Did Hair Dryers Become Popular
In a time when washing your hair was seen as an acceptable excuse to decline an invitation, the arrival of the hair dryer was an instant game-changer. Faster, more efficient and certainly less lethal, it’s now common to find a hair dryer in every household. But how did the hairdryer get to where it is today?
The hair dryer’s story starts in the 1920s. French designer Alexandre Godefroy’s first designs of hairdryers satisfied both stylists and salon visitors by reducing the amount of time it took to dry their tresses. This was the era of the bob, or Garconne cut, prized by fashionable women of the time.
As the 20th Century progressed, hair dryer began to see improvements – including electrical advancements that allowed for higher wattage and more power. During this period, handheld models became the norm and started to resemble the small, pistol-shaped devices we’re familiar with.
When Did Hair Dryers Become Popular?
Handheld hairdryers were joined by hooded models, which could be worn over the head to evenly distribute heat throughout your locks. This was a breakthrough innovation for the time, allowing hairstylists to mechanize their marcel wave technique. It’s important to note that at the time, hair salons were racially segregated. It appears that it was the only way for black hairdressers to make a name for themselves in this new, white-dominated industry.
The 1950s saw the introduction of more lightweight designs that used better electrical motors, which meant they ran faster and required a smaller power usage. These improved versions also sported a more ergonomic design and were much easier to use. This also coincided with the emergence of a new style of hairstyle called the pixie haircut, which was popularized by stars like Farah Fawcett and the movie Shampoo.
By the 1960s, modern hairdryers were sleeker and more powerful than ever before, using up to 500 watts of energy. These models also incorporated temperature control features and safety components to keep users safe.
Around the 1990s, technological advances continued and manufacturers began to integrate temperature cutoff switches and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in their products. In addition, they also began to offer hair dryers that are lighter in weight and smaller in size. These smaller, more portable hair dryers – often found in a jaunty youthful color – are now the standard at beauty counters across the world.
Currently, most hairdryers are made from high-quality plastics, mainly ABS (a hard and durable type of thermoplastic). In the past, they were made of metal, which was more expensive to produce but offered superior durability. The introduction of these plastics has made them more affordable for consumers and has contributed to the growth of the hairdryer market as a whole. In the future, it’s likely that even more improvements will be made to ensure hair dryers are safe and easy to use while offering advanced technology that allows them to do what they do best: keep your hair looking great.
