The Influence Of Hair In American Culture

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For most people, hair is a natural symbol of identity and beauty. It is a part of their personality. It can also show a person’s image in society. That is why so many people are prideful of their hair. Throughout the decades in America there were many types of hairstyles they not only defined the people who wore them, but defined the era as well. Some hairstyles reflected popular media such as movie stars and singers, and other hairstyles reflected social movements and was a symbol for what people fought for. Whatever the reason, people use their hair as an extension of their personality and as such, use it to represent something close them. In every decade of American history, people had styled their hair for certain reasons.
In the 40s many …show more content…
The drugs, psychedelic music and political advocacy women focus on having more natural hair. One of the most trademarked styles of the 60s was the beehive, a giant combed tower of hair made popular by music stars such as the Ronettes. It was a staple of the 60s because of its bizarre nature, convenience and durability. Another popular hairstyle was the mop top worn by the Beatles. When the Beatles came to America and sang to the masses, people completely lost their minds. The Beatles was the music group that every woman fell in love with and the one that every man was jealous of. The people were so enamored by the Beatles that men and women alike wore the simple yet gorgeous mop top style. For men, one of the most prevalent hairstyles was the crew cut hairstyle. This style was a very general one and while it started in the 40s, its stays relevant all throughout American history. The style has a very sleek design and it defines the conservative man or boy. However, the crew cut was seen as boring compared to other experimental and revolutionary hairstyles. Additionally, 1960s were the tipping point of two different movements. One was the political activism against the War in Vietnam and the other was the feminist movement. When college kids protested against the Vietnam War they wanted to “stick it to the man” and radically changed their fashion sense to show their distaste of the government. During the feminist movement women were fed up with their positions in society
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