Back in the day, hair came with a rulebook—and our grandmothers followed it to the letter. You didn’t go outside with wet hair, you never left the house without setting your curls, and heaven forbid you skipped your weekly salon appointment. These habits weren’t just about looks—they were about pride, routine, and doing things “the right way.” But times change, and so do beauty standards. What once felt like gospel now seems outdated, even unnecessary. Let’s take a fun look at the hair rules that shaped generations—and why they’ve quietly faded away.
Frequent Brushing for Shine
Every evening, without fail, grandmothers could be found brushing their hair, a ritual of a bygone era. It was believed that brushing a hundred strokes each night would result in shiny, healthy locks. This daily habit, passed down through generations, was rooted in the belief that it stimulated the scalp’s natural oils. Though scientifically questionable, it was a moment for reflection and relaxation. Today, we know that excessive brushing can actually lead to damage. Yet, the image of our grandmothers, brush in hand, remains a comforting sight from our past.
Weekly Hair Washing
Once upon a time, washing hair was not a daily chore but a weekly ritual. Grandmothers carefully scheduled their hair-washing day, an event that required time and preparation. The belief was that washing too frequently would strip away essential oils, vital for healthy hair. While today’s shampoos boast gentle formulas suitable for everyday use, back then, less was more. This practice, though antiquated, allowed hair to retain its natural oils longer, lending it much-needed moisture in a time before modern conditioners.
Setting Hair with Curlers
The sight of a grandmother with curlers in her hair was a common one. Setting hair with curlers was not just about style but a nightly ritual to ensure perfect curls the next day. This tradition, cherished for its simplicity, involved winding sections of hair around curlers and securing them tightly. Though time-consuming, it was a testament to patience and dedication. Today’s advanced styling tools offer quick results, making curlers seem obsolete. Yet, the nostalgic charm of curlers remains, a sweet reminder of a slower-paced life.
Avoiding Haircuts During Pregnancy
A belief once held dear was that cutting hair during pregnancy could bring bad luck or harm to the unborn child. This superstition saw expecting mothers forgo trims, allowing their hair to grow longer. Originating from folklore, this rule has since been debunked, yet it highlighted the reverence with which pregnancy was treated. Today, mothers-to-be often embrace their changing bodies with modern hairstyles. While the superstition has faded, it remains a cultural footnote in the history of hair care
Rinsing with Vinegar
For grandmothers, a vinegar rinse was the secret to eliminating residue and achieving shiny hair. This natural remedy was praised for its ability to balance pH levels and remove buildup from hair products. Grandmothers diligently mixed vinegar with water, pouring the concoction over their hair after shampooing. While the pungent smell was unavoidable, the promise of glossy locks made it worthwhile. In contemporary times, specialized clarifying shampoos and conditioners offer similar benefits without the odor. The vinegar rinse, though rare now, remains a testament to organic hair solutions.
Avoiding Hair Washing on Sundays
Sunday was a day of rest, and for some grandmothers, that meant no hair washing. This tradition wasn’t just about conserving effort but also about religious observance and spending time with family. The day was reserved for relaxation, and hair maintenance took a backseat. Today, the idea of skipping a wash for a particular day seems quaint, as modern lifestyles demand flexibility. However, the Sunday rest day still echoes in the hearts of those who cherish family time.
Using Beer for Volume
To add volume and shine, grandmothers turned to an unlikely source: beer. The proteins in the beer were believed to coat the hair, giving it body and luster. This quirky practice involved pouring beer over the hair and letting it sit before a thorough rinse. Though the scent was unmistakable, the results often spoke for themselves. Today, volumizing shampoos and conditioners have taken beer’s place, but this amusing remedy highlights a resourcefulness that many still admire.
Sleeping on Silk Pillows
Silk pillowcases were a luxury, yet they served a functional purpose: preserving hairstyles. Grandmothers cherished their silk pillows for their smooth texture, reducing frizz and breakage during sleep. This elegant solution was a secret to maintaining those perfectly set curls or waves. Silk’s gentle nature was favored for its ability to keep hair sleek and tangle-free. While satin and silk accessories are popular today, the vision of a grandmother resting on a silk pillow remains an enduring image of grace and care.
Avoiding Hair Dye
Embracing natural hair color was a norm for many grandmothers, who saw hair dye as unnecessary. Whether due to cost, time, or personal preference, going gray gracefully was a celebrated milestone. These women embraced their silver strands, a testament to wisdom and experience. Today, the allure of vibrant hair colors has overshadowed this philosophy, yet a movement towards natural beauty is reviving the sentiment. Grandmothers with their elegant gray hair remain icons of authenticity and grace.
Avoiding Hair Cuts on Fridays
Steeped in superstition, some grandmothers believed that cutting hair on a Friday could lead to bad luck. This belief, woven into the fabric of tradition, saw hair salons observe quiet Fridays. While the origins of this superstition remain unclear, it illustrates the cultural tapestry of hair care. Today, with the fast-paced nature of life, haircuts happen whenever convenient. However, the Friday superstition serves as a charming reminder of times when beliefs dictated routines.