heat-based permanent-waving machines had been invented in 1917 by
The 1980s opened the door to bold makeup, lots of hairspray, the
Isidoro Calvete in London, and by the mid-1920s, large perming units
punk and goth movement, and unobstructed freedom for individuals to
were fairly common in upscale salons.
express themselves and truly develop cosmetology into an art. For the
These large machines consisted of a base fixed to the ceiling with
first time, cosmetology and the industry’s artists and innovators were cel-
vertical, heating octopus-like arms attached. These heater-based curlers
ebrated with the birth of the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).
were primitive and the first of its kind, so they were very expensive, and
It was prestigious events like this and the rise of the internet in the
the curling process was drawn out and long
early 2000s that catapulted the
due to the low number of individual heated
industry forward by facilitating ac-
curling arms.
cess to current trends, styles, and
By the 1930s, the perming process, as well
industry innovators. The internet
as the machines and methods used, were well
also facilitated the sharing and
established and more efficient. However, to
interaction between different parts
speed up the process even more, reagents like
of the world, allowing individu-
ammonia were introduced and women every-
als to become better educated.
where were getting their hair set and curled as
With trends coming and going in
Charlie’s Angels
often as once a week.
the blink of an eye, the industry
continues to hold steady as the
An Industry Rises
With the rise of television and film in the
catalyst for every major change in
Twiggy
fashion.
late 1940s, Hollywood stars became role mod-
The Modern Experience
els and fashion icons. Women flocked
to beauty salons to have their favorite
The salon as we know it, along
starlets’ looks recreated. The beauty salon
with the technology used, has
became more popular than ever, and
completely evolved, but one thing
Cher
cosmetologists were often considered to
holds true: The salon experience is
be among the most stylish and fashion-
still designed to provide comfort,
forward women. They were trendsetters
and walking advertisements for the
enjoyment, and elegance.
Jackie Kennedy
popular styles of the period.
In 1950, aerosol hairspray took the
industry by storm and with it came the ability to create what are now
Modern salons are not only limited to hair anymore. There are specialty salons that solely focus on blow outs, manicures/pedicures, extensions,
the ultimate spa experience, and even eyebrow bars, among others.
There is virtually no limit to the arsenal of beauty products and
iconic styles, such as the bouffant and beehive, popularized by famous
electronic tools available to the public. The beauty industry has tran-
women like Jackie Kennedy. By the mid-1960s, supermodels like Twiggy
scended time and has skyrocketed to the top of today’s fast-paced world.
unveiled a softer androgynous look shifting the common stiff, done-up
Cosmetology is now one of the most competitive and lucrative careers,
style into a more natural look. Technology was advancing and products
and with today’s use of advanced technology, various chemicals, and even
like electric hot rollers and the electric curling iron were released, bringing
organic chemical-free alternatives, it’s crucial to constantly work to stay in
the modern day salon amenities of the era into working-class homes.
the know and up-to-date on industry happenings.
The 1970s brought a new wave of style when artists like Cher made
her debut of the sleek, long, stick-straight hair. In 1976, Farrah Fawcett
and the rest of Charlie’s Angels exploded onto the scene causing women
everywhere to try and imitate their feathered layers, which is now one of
the most iconic looks of the era. Gone were the days of pin-up curls and
stiff beehives.
The beauty industry will not slow down anytime soon, so it’s vital to
advance and evolve with it in order to achieve success.
Laura Armenta is the Communications Coordinator for the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). PBA
advances the professional beauty industry by providing our members with education, charitable outreach, government advocacy, events and more. PBA is the largest organization of salon professionals
with members representing salons and spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals/
NCA. Visit www.probeauty.org or call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) for more information.
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OHIO STYLIST & SALON
| AUGUST 2014
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