Every time period in history has its own beauty standards, and accordingly, every generation has its own unique ways to attain them. Of course, outer beauty is deeply personal, but at the same time, what we perceive as attractive is affected by the culture surrounding us. So it’s no surprise that some vintage beauty procedures, treatments, and practices that were popular during the first half of the 20th century are no longer in use.
Some devices, like the hairdryer, for example, are still widely popular but took on a completely different shape through the decades. The first hair dryer was invented in 1890 by French stylist Alexander Godefroy. His seated version had a bonnet that attached to the chimney pipe of a gas stove. The first handheld hair dryers appeared in the 1920s but they were still significantly different from the ones we use today. They were much heavier and more difficult to use.
In the following photo collection, you can see such vintage hairdryers and other beauty and wellness practices of the past. It’s interesting to think about how future generations will look at the practices that we take for granted today.



Related: Did People Age Faster in the Past?



Related: 20 Rare Photos of the USA From the 1950s





Related: 14 Effective Old-School Beauty Tips We Need to Bring Back






Source of images: Bored Panda
Share these interesting vintage photos with history lovers
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
21:01
Car Designs Have Changed SO Much Over the Last Century
A classic car expert provides an in-depth analysis of the last 100 years of car design.
10 Shocking Mysteries From Human History
10 incredible mysteries we know very little about.
8 Bizarre Customs From Not-So-Long Ago
Here are 8 practices that used to be viewed as normal in the past, but today they seem bizarre, dangerous... or both!
9:37
What Did the Future Mean to 1958 High Schoolers?
Peep into a high school debate from 1958 about the teenager's future. Are their arguments still relevant today?
These Photos Show How Much The World Has Changed…
These historical images reveal how much the world has changed in the last 100 years and it's absolutely incredible
Choose a Word, and I’ll Tell You Where You’re From
Let’s do a quick test: in your mind, count the number of syllables in the word ‘caramel’, and let us reveal where you’re from. Click here to find the answer.
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
10 Quirky FACTOIDS About Music Everyone Will Love
These weird and wonderful facts about music will astound you!
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
1:40
The Man Who Saved 669 Children
Sir Nicholas Winton organised the rescue and passage to Britain of about 669, Czechoslovakian children, mostly Jewish, destined for the Nazi death camps before World War II in an operation known as the Czech Kindertransport. This video is the BBC Pro
5:17
The Art Dealer Who Had to Prove His Paintings Are...Fake?
Learn about one of the strangest trials in history, that of the Dutch art forger Han van Meegeren and his dubious relations with the Nazis
8 Most Expensive Auction Items Sold in the Last Decade
This article explores the seven most expensive items sold at auction between 2015 and 2025
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
10 Times You’ve Quoted Shakespeare Without Realizing It...
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
10 Facts Everyone Should Know About Nelson Mandela
Even the most public figures have some lesser known facts hidden in their biographies. Here are 10 facts you may not know about Nelson Mandela.
15 Quotes by Meryl Streep That Inspire Everyone
Meryl Streep, the queen of acting, has shared many wonderful words on life and success that everyone will find inspiring.
I Just Wanted to Say: HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wish a Merry Christmas to you and yours by sending them one of these greeting cards.
This Could’ve Been the Worst Nuclear Catastrophe in the US
In 1961, the US avoided a major nuclear disaster thanks to sheer luck...
14 Famous Disappearances That Still Baffle Investigators
These fanous disappearances haunt our collective imagination.
6:20
What's Hidden UNDER the Colosseum?
The exterior of the Colosseum is certainly epic, but the most remarkable part of this ancient structure is actually hidden underneath the surface...
7:56
The People We Said Goodbye to This Year of 2025
As we close the chapter on 2025, we pause to remember the extraordinary individuals who left us this year.
6:15
John Williams Conducts the Theme Song from “Jurassic Park”
Watch legendary composer enthrall the audience as he conducts the famous theme music from “Jurassic Park”.
6:21
Do You Know What Goes Into the Average Marshmallow?
Marshmallows are one of the most beloved treats in the US. But do you know what they're actually made of and hoe they are produced?
These Fun Infographics Will Pique Your Interest!
Become more knowledgeable and more powerful today without boredom. Check out these fascinating maps and infographics!
Love is Beautifully Captured in These Historic Photos...
While much has changed over the last century, there is one thing that has always remained the same, and that is love. Take a look at this photo collection.
Discover What These Famous People Had to Say
Famous people, in addition to leaving us with their contributions to the world, also left us with many great quotes. Here are 20 quotes from famous people.
Incredible Story: The 1925 Serum Run to Nom, Alaska
This is the story of the Great Race of Mercy.
6 World Famous Figures Who Kept Their Identity a Secret
Being famous doesn't have to mean everyone knows everything about you - these 6 enigmatic figures are world-famous yet no one truly knows who they are.
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
4:11
Nostalgia: 50 Beautiful Faces We'll Never Forget...
Nostalgic faces from the golden ages to the modern ages.
What Does the Color of an Egg Yolk Mean? Find Out Here!
Ever wondered what the color of an egg yolk says about the quality of the egg? If so, then wonder no more...
These Great Cities Were Once the World's Largest
History has seen the rise and fall of many great cities, but the greatest of all endure through the millennia. Take a look at this top 10.
Do You Know What All These Acronyms Stand For?
There are many famous acronyms around, but do you know what they stand for? Here are 21 acronyms you've always wondered about.
The Astonishing Life and Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein
It is the true story of Ludwig Wittgenstein, the man who sat in the same classroom as Adolf Hitler, became the protégé of the philosopher Bertrand Russell, and changed the face of 20th-century philosophy
11 English Words You Didn't Know Were Actually Spanish!
Learn about the Spanish etymology of 11 words in American English (and a bonus at the end!)
Check Your Pockets Now! This Quarter Is Worth Thousands!
There's a quarter out there that is worth thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to look out for.
14:52
What Are the Odds?! - 20 Creepy Historical Coincidences
These are some of the creepiest, and most spine-chilling coincidental occurrences in history...
These WW2 Testimonies Shed New Light on the War...
Whether you are a WWII history buff, or were personally affected by the terrible conflict, you are sure to appreciate this unique collection of war interviews.
Can You Believe These Words Didn’t Exist Before the 1970s?
When a new words spreads it seems it's been around forever. But in reality, many of the words we use everyday are quite new. These didn't exist before the 1970s.
So Long, Pope Francis: The Story of a Beloved Pope
Let's have a look at the remarkable life and legacy of Pope Francis, exploring the experiences and values that have shaped his papacy and inspired a global community.
14:13
Rare Restoration: Restoring a DiResta Winchester 1873
Watch an incredible restoration of a 1873 Winchester rifle.
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
These Are the Most Overused Words in the English Language
Are you guilty of using these overused words in English? Find out!
Fascinating History: Conspiracy of Lincoln's Assassination
These haunting portraits of men awaiting trial or execution after being accused of assassinating President Abraham Lincoln will move you. take a look.
15 Powerful Images That'll Make Ponder
Here are some motivational pictures that will help you get through the weekend.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.