What is the History of Pink Hair?
Pink hair's history is surprisingly long and varied, spanning centuries and cultures. It wasn't always the bold statement it is today.
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17th and 18th Centuries: Pink wasn't achieved through direct hair dye, but rather through the use of pink-hued hair powders applied to wigs, popular among both men and women of high social standing. (Source: YouTube video, several articles) This shows that the desire for pink hair is far older than modern hair dye technology.
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Early 20th Century: The trend continued into the early 1900s. Articles mention a writer, Margaret Mason, as an early advocate for pink hair during this period. (Source: Slate article) This demonstrates the cyclical nature of fashion and beauty trends. Anecdotal evidence also suggests some women sported pink hair in the 1950s. (Source: Reddit post)
Pink Hair in Modern Times:
- Mid-20th Century - Present: While pink hair might have experienced periods of lesser popularity, its resurgence in modern times is undeniable. It's been a prominent trend in various subcultures and among mainstream celebrities, driven by advancements in hair dye technology allowing for bolder and more vibrant colors. Examples include its feature in fashion shows like Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2015 collection (Source: Vogue article). Even video game characters like Link have been depicted with pink hair (Source: History of Hyrule blog). The color has even been linked to specific periods, such as its association with the aesthetic of the COVID-19 pandemic (Source: Teen Vogue article). A teacher even used pink hair to raise money for charity in a recent example (Source: Asbury Park Press).
Conclusion:
Pink hair, far from being a recent invention, holds a surprisingly rich history, evolving from powdered wigs to modern vibrant hues. Its cyclical popularity reflects changing societal norms and the enduring human desire for self-expression through fashion and beauty.
