Beauty rituals have always reflected the time; for Boomers, that often meant getting creative. From makeshift tools to questionable ingredients, their beauty routines were an ode to resilience and experimentation. While some of these “charming” practices seem outdated today, others make us thankful for modern innovations. Here are 15 of the most outrageous beauty rituals Boomers embraced back in the day.
1. They Ironed Their Hair on an Ironing Board
Before flat irons became the go-to tool for straightening hair, women in the ’60s and ’70s used some rather risky methods to achieve the pin-straight, sleek hair that was so popular at the time. One of the most dangerous techniques involved lying on an ironing board while a friend pressed their hair with a hot clothing iron. This process required immense skill and steady hands, as one mistake could lead to scorched hair or even painful burns. According to Reddit, women also used empty cans to flatten curls before ironing them, highlighting the resourcefulness and risk-taking involved in these early hair straightening methods. Despite the obvious dangers, many women embraced this technique, determined to achieve the glossy, straight hair that was considered the epitome of beauty.
The practice of ironing hair became a widespread trend, reflecting the lengths people would go to to keep up with the beauty standards of the time. While the risks were clear, the desire for perfectly straight hair often outweighed the potential consequences. The method became a sort of DIY beauty ritual for many, though it was far from the safer and more efficient flat irons we use today. As technology advanced, hair straightening tools became safer, but the memory of these dangerous hair-smoothing methods remains a testament to how far people have been willing to go to achieve the perfect look.
2. They Slept in Pin Curls for Perfect Waves
Achieving bouncy, elegant curls in the mid-20th century required much more effort and discomfort than simply using a curling iron. Women would twist sections of damp hair around their fingers, pin them tightly to their scalps, and then endure a night of uncomfortable sleep. The result was beautiful, voluminous curls, but the process itself was anything but glamorous. The bobby pins dug into their heads, and the fragile curls had to be carefully protected until morning, turning the entire procedure into a painstaking ritual. According to Good Housekeeping, sleeping in pin curls was a common practice for achieving stylish curls without the modern tools available today.
This nightly process became a blend of patience, determination, and a fair amount of discomfort, all in the name of beauty. Women were willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of achieving the perfect waves and curls that were so coveted during that era. While today’s methods for achieving curls are far more convenient, this mid-century technique remains a testament to the dedication and effort women put into their beauty routines, enduring inconvenience for the sake of looking their best.
3. They Created a Cloud of Hairspray
Big, voluminous hairstyles in the past required serious dedication, and for many women, that meant turning to hairspray—lots of it. To maintain teased, bouffant hairdos that defied gravity, they would layer on the can after can of the product. The result was perfectly sculpted hair that could withstand anything from wind and rain to hours of dancing at a party. However, achieving this sky-high look came with its own set of challenges, including sticky hair, intense fumes, and the endless buildup of product over time.
Despite these drawbacks, hairspray became an essential tool in creating the dramatic, voluminous hair that defined the beauty aesthetic of an entire generation. Women were willing to tolerate the sticky mess and harsh chemicals for the sake of flawless, gravity-defying locks. Hairspray was their secret weapon in achieving that bold, structured look, and even with its discomforts, it was an integral part of their beauty routines, solidifying its place as a staple in hairstyling history. According to Poison Control, inhaling hairspray can cause coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing, especially if used in poorly ventilated areas. Professional hair stylists, who frequently inhale these chemicals, often experience respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing.
4. They Lightened Their Hair with Lemon Juice
Many Boomers relied on lemon juice as a natural lightening agent to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the need for a salon visit. They would saturate their hair with freshly squeezed lemon juice and then sit out in the sun, hoping the combination would create golden highlights. While the acidic juice did lighten their hair, it also had a downside—it stripped away moisture, leaving the hair dry and brittle. For many, the trade-off was worth it, as the results reflected the carefree, beachy look that was so popular during that era.
Despite the appealing golden tones, this DIY method often left hair more straw-like than glamorous. The process of using lemon juice in the sun created a distinct, natural highlight effect, but it came at the cost of the hair’s health. Still, for those seeking a quick, inexpensive way to brighten their locks, the method became a beloved beauty trick, even if it didn’t always result in the smooth, shiny hair they had hoped for. According to Byrdie, using lemon juice as a hair lightener works best on blonde hair, as it can make brown or darker shades look an unnatural orange color. This method, while natural, can lead to dryness and brittleness due to the acidity of the lemon juice.
