9 Beauty Rules Boomer Women Grew Up With That Seem Strange Now

Boomer women grew up surrounded by beauty advice. It came from their mothers, from glossy magazines, from the cosmetics counter at the department store, and from the women on television. By the time they were teenagers, most of them knew exactly what a proper young lady was supposed to look like.

Some of that advice was harmless, and some of it was sensible. But a good deal of it seems strange today, and a few habits were actually bad for skin and health. Many women now laugh about the things they once did in the name of beauty.

These rules say a great deal about the expectations placed on women in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Here are nine beauty rules boomer women grew up with that seem strange now.

1. Sleep in Rollers Every Night

Many boomer women remember sleeping in hair rollers, pin curls, or curlers wrapped in a scarf. It was uncomfortable, but it was the only way to wake up with curls or volume. Some women spent hours setting their hair each week.

The weekly trip to the beauty parlor for a wash and set was a ritual. Women had their hair styled and then tried to make it last for days. They slept carefully to avoid ruining it.

Today, blow dryers, curling irons, and modern hair products have made rollers less necessary. Many women prefer natural styles. Sleeping in rollers seems like a lot of trouble now.

2. Use Baby Oil to Get a Tan

In the 1960s and 1970s, a deep tan was considered beautiful. Many young women slathered themselves in baby oil and lay in the sun for hours. Some used reflectors made of aluminum foil to intensify the rays.

Sunscreen was rarely used, and sunburns were common. Many women now regret those years in the sun. They have seen the effects on their skin.

Today, dermatologists warn about the dangers of sun exposure. Sunscreen is recommended every day. The baby oil tan is now seen as a serious health risk.

3. Never Leave the House Without Lipstick

Many boomer women were taught that lipstick was essential. Their mothers never left the house without it, even for a quick errand. A bare face was considered unladylike.

Red and pink lipsticks were especially popular. Women carried compacts and lipstick in their purses for touch-ups. It was a sign of being put-together.

Today, many women go makeup-free or choose natural looks. But some boomer women still feel undressed without lipstick. The habit is hard to break.

4. Wear a Girdle Under Everything

Girdles were a standard part of many women’s wardrobes in the 1950s and 1960s. They were designed to smooth and shape the figure. Even slim women wore them.

Girdles could be uncomfortable and restrictive. Many women remember struggling to put them on. By the late 1960s and 1970s, many younger women rejected them.

Today, shapewear exists, but it is optional. Many women prefer comfort over shaping. The idea that every woman needed a girdle seems strange now.

5. Brush Your Hair 100 Strokes a Night

Many girls were told to brush their hair 100 strokes every night to make it shiny and healthy. They sat at their vanities and counted each stroke. It was a nightly ritual.

Today, hair experts say that excessive brushing can actually damage hair. It can cause breakage and frizz. Gentle brushing is recommended instead.

The 100-stroke rule is a fond memory for many women. They remember sitting with their mothers or sisters. It was a moment of calm at the end of the day.

6. Pluck Your Eyebrows Thin

In the 1960s and 1970s, thin eyebrows were fashionable. Many women plucked their brows into thin arches. Some overplucked so much that their brows never grew back.

Today, fuller brows are in style. Many women who overplucked now use pencils or other treatments to fill them in. They wish they had left their brows alone.

The thin-brow trend is a reminder of how beauty standards change. What is fashionable in one decade can be regretted in the next. Many women now embrace their natural brows.

7. Wear a Hat and Gloves to Go Out

In the 1950s and early 1960s, many women wore hats and gloves when they went out. This was especially true for church, shopping downtown, or visiting friends. It was a sign of good manners.

By the late 1960s, this tradition had faded. Younger women preferred a more casual look. Today, hats and gloves are mostly worn for warmth or special occasions.

Many boomer women remember their mothers’ collections of hats and gloves. They were part of a more formal era. Some women still wear them to church or weddings.

8. Cold Cream Is All You Need

Many boomer women grew up with a jar of cold cream on their vanity. It was used to remove makeup and moisturize the skin. It was a simple, all-in-one skincare routine.

Today, skincare routines are much more complex. Women use cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. The single jar of cold cream seems quaint.

Some women still love cold cream for its simplicity. It is gentle and effective. It is a nostalgic reminder of their mothers’ routines.

9. Gray Hair Must Be Hidden

For many years, gray hair was considered a sign of aging that should be hidden. Women dyed their hair regularly to cover gray. Some used blue rinses to make gray hair look silvery.

Today, many women are embracing their gray hair. They see it as a sign of confidence and wisdom. The trend of going gray has become popular.

Many boomer women have decided to stop coloring their hair. They say it feels freeing. It is one of the ways women grow happier with age.

Why Beauty Rules Have Changed

Beauty standards have changed because of new knowledge, changing fashions, and the women’s movement. Women have more freedom to define beauty for themselves. They are less bound by strict rules.

Health awareness has also changed beauty habits. Women now know about the dangers of sun exposure and harsh products. They make choices that protect their health.

Looking Back With a Smile

Many boomer women look back at these beauty rules with humor. They remember the effort and the discomfort. They also remember the bonding moments with mothers and friends.

These memories fit right in with the things only people who grew up in the 70s will understand. Which of these beauty rules did you follow, and which one do you laugh about the most now?