National Hair Day 2023: History, Popular Hairstyles & 23 Hot Tips

Hair, hair hair...it is so much more than what it seems - it is a beautiful muse that captivates a lover's heart, a reason for admiration and inspiration, the expression of our personality, and an instant builder of a newly found confidence.

We have all the reasons to celebrate hair - and what better moment to do it than National Hair Day?

In this article, we decided to go in and take you on a journey through everything you need to know about hair - from the history of hair styling to the most popular hairstyles through the years, to some actionable tips on how to rock your mane at any time.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride:

1. What is the history of hair styling?

Hair styling has existed for as long as we have roamed the earth - did you know that the earliest depiction of hair styling is hair braiding, and it dates back about 30,000 years?

As mind-blowing as it is, the famous figurine Venus of Willendorf counts about 25,000 years old, and indisputably shows hair styling during the Paleolithic era.

In ancient civilizations, women's hair was often elaborately and carefully dressed in special ways, from coloring and curling to pinning it up into a ponytail. The history of hair styling is rich with creativity and innovation.

In Imperial Rome, between 27 BC and 102 AD, women would style their hair in more sophisticated styles - a mass of curls on top, or in rows of waves, drawn back into ringlets or braids.

Going further a few centuries later - between the 16th to the 19th century, European women's hair became more visible while their hair coverings grew smaller, and they started introducing ornamentation and hair accessories like flowers, ostrich plumes and ribbons.

And if the history of hair styling wasn't already incredibly fascinating, did you know that thermal hair styling isn't as new as you would think? You may be thinking "heat styling tools were invented during the last few decades"...well, that's not entirely true!

In fact, one of the earliest records of thermal hair styling comes from ancient Egypt, where both men and women used heated metal tools to curl and straighten their hair. They would heat these tools over open flames or hot coals and then use them to create elaborate hairstyles, including curls and waves.

Needless to say - it was much more damaging than the hair styling tools we have today - but it doesn't make it any less fascinating!

2. Hair styling throughout the years

50s

The 1950s were a decade marked by various popular hairstyles for women, with fashion and beauty trends heavily influenced by Hollywood icons and cultural shifts.

Some of them included the Bouffant - a  high-volume hairstyle characterized by backcombing or teasing the hair, or the Beehive - a tall, conical hairstyle that required a lot of backcombing and hairspray to achieve a fuller look.

60s

The 1960s saw a variety of popular hairstyles for women, with many trends influenced by the changing cultural and social dynamics of the time. The Youth Movement, the popularity of British bands like The Beatles, the Mod subculture, as well as pop culture icons all had an impact over the way women would style their hair.

While the Bouffant and the Beehive remained popular throughout the 60s, new hair styles also popped up - such as the mod bob and the pixie cut. 

The pixie cut, made famous by celebrities like Mia Farrow, was a very short and cropped hairstyle that highlighted a woman's facial features. It was a bold and liberating choice for many women.

70s

The 1970s were marked by a blend of influences, including the counterculture movements of the 1960s, the disco craze, changing attitudes towards natural beauty, and the rise of punk subculture.

From the shag haircut - which featured layered, feathered, and tousled hair, often with bangs, to long and straight hair parted in the middle, the 70s were the time to embrace natural hair types and textures.

Another example for that is the Afro hairstyle - a significant symbol of Black pride and identity in the 1970s, it was characterized by naturally textured hair styled into a voluminous, rounded shape.

Influenced by the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement, the Afro celebrated natural beauty and heritage.

80s

The 1980s were known for their bold and distinctive hairstyles, reflecting the vibrant and eclectic nature of the era. It focused on big hairstyles with emphasis on volume - women often sought to achieve voluminous, teased, and big hair.

Perms were also incredibly popular in the 1980s. Women of all ages embraced this chemical treatment to achieve tight, bouncy curls or waves. The perm was influenced by the desire for texture and volume in hair.

90s

The 1990s saw a variety of popular women's hairstyles influenced by various trends, celebrities, and cultural phenomena - from the Bob popularized by Victoria Beckham to the crimped hair and the spiky hair.

In addition, characters from popular TV shows and movies influenced the 90s hairstyles. For example, Jennifer Aniston's character on "Friends" popularized the "Rachel" haircut, while movies like "Flashdance" contributed to the popularity of the permed, tousled look.

2000s

The 2000s brought a mix of new and retro-inspired hairstyles influenced by celebrities, pop culture, and fashion trends. 

Straightening irons became widely popular in the 2000s, leading to a trend of sleek, super-straight hair. This style was influenced by the desire for a polished and minimalist look, as seen on celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Side-swept bangs, which framed the face with a diagonal part, were also a popular choice during this decade. This style added a touch of elegance and softness to various haircuts.

2010s

The 2010s witnessed a diverse range of popular women's hairstyles influenced by a variety of factors, including celebrities, social media, and the desire for individuality and self-expression.

Some of the most popular hair styles at that time included the Lob (Long Bob), the Ombre and balayage hair color techniques, as well as the beach waves. 