5. They Applied Thick Cold Cream on Their Face and Body
Cold cream was the ultimate multitasker for many women, touted as a cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup remover all in one. They would slather the thick, oily product on their faces nightly, trusting it to cleanse away the day’s impurities while keeping their skin soft and hydrated. While it was effective at moisturizing, it also had its downsides, particularly for those with acne-prone skin, as it tended to clog pores and could lead to breakouts.
Despite these drawbacks, cold cream became a beloved staple in every Boomer woman’s beauty routine. It was passed down as a timeless secret for maintaining a youthful glow, and its simple, all-in-one functionality made it a convenient choice. Even though newer products may offer more specialized benefits, cold cream remains a nostalgic beauty product that many women still associate with their skincare heritage.
6. They Used Eyelash Curlers That Pinched
Early eyelash curlers were less about comfort and more about enduring a painful process to achieve perfectly curled lashes. Women often faced painful pinching and the occasional lash breakage in their quest for fluttery, doe-like eyes. The contraptions were often flimsy, with metal edges that didn’t prioritize comfort or safety, making the experience more torturous than effective. Yet, the allure of wide, captivating eyes kept this ritual alive.
For many, the brief discomfort was seen as a small price to pay for achieving the beauty standard of the time, which emphasized large, expressive eyes as a hallmark of femininity. Despite the risk of lash damage and physical discomfort, the desire to meet these beauty ideals kept women using eyelash curlers. Over time, improvements were made to the design, but the early versions remain a testament to the lengths women went to for beauty.
7. They Brushed Their Teeth with Baking Soda
Bright smiles were an essential part of the beauty standard, and baking soda became the go-to ingredient for whitening teeth. Boomers would dip their toothbrushes into the abrasive powder, scrubbing vigorously to remove stains and achieve a dazzling smile. While it did provide noticeable results, overuse of baking soda could lead to enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity, making it a double-edged sword for those seeking a whiter smile.
Despite the potential risks, this inexpensive and accessible method became a popular alternative to costly dental treatments. Many people embraced it as a quick fix for a brighter smile, often without fully considering the long-term effects on their dental health. As a result, while baking soda helped create radiant smiles, it also left some with fragile teeth, making it a beauty hack that came with a price.
8. They Applied Vaseline as a Cure All
Vaseline became the Swiss Army knife of beauty products, with women using it for a variety of purposes beyond just lip care. It was applied to tame flyaways, add shine to cheekbones, and even coat lashes in the hopes of promoting growth. In addition to its role as a multipurpose beauty tool, it was also used to moisturize dry patches, remove makeup, and serve as an overnight treatment for hands. Its versatility made it a staple in many beauty routines.
However, while Vaseline’s many uses were undeniable, its greasy texture often posed challenges. The thick, slick residue it left behind was not always ideal, especially when trying to maintain a non-greasy, fresh appearance. Despite this, its affordability and effectiveness made it an enduring favorite, even if it didn’t always deliver the polished, non-oily results many hoped for.
9. They Set Their Hair with Beer
Beer wasn’t just a beverage; it also served as a makeshift hair product for many women. They would pour it onto their hair as a setting lotion, trusting that its proteins would add volume and shine. The process involved saturating the hair with beer, styling it, and letting it dry, which created a firm hold for curls or waves. While this DIY trick was effective in giving hair structure, the lingering smell of stale beer made it less than glamorous.
Despite the odor, beer was a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive salon treatments, offering an easy way to achieve voluminous, styled hair. Many women embraced it as a simple solution for hair care, willing to endure the smell for the sake of a firm hold and added shine. Though it may not have been the most luxurious method, beer provided a practical, cost-effective way to achieve beautiful hair without breaking the bank.
10. They Tanned With Baby Oil
A bronzed glow was the ultimate beauty goal for many Boomers, and they achieved it with baby oil and hours spent under the sun. The oil acted as a magnifier, intensifying the sun’s rays and speeding up the tanning process, helping them achieve the coveted golden hue. While it delivered the desired results, the process came with serious risks, including severe sunburns and long-term skin damage.
