How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1800
Sweety Karlak
In 1800, women’s hair care focused on long, healthy hair, elaborate updos, and natural beauty. Hair was a symbol of femininity, and maintaining its length, strength, and shine was paramount. Most routines were home-based, using natural oils, herbal rinses, and simple grooming tools. Styling products and salons were rare, and protective care was essential due to long hair.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1800.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing was infrequent:
5–10% washed hair once per week
<5% washed more frequently
Dry shampoos (powdered) were occasionally used
Women aimed to maintain natural oils while keeping hair clean and healthy.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning relied entirely on natural remedies:
5–10% used herbal rinses like rosemary, sage, or lavender
Hair masks were rare, sometimes using egg, milk, or olive oil
Focus was on shine, softness, and preventing breakage rather than styling.
3. Oils & Serums
Oils were essential for hair care:
15–20% used natural oils such as olive, almond, or castor oil
Applied to the scalp and hair to promote growth, add shine, and prevent dryness
Commercial serums did not exist.
4. Heat Styling & Setting
Heat styling was almost nonexistent:
<1% occasionally used heated irons or tongs
Most hair was styled using braiding, rolling, or pinning
Hair was typically worn in updos or braided styles to protect long lengths.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts were extremely rare:
<10% trimmed hair occasionally to maintain healthy ends
Long, flowing hair was the cultural ideal, often left uncut for years
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective styles were standard due to long hair:
70–80% wore braids, buns, or pinned-up styles daily
Hair was often covered with scarves, caps, or nets while sleeping to prevent damage
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was done at home:
10–15% massaged oils or herbal preparations into the scalp
Focus was on stimulating growth and maintaining health
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home remedies dominated hair care:
20–25% applied egg, milk, honey, or herbal treatments
Salon treatments were virtually nonexistent
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was extremely rare:
<5% used natural dyes like henna or plant-based tints
Most women maintained their natural hair color
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Night routines were crucial for hair preservation:
70–80% braided, pinned, or wrapped hair at night
Caps, scarves, or nets were used to prevent tangling and breakage.
11. Product Trends
Hair care products were minimal and natural:
Oils, herbal rinses, and soaps were the primary methods
Focus was on nourishment, shine, and hair preservation rather than styling or volume
In 1800, women’s hair care emphasized:
Long, healthy hair maintained through careful grooming
Natural oils and herbal treatments for shine and growth
Protective hairstyles and nighttime routines to prevent damage
Minimal cutting, coloring, or commercial products
Long, glossy, and protected hair was the main priority, reflecting beauty, femininity, and health.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1800)
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 with natural dyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1800?
Hair washing was infrequent. About 5–10% washed once per week, and fewer than 5% washed more frequently. Powdered dry shampoos 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 lavender. Hair masks were rare, occasionally using egg, milk, or olive oil.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Oils were essential for hair care. Around 15–20% of women 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 nearly nonexistent. Fewer than 1% used heated irons or curling tongs. Most styling relied on braiding, rolling, or pinning hair.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1800?
Long, flowing hair was the cultural ideal. Protective styles like braids, buns, and pinned-up hair were standard, especially for daily wear.
Q6: Were protective hairstyles widely used?
Yes. About 70–80% of women braided, pinned, or tied their hair daily. Hair was often covered with caps, scarves, or nets while sleeping to prevent tangling and breakage.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was done at home. Around 10–15% massaged oils or herbal preparations into the scalp to maintain health and stimulate growth.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Yes, home remedies dominated. About 20–25% applied treatments like egg, milk, honey, or herbal rinses. Salon treatments were virtually nonexistent.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was extremely rare. Fewer than 5% used natural dyes like henna or plant-based tints. Most women embraced their natural hair color.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Night routines were crucial. Around 70–80% braided, pinned, or wrapped their hair at night, often using caps, scarves, or nets to prevent tangling and breakage.
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.
