How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1850
Sweety Karlak
In 1850, women’s hair care revolved around long, healthy hair and modest, well-groomed styles. Hair was considered a symbol of femininity and virtue. Most routines were home-based, using natural ingredients and careful grooming techniques. Styling tools and products were minimal, and elaborate salon treatments were uncommon.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1850.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Hair washing was infrequent:
10–20% washed hair once per week
5–10% washed more frequently
Dry shampoo (powdered) was sometimes used to maintain cleanliness
Women aimed to keep hair clean without stripping natural oils, preserving its strength and shine.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioning was entirely home-based:
10–15% used herbal rinses like rosemary, chamomile, or vinegar
Hair masks were rare, occasionally using eggs, milk, or olive oil
Focus was on maintaining softness and shine rather than repair or styling.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were central to care routines:
15–20% used oils like castor, almond, or olive oil
Oils were applied to scalp and hair ends to nourish, prevent breakage, and add shine
Commercial serums did not exist; natural oils were the primary nourishment method.
4. Heat Styling & Setting
Heat styling was minimal:
1–5% occasionally used heated irons or curling tongs
Most styling relied on braiding, twisting, or pinning hair to create waves or curls
Natural textures were maintained, and updos were common for daily wear.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Haircuts were very infrequent:
10–15% trimmed hair every few months
Long, flowing hair with natural ends was preferred
Maintaining length and avoiding damage were key priorities.
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Protective hairstyles were common due to long hair:
60–70% wore braids, buns, or pinned-up styles daily
Hair was often covered with scarves or nets while sleeping to prevent tangling and breakage
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was essential:
15–20% massaged scalp with oils or herbal preparations
Focus was on stimulating growth and maintaining a healthy scalp.
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home remedies dominated:
20–25% applied treatments like egg masks, milk, honey, or herbal rinses
Salon treatments were almost nonexistent
9. Color Care
Hair coloring was rare:
2–5% used natural dyes like henna or herbal tints
Most women embraced their natural hair color
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Night routines were crucial for long hair:
60–70% braided or pinned hair at night to protect it
Scarves or nets were commonly used to maintain style and prevent damage
11. Product Trends
Hair care products were minimal and natural:
Oils, herbal rinses, and soaps dominated
Focus was on nourishment, shine, and hair preservation rather than styling or volume
In 1850, women’s hair care emphasized:
Long, healthy hair maintained through careful grooming
Natural oils and home remedies for nourishment and shine
Protective hairstyles to preserve length and prevent damage
Minimal cutting, coloring, or commercial products
Long, glossy, and well-protected hair was the main priority, reflecting beauty, femininity, and health.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1850)
10–20% washed hair once per week
5–10% washed more frequently
10–15% used herbal rinses or conditioners
15–20% applied oils
1–5% used heat styling occasionally
10–15% got trims every few months
60–70% wore protective hairstyles
15–20% cared for scalp actively
20–25% used DIY treatments
2–5% colored hair with natural dyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1850?
Hair washing was infrequent. About 10–20% washed once per week, and 5–10% washed more frequently. Dry shampoo in powdered form was sometimes used to maintain cleanliness.
Q2: Were conditioners or hair masks used?
Conditioning was home-based, with 10–15% using herbal rinses like rosemary, chamomile, or vinegar. Hair masks were rare, occasionally using eggs, milk, or olive oil to maintain softness and shine.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Oils were a key part of hair care. About 15–20% of women applied oils like castor, almond, or olive oil to nourish the scalp, prevent breakage, and add shine. Commercial serums did not exist.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling was minimal. Only 1–5% used heated irons or curling tongs occasionally. Most styling relied on braiding, twisting, or pinning hair.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1850?
Long, flowing hair with natural ends was preferred. Protective styles like braids, buns, and pinned-up hair were very common.
Q6: Were protective hairstyles widely used?
Yes. About 60–70% of women wore braids, buns, or pinned-up styles daily. Hair was often covered with scarves or nets while sleeping to prevent tangling and breakage.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was important. Around 15–20% massaged oils or herbal preparations into the scalp to promote healthy growth and maintain hair health.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Yes, home remedies dominated. About 20–25% applied treatments like egg masks, milk, honey, or herbal rinses. Salon treatments were almost nonexistent.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was very rare. Only 2–5% 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 60–70% braided or pinned hair at night to protect it, often using scarves or nets to prevent damage.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Hair care relied on natural products like oils, herbal rinses, and soaps. The focus was on nourishment, shine, and hair preservation rather than styling or volume.