Sunscreen wasn’t part of the beauty routine at the time, and the lasting effects of this sun worship—wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer—became evident only decades later. The pursuit of the perfect tan, often without protection, took a toll on skin health, leaving many to face the consequences of overexposure to UV rays as they aged. The beauty trend, though popular at the time, now serves as a reminder of the importance of sun safety and skin protection.
11. They Plucked Their Brows Into Oblivion
Thin, pencil-line brows were all the rage, and women plucked with abandon to achieve the perfect, sleek arch. Tweezers became the go-to tool, with no stray hair left untouched in the quest for the ideal shape. At the time, it was considered stylish, but many women later regretted their overzealous grooming when their brows refused to grow back to their natural fullness.
The obsession with achieving perfectly thin brows left a lasting impact, both physically and emotionally. For many, the years of over-plucking created permanent thinning, and the bold, full brows that are now in vogue were no longer an option. This beauty ritual became a cautionary tale for a generation, reminding us of how trends can leave a mark and the importance of balancing beauty standards with long-term self-care.
12. They Rinsed Their Hair with Vinegar
Shiny hair was the ultimate goal, and vinegar became the secret weapon to achieve it. After washing, women would pour diluted vinegar over their hair, believing it removed buildup and left strands with a glossy shine. The method worked as promised, enhancing the hair’s luster, but the overpowering smell of vinegar was a major drawback, lingering far longer than anyone would have liked.
Despite the sharp, sour scent, the vinegar rinse remained a popular ritual, offering an affordable alternative to expensive salon treatments. Women embraced it as an easy way to achieve salon-like results at home, willing to endure the unpleasant odor for the sake of shiny, healthy-looking hair. The vinegar rinse became a cherished beauty hack, even if the smell wasn’t the most glamorous part of the process.
13. They Created Face Masks with Raw Eggs
DIY skincare was a common practice, and raw egg masks were a staple in many women’s beauty routines. The whites were used to tighten the skin, while the yolks provided moisture, with the belief that the combination would leave their complexion glowing. The results were often noticeable, but the slimy texture and the risk of bacterial contamination made the process less than appealing.
Despite the discomfort and potential health concerns, the promise of a natural, radiant glow kept raw eggs in beauty routines. Many women were willing to tolerate the unpleasant sensation for the sake of achieving smoother, healthier skin. This DIY approach highlights the lengths people would go to for beauty, proving that a bit of discomfort was often seen as a small price to pay for the desired payoff.
14. They Moisturized with Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise wasn’t just reserved for sandwiches; it was also a popular hair treatment for many women. They would slather it on as a deep-conditioning mask, wrapping their heads in plastic to lock in moisture and restore softness to their hair. While it left hair feeling incredibly soft and nourished, the process was undeniably messy, and the lingering smell of eggs and oil wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Despite the less-than-ideal odor and the mess, this DIY ritual became a favorite for those seeking salon-quality results from the comfort of their homes. Women embraced the treatment, willing to sacrifice a bit of dignity—and perhaps their favorite condiment—for the sake of having shiny, healthy-looking hair. The mayonnaise hair mask remained a beloved beauty hack, proving that the quest for perfect hair often comes with a few less-than-glamorous sacrifices.
15. They Frosted Their Lips in Icy Shades
Frosted lipsticks in icy pinks and silvers were a beauty must-have, epitomizing the bold, glamorous style of the time. Women dedicated themselves to wearing these shimmery, metallic hues, embracing the frosted look even though the formulas often left their lips dry and flaky. Despite the lack of hydration, the shimmering finish was a hallmark of the era, and women were willing to tolerate the discomfort for the sake of the trend.
The frosted lipstick trend was quintessentially Boomer, defining a daring and adventurous approach to beauty that embraced bold, attention-grabbing colors. While it eventually faded in favor of softer, more natural tones, frosted lips remain an iconic nod to the beauty experiments of the time. The trend serves as a nostalgic reminder of the beauty risks many were willing to take, making frosted lipstick a memorable part of beauty history.
Natasha is a seasoned lifestyle journalist and editor based in New York City. Originally from Sydney, during a stellar two-decade career, she has reported on the latest lifestyle news and trends for major media brands including Elle and Grazia.
