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 While some of these “charming” practices seem outdated today, others make us thankful for modern innovations.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 Slept in Pin Curls for Perfect Waves
Achieving bouncy, elegant curls in the mid-20th century wasn’t as easy as plugging in a curling iron. Instead, women twisted sections of damp hair around their fingers, pinned them tightly to their scalps, and endured a night of uncomfortable sleep. The resulting waves were stunning, but the process was anything but glamorous. With bobby pins digging into their heads and fragile curls protecting them until morning, it was a nightly ritual that combined patience, determination, and a lot of discomfort in the name of beauty.
2. They Ironed Their Hair on an Ironing Board
Before flat irons became household staples, the desire for pin-straight hair led to some risky DIY solutions. In the ’60s and ’70s, women would lie on ironing boards while a friend carefully pressed their hair with a clothing iron. The process required steady hands and nerves of steel—one wrong move could lead to scorched hair or even burns. Despite the dangers, this method became wildly popular among those determined to achieve the sleek, glossy hair trend of the time, no matter the cost.
3. They Created a Cloud of Hairspray
Big, voluminous hairstyles required serious dedication, and that meant turning to hairspray—lots of it. Women used cans of the stuff to lock in teased, bouffant hairdos that defied gravity. The result? Perfectly sculpted hair that could withstand wind, rain, or hours of dancing. However, the process had some drawbacks: sticky hair, intense fumes, and endless product buildup. Despite these challenges, hairspray was an essential tool in creating the sky-high hair that defined the beauty aesthetic of an entire generation.
4. They Lightened Their Hair with Lemon Juice
Many Boomers turned to lemon juice as a natural lightening agent for a sun-kissed glow without a salon visit. They’d saturate their hair with freshly squeezed juice and sit in the sun, hoping for golden highlights. While the acidic juice did create lighter tones, it also stripped moisture, leaving hair dry and brittle. The trade-off was worth it for many, as the results mirrored the carefree, beachy look of the time. Still, this DIY trick often left hair more straw-like than glamorous.
5. They Applied Thick Cold Cream on Their Face and Body
Cold cream was the ultimate multitasker, touted as a cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup remover all in one. Women slathered the thick, oily product on their faces nightly, trusting it to work its magic. While it left skin soft and hydrated, it also clogged pores and wasn’t ideal for acne-prone complexions. Despite its drawbacks, cold cream became a staple in every Boomer woman’s beauty routine, passed down as a timeless secret for maintaining a youthful glow.
6. They Used Eyelash Curlers That Pinched
Early eyelash curlers were more of a torture device than a beauty tool. Women endured painful pinching and the occasional lash breakage to achieve perfectly curled lashes. The contraptions were often flimsy, with metal edges that didn’t prioritize comfort or safety. Yet, the promise of fluttery, doe-like eyes kept this ritual alive. For many, the brief discomfort was a small price for a beauty standard emphasizing wide, captivating eyes as a hallmark of femininity.
7. They Brushed Their Teeth with Baking Soda
Bright smiles were a must; baking soda was the go-to ingredient for whitening teeth. Boomers would dip their toothbrushes into the abrasive powder, scrubbing vigorously to remove stains. While it did deliver noticeable results, overuse often led to enamel erosion and sensitivity, making it a double-edged sword. Despite the risks, this inexpensive and accessible method became a popular alternative to costly dental treatments, leaving many with dazzling—but sometimes fragile—smiles.
8. They Applied Vaseline as a Cure All
Vaseline wasn’t just a lip balm but the Swiss Army knife of beauty products. Women used it to tame flyaways, shine their cheekbones, and even coat their lashes, believing it would promote growth. They also slathered it on dry patches, used it as a makeup remover, and applied it to their hands as an overnight treatment. While its versatility was undeniable, its greasy texture wasn’t always ideal, often leaving behind a slick residue that clashed with its intended results.
9. They Set Their Hair with Beer
Beer was more than a beverage—it was also a makeshift hair product. Women would pour it onto their hair as a setting lotion, believing its proteins would create volume and shine. The process involved saturating the hair, styling it, and letting the beer dry, resulting in a firm hold for curls or waves. While effective, the smell of stale beer lingered, making this beauty ritual less than glamorous. Still, it was a budget-friendly alternative to expensive salon treatments.
10. They Tanned With Baby Oil
A bronzed glow was the ultimate beauty goal, and Boomers achieved it with baby oil and hours under the sun. The oil acted as a magnifier, intensifying the sun’s rays and speeding up the tanning process. While it delivered the desired golden hue, it also led to severe sunburns and long-term skin damage. Sunscreen wasn’t on their radar, and the lasting effects—wrinkles, dark spots, and higher cancer risks—became apparent only decades later.
11. They Plucked Their Brows Into Oblivion
Thin, pencil-line brows were the trend, and women plucked with abandon to achieve them. Tweezers were the tool of choice, and no stray hair was safe. While the look was stylish at the time, many regretted it years later when their over-plucked brows refused to grow back. This obsessive grooming ritual left its mark, literally and figuratively, on a generation that prioritized sleek arches over fullness.
12. They Rinsed Their Hair with Vinegar
Shiny hair was the goal, and vinegar was the secret weapon. After washing, women poured diluted vinegar over their hair, believing it removed buildup and left strands glossy. While the method worked, the overpowering smell wasn’t ideal, lingering far longer than anyone wanted. Despite this drawback, the ritual remained popular, offering an affordable way to achieve salon-like results from the comfort of home—albeit with a sharp, sour scent.
13. They Created Face Masks with Raw Eggs
DIY skincare was common, and raw egg masks were a staple. Women applied the whites to tighten their skin and the yolks for added moisture, believing the combination would leave their complexion glowing. While the results were noticeable, the slimy texture and risk of bacterial contamination made this a less-than-appealing ritual. Still, the promise of a natural glow kept raw eggs in beauty routines, proving that a bit of discomfort was worth the payoff.
14. They Moisturized with Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise wasn’t just for sandwiches—it was also a popular hair treatment. Women slathered it on as a deep-conditioning mask, wrapping their heads in plastic to lock in moisture. While it left hair feeling soft, the process was messy, and the lingering smell of eggs and oil wasn’t exactly appealing. This DIY ritual was embraced by those seeking salon-quality results at home, even if it meant sacrificing a bit of dignity (and their favorite condiment).
15. They Frosted Their Lips in Icy Shades
Frosted lipsticks in icy pinks and silvers were a beauty must-have, but the formulas often left lips dry and flaky. Women dedicated themselves to applying these shimmery hues, embracing the metallic look despite the lack of hydration. The frosted trend was bold, glamorous, and quintessentially Boomer, though it eventually faded in favor of softer, more natural tones. Still, frosted lips remain an iconic nod to the adventurous beauty experiments of the era.