Posted by Anthony (other posts) on February 06, 2014 at 12:27:13 Previous Next
In Reply to: Hair History questions. posted by Kenneth on February 06, 2014 at 11:09:15:
I haven't gone into it in a big way, but long hair on men (women too) was in fashion up to the French Revolution - either in the form of natural hair or wigs. Of course, wigs were very expensive and were a symbol of gentlemen and the aristocracy.
Two influences led to short hair: the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. There was a reaction from the flamboyant style of the 18th century. However, men continued to wear their moustaches and sideburns, with or without a beard. Long hair continued, but it was out of fashion.
In the 19th century, more and more people were got off the land and put to work in factories and made to live in squalid conditions. When social reforms began in the late 19th century and the time leading up to World War I, something had to be done against lice and disease. That was made worse by World War I and the buzz (crew) cut or short back 'n' sides was here to stay.
There is also the ancient symbolism in the shearing of the vanquished. The workers' heads were shorn and they lost something of their humanity - like modern office workers in corporations. A man who grows his hair asserts his humanity and his independence. I was aware of this symbol as a child, even though it wasn't taught in school history.
Someone needs to do a study of social classes and hair over the same period. I have learned a lot of things from the articles in the links section of this forum.
I hope this contributes something.
Anthony
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: 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.