The Podcast: Bellinghairstory
Or…. Beauty and the B-ham
(historical Beauty Culture in Bellingham)
Summary
In this episode we get into the history of the professional beauty industry in Bellingham, Washington, focusing on hair, mostly… and also mostly women’s hair. We take a look at who was doing hair for a living, and how they were doing it, why they were doing it, and how the profession evolved from the wild west days through the progressive era. We have combed the archives for hair-raising stories to share with you from the bygone days of beauty culture here on Bellingham Bay.
Content warning for mentions of domestic violence and suicide as well as really painful sounding hair styles and swear words.
Listen
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SLIDE SHOW
Enjoy vintage ads and images to supplement the stories in this episode!
"Chandelier" style permanent wave machines were ubiquitous for several decades beginning around the 1920s
References and Resources
For further exploration…
Elizabeth Block - Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences - Hair-Raising History: How Coifs and Cuts Styled an Era
Mind Reader Podcast by Lost Hairstylists - Interview with Author and Historian - Elizabeth Block (YouTube)
The Gilded Gentleman Episode #77: Gilded Age Undergarments: What did Mrs. Astor Wear (Under There)? Fashion historian and author, Dr. Elizabeth L. Block returns to The Gilded Gentleman for a truly “undercover” investigation….
Dressed: The History of Fashion - Episode Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing with Elizabeth L. Block Part 1
Madam C. J. Walker - Self Made (Netflix Movie)
The Alarming Aesthetics of Jazz Age Perm Machines: Mix dangling wires and asbestos to achieve the perfect flapper wave. Ella Morton, Atlas Obscura August 2, 2016
Law, M. T., & Kim, S. (2005). Specialization and Regulation: The Rise of Professionals and the Emergence of Occupational Licensing Regulation. The Journal of Economic History, 65(3), 723–756. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3875015
Bowling with beauty school mannequin heads
We have lost more source for this episode, but these are the fun ones. Reach out if you have questions!
