk, honey, or herbal rinses. Commercial products were virtually nonexistent.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was rare. Fewer than 5% used natural dyes like henna. Wigs and powdered hairpieces were often used for color and volume.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Nighttime routines were essential. Around 70–80% braided, pinned, or wrapped hair at night, often using caps, scarves, or nets to prevent tangling and damage.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Hair care relied on natural oils, herbal rinses, soaps, and powders. Focus was on preservation, shine, and health rather than styling or volume.
