Posted by Dave_AR (other posts) on February 06, 2014 at 12:24:30 Previous Next
In Reply to: Hair History questions. posted by Kenneth on February 06, 2014 at 11:09:15:
: Why did short hair becomes so puritanical from the turn of the 19th century to the 1950s. I know the wars had something to do with it but that doesn't explain why most the civilian males went along with it too.
: Perhaps hollywood had an influence?
: As you know the 19th century was pretty liberal as far as personal style went.
I read somewhere that the Romans used to cut their hair very short to avoid getting caught by their hair in their invasions and fights.
Also, as a way to identify themselves from the Barbarians.
Throughout the history, having long hair was a sign of wealth and power. Also, when they caught a slave they used to shave the head off as a sign of submission (in fact, Franciscan priests wear their head shaved as a sign of submission to God).
Later on, during the 16 th century long hair in men went fashionable again (look at photos of the different kings in France, for example).
Women used to wear high wigs as well . The more hair you had, the richer you were.
Afterwards, with World Wars I and II short hair was ON again (this time, to avoid diseases, infections caused by the conditions the soldiers were battling).