I recently joined a vintage society group. The group's purpose is to wear our interpretation of vintage clothing to social events around the city. It is quite fun researching the styles of decades past. It is even more interesting to see what is already in our closet that can be transformed with a little accessorizing. For example, I safety-pinned a skirt to mid-calf length and added my grandmother's broach to a sweater and Wala 1950s. Add a ribbon to my hair and some oversized sunglasses to a sundress and Wala 1970’s picnic time.
The group is having a lighthearted debate. Are the 1980s considered vintage, or is it just retro? Especially since most of us were in high school then. They are vintage for anyone who was born after 2000. Radio stations specifically say they play the music of the 1980s. There are all kinds of 80s parties where everybody dresses up. So yes, I say the 1980s are vintage despite not wanting to admit my age.
There is an upcoming event. I am going in a 1920s-style dress. It's hard to believe that it was actually 100 years ago. Of course, we are now once again back in the roaring 20s. My dance partner for the evening has decided to dress in the Miami Vice style of the 80s. The aviator sunglasses, oversized watch, white suit with a pastel shirt, and even shoes with no socks are perfect. Except for one thing…the hair.
Hairstyles in the 1980s could only have been accomplished with Aqua Net. We all remember the iconic can and the girls' room in every high school, filled with a fog of aerosol spray. It was a high hold for high hair. It was bought by the case and kept close at hand. The 1980s would not have been the same without it. Without Aqua Net, the 1980s hair scene would have fallen completely flat.
How do you get your mohawk spikes, big bangs, high fade, flat tops, and more without hairspray? The can boasted a hold of 6 to 8 inches, but it did much better than that. Big hairbands, punk spikes, and the teased side ponytail stretched the product to its limit. Aqua Net sent the hair soaring as high as it would go.
What happened to the hairspray that shaped a decade and possibly a generation or two?
It was invented sometime in the 50s. Remember bouffants, the side swish, the volume of the ’60s and the shag of the ’70s. All things Dippity Do couldn’t do. The hair was not quite as outrageous as the 80s, but they didn't have neon or spandex, and everyone had to wear matching socks. I am sure Jane Fonda was still in her leotards.
You could still get aqua into the '90s, but it got bought out, shelved, and forgotten. Apparently, the company making the product in the ‘70s used chemicals that caused liver cancers and the company manufacturing it in the early 2000 used chemicals that contributed to male reproductive dysfunction. The company was sued. With some rebranding and a new formula, Aqua Net can still hold our high. It is still sold in its iconic purple can, hopefully, with fewer side effects. Yes, Dippity Do is still around.
Maybe I will be ready to tease my hair
into a thousand knots by the time the 80s roll around again. My hair will have
grown out, and I can embrace my true neon self.
But… probably not.
How about you - What was your hairstyle in high school?
Comments
Post a Comment