Where Did It Start? Histories Of Six Beauty Techniques

For centuries, women have been using various techniques to enhance their beauty. Before lasers and infrared light, there were wooden tubes and wine vinegar. Here is the history of six common beauty techniques that you may find interesting.

1. Plastic Surgery

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The evolution of plastic surgery began in 600 B.C. in India by Sushruta, a Hindu surgeon. He performed a secretive procedure called "Indian Method of Rhinoplasty". This plastic surgery corrected missing noses that were lost in war or cut off as a punishment to a crime like adultery. The surgeon would cut skin from the cheek or forehead in the shape of a flap, twist it then flip it over so that the skin showed and place over the nose area. The surgeon would then insert two wooden tubes into the nostrils to open the air passages so that the patient could breathe.

2. High Heels

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High heels became a wild success when they were worn by Catherine de Medici in the 1500s. She wanted to impress her fiancé (the Duke of Orleans and eventually the King of France) and the rest of France. Her two inch heels gave her such a taller physique and nicer walk that heels became popular for both male and females. The term "well-heeled" became popular and was associated with people of wealth or authority.

3. Teeth Whitening

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The popularity of very white teeth started in 2000 B.C when the Egyptians applied toothpaste which was made of wine vinegar and pumice stone powder to their teeth using chew sticks. In the first-century, the Romans added human urine to toothpaste because the ammonia in urine made teeth whiter.

4. Hair Coloring

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Hair coloring was first used by the Egyptians in 1500 B.C. They colored their hair with henna. Throughout history, hair coloring has been used to portray an attitude. In the 1000 B.C., the Gauls colored their hair red which signified rank and class, but then red hair was unpopular in the Dark Ages when people with red hair were thought to participate in witchcraft. In 300 B.C., different colored hair had different meanings for the Romans. Red hair was worn by the royal and noble women. Blonde hair was worn by middle-class women. Black hair was worn by poor women.

5. Makeup

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Makeup has been used as far back as the Egyptians. The Egyptians used black kohl makeup to give a cat-like appearance to their eyes. Not only was makeup used by both men and women, it was used on the Goddesses and Gods statues. They also used makeup for magical and religious purposes

6. Ear Piercing

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Primitive tribes started piercing earlobes to ward off demons. Metal was believed to repel the evil spirits that tried to enter the body through the ear lobes. Sailors also pierced their ears for superstitious reasons. They believed they were safer while at sea because the piercings made their eyesight better.

These six beauty techniques have very interesting origins. Today, these techniques are still used for beauty enhancement and continue to set trends.