The Evolution of Hair and Makeup Trends: What Every Stylist Should Know
Introduction:
Hair and makeup trends have changed significantly over the years, with each era leaving its mark on the beauty world. Understanding the history and future of beauty trends is very important for any stylist to be ahead of the curve and to meet the needs of their clients as they continue to change. Whether you are an old-timer in the field or just stepping into the arena, it’s imperative to track how these trends have been moving over the years and where they are going. In this blog post, we will discuss the development of hair and makeup trends from past to present and how some pivotal moments impacted the beauty world, which eventually led to shaping these trends into the ones you would be working on today and for the days ahead.
Early Days: Glamour and Elegance
Tress and makeup trends date back to ancient civilizations. In those days, beauty rituals were more of social status rather than aesthetic purposes. In ancient Egypt, for example, men and women both wore heavy makeup on the face to highlight the identity features. The now-fashionable cat-eye eyeliner originated from ancient Egypt. The Egyptians further innovated hairpieces, wigs, and elaborate hairstyles for purposes of power and wealth.
Fast-forward to the early 20th century and the glamour of Hollywood dominated the screen. Imagine: movie stars with timeless elegance such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Each defined waves, bold red lips, and perfectly defined brows, forming a hallmark of glamorous looks. In those years, stylists used makeup to provide flawless, polished looks and achieved dramaticness with excessive amounts of cosmetics applied.
1960s and 1970s: A Decade of Big Statement Starts
In the 1960s, the beauty world began to play and be bolder and experimental. The “Mod” movement introduced sleek, geometric haircuts, such as the bob, while makeup became more graphic with the advent of thick eyeliner and false lashes. Youths in this period were all about rebellion, so hairstylists had to come up with innovative, avant-garde hairstyles that would differentiate them from everyone else.
During the 1970s, people started to prefer a more bohemian way of beauty and, as such, longer locks and loose textures made their way up the ladder as the shag cut and feathered styles become the new ‘in’ fashion. Makeup softens down even further with focus on neutral and minimal makeup to show a great departure from being over-the-top glamorous. There was an entrance into a world of casual elegance.
The 1980s: Bigger Was Better
The 1980s was the decade of excess. Bigger hair, bolder makeup, and colorful trends dominated. Think of the iconic “big hair” trend, which required layers of teasing, hairspray, and a whole lot of volume. Makeup became equally dramatic, with neon eyeshadows, bright blush, and heavily defined brows. It was all about making a statement, and stylists had to be creative with the use of textures and colors to make their clients stand out.
Return to simplicity: 1990s and early 2000s.
The 1990s and early 2000s was a much more minimalist era after the overindulgence of the 1980s. Haircuts became sleek and straight, with no volume and very natural texture. The “Rachel” haircut by Jennifer Aniston on Friends set the definition for the era. Makeup trends favored the subtle look: nude lips, thin brows, and soft eyeshadows were in, while more is more was a phrase not in vogue. It was the time when less really was more.
However, amidst all this restraint, there existed the growing cult of pop icons like the Spice Girls and the supermodels- Naomi Campbell-to name a few, whose striking looks and rather experimental beauty created a certain flair of glamour with attitude to such otherwise minimalist trends.
The 2010s: Social Media’s Impact on Beauty
Social media blew up in the 2010s with Instagram and YouTube, giving birth to hair and makeup tutorials and catapulting beauty influencers to millions of followers. “Instagram makeup” entered the scene-the trend that gave rise to flawlessness and a full-coverage foundation, prominent contouring, and bold, dramatic brows. This was a time when every girl wanted to look “Instagram-ready,” while hairstylists were forced to work harder for polished and camera-friendly styles.
Moreover, the 2010s saw the return of old trends, such as 90s hairstyles and makeup. Dark lips and smudged eyeliner, which characterized the grunge look, came back into style, and “no-makeup” makeup also gained popularity. The period saw bold, over-the-top beauty mixed with more relaxed, natural styles.
2020s and Beyond: Inclusivity and Sustainability
Beautification that is to lead us into the 2020s is something that needs inclusivity and sustainability. There must be makeup and hair products with shades, hair types, and textures to accommodate greater ranges. Green choice sustainability will also be sustained as beauty companies launch products which not only are beautiful but are safe on the environment.
Trend-wise, individuality is back in style in the 2020s. No more one standard beauty; it’s all about embracing differences and individuality. Hairstylists are playing with texture, color, and shape so that each person walks out looking unique. Makeup has become a lot more experimental: colorful eyeshadows, graphic eyeliner, and bold lip colors. However, there is also a trend of embracing natural beauty, where many are opting for more minimalist looks and focusing on skincare to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion.
What Every Stylist Should Know
Current fashion styles are an outgrowth of history. Keeping abreast with current trends and being aware of what your client wants is fundamental to ensuring your skills can bend and create whatever style will suit this ever-changing industry.
Here are some important factors that would probably influence beauty trends in the future:
Technology and Innovation: New beauty technologies will be comprised of AI-based makeup apps, advanced hair treatments, and further impact how you think about beauty.
Sustainability: The call for eco-friendly and cruelty-free products will result in changes within the products that you use and recommend.
Personalization: Increased interest in personal, one-of-a-kind beauty experiences. Personalized looks mean more for some stylists competing in the marketplace.
Conclusion
Beauty is in constant flux, and the stylist leads it while shaping tomorrow’s trends. By knowing the past and being aware of what’s next, you will stay ahead of the curve and deliver your clients the latest styles. Whether it is embracing bold new looks or celebrating the beauty of natural, minimalistic trends, there’s always something new to explore in the world of hair and makeup. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and continue to offer your clients the best of what the beauty world has to offer.
What’s your take on the evolution of beauty trends? Let us know in the comments below!