Loose, tousled waves reminiscent of a day at the beach were highly sought after in the 2010s. This relaxed and effortless style was made famous by celebrities like Blake Lively and was often created using curling wands or salt sprays.

2020s

Various hairstyles have gained popularity over the last couple of years, including curtain bags as well as simply embracing your natural hair types and texture. From braided styles to messy buns and pastel hair colors, the 2020s are all about self-expression and showing your true self. Looking back at the hairstyles through the years, it's evident how trends have evolved and how they continue to be a form of personal expression.

The butterfly cut, the wolf cut and the pixie cuts are just some of the hairstyles that are ruling today's era.

23 Quick Hair Tips for National Hair Day 2023

If you are excited about National Hair Day as much as we are, we have surprise for you - we have compiled 23 quick hair care tips to always help you rock your beautiful mane:

1. Invest in high-quality heat styling tools - your hair will thank you! Straightening or curling your hair can be extremely damaging with low-quality tools made from poor materials. Instead, invest in a tourmaline flat iron like the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron - its negative ion conditioning technology allows for fast results without the damage.

2. Get regular trims - get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and promote healthy growth. A hydrating serum like NuMe Sleeky in a Bottle can be a great ally when it comes to repairing split ends.

3. Always use a heat protectant - when heat styling your hair as excessively high temperatures can be very damaging. A heat protectant should be a must in your daily routine.

4. Don't sleep with wet hair - wet hair is more fragile than dry hair - as you move during the night, your wet hair can rub against your pillowcase, causing friction and leading to breakage. And don't even dare to iron wet hair!

5. Avoid tight hairstyles - wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids too often can lead to breakage and damage, especially if you are doing them frequently.

6. Use a wide-toothed comb - to brush and detangle your wet hair in order to avoid damage. And don't go too aggressively with it!

7. Eat healthy foods - eating healthy foods for hair, especially those rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, will keep your beautiful mane luscious and shiny.

8. Massage your scalp - massaging your scalp stimulates blood flow and can promote hair growth. This tip is especially important if you are suffering from hair loss.

9. Choose a quality shampoo and conditioner - such as the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set. This powerful trio of shampoo, conditioner and hair mask hydrates and nourishes your hair without causing damage as shampoos with sulfates, parabens and harsh chemicals do.

10. Avoid excessive hair washing - it can strip the natural oils of your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient for most hair types, but you can experiment in order to find the best frequency for you.

11. Sleep on a silk pillowcase - sleeping on a silk pillowcase can reduce hair friction and minimize breakage.

12. Use a deep conditioner - like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask at least once a week to moisturize and nourish your hair.

13. Regularly clean your hair accessories - wash hairbrushes, clips, and hair ties to prevent the buildup of dirt and oils.

14. Avoid excessive temperatures - when heat styling if you don't want to damage your hair! You can see the best temperature to straighten or curl your hair in this article. 

15. Stay hydrated - by drinking enough water, as this can also help keep your hair and scalp healthy.

16. Use natural oils - like coconut oil or argan oil as a hair mask or leave-in treatment to nourish the hair and condition the hair while providing a protective layer to your hairstyle.

17. Protect your hair in the sun - just as you protect your skin from the sun, shield your hair from UV damage with a hat or UV-protective products. And make sure to always wear a hat! 

18. Always do strand tests - before trying new hair colors or treatments.

19. Use a dry shampoo - in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh, and reduce the need for excessive hair washing (which strips the natural oils of the hair). Dry shampoo is a great way to add shine and instantly condition your hair.

20. Use a shower filter - to remove chlorine and minerals that can affect color.

21. Regularly clean your brushes and combs - dirty brushes and combs can transfer dirt and oils back into your hair.

22. Use hairspray on bobby pins - spray bobby pins with hairspray before using them to help them stay in place.

23. Dry with a microfiber towel - use a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to gently pat dry your hair to reduce frizz.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Hair Day 2023

1. Experiment with a new hairstyle

What better excuse than experimenting with a new hairstyle on National Hair Day 2023? Take the opportunity to try out a new hairstyle you've been curious about.

Whether it's a trendy haircut, a different parting style, or trying out braids or updos, National Hair Day is the perfect occasion to switch things up.

2. Treat yo'self

Treat your hair to a spa day at home. Give yourself a deep conditioning treatment, a hair mask, or an oil massage. Show your locks some love and care.

Start by doing a hydrating session with the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline shampoo and conditioner, and then move on to the NuMe vegan hair mask to ensure optimal shine and hydration while reducing frizz and flyaways.

3. Visit a hair salon

If you prefer professional care, make an appointment at a hair salon. You can get a haircut, styling, or even a color treatment to refresh your look.

4. Share your hair journey

Use social media to share your hair journey. Post before-and-after pictures of your hair, share your favorite hair care tips, or create a video tutorial of your go-to hairstyle.

Engaging with others who love hair care can be a fun way to celebrate.

5. Donate to a hair charity

Consider donating your hair to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients or individuals with hair loss. It's a meaningful way to celebrate National Hair Day by giving back.