13 Strange Beauty Products People Actually Used in the ’60s and ’70s
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge in beauty products that were not only unconventional but also widely used, despite their unusual methods and effects.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Beauty trends in the 1960s and 1970s were bold, experimental, and at times, questionable. Many people used products that seem bizarre today, from vibrating belts to radioactive face creams. These items were part of mainstream routines, revealing how far people were willing to go for beauty standards of the time.
1. Vibrating Exercise Belts
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These machines promised to help users shed body fat without requiring actual exercise. A person would stand still while the belt vibrated across their waist or thighs. They were marketed as effortless weight-loss tools. Despite a lack of evidence of effectiveness, they were very popular in salons and homes.
2. Radiation-Based Skin Treatments
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Some face creams and beauty masks in the early part of the century used small amounts of radioactive materials, and their influence lasted into the 1960s. These were advertised to give skin a “healthy glow.” Long-term safety was not well understood at the time. Later, the products were banned after health risks became clear.
3. Breast Enlargement Devices
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Several companies sold suction-based pumps that claimed to increase breast size. These worked through vacuum pressure and often came with vague instructions. Women were told regular use would enhance shape and volume. The claims were unsupported by medical science but appealed to many.
4. Facial Slimming Masks
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These tight rubber or plastic masks wrapped around the face and head. The goal was to “melt away” fat and tighten skin through compression and sweating. Users often wore them for long periods despite discomfort. There was no proven benefit, but the trend lasted for years.
5. Electric Scalp Massagers
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These handheld tools delivered mild electric pulses to the scalp. They were said to stimulate hair growth by improving circulation. Most users felt only a tingling sensation. While harmless, there was no reliable proof that they helped with hair loss.
6. Tape-on Beauty Lifts
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Small pieces of tape were placed on the face and pulled back with elastic bands to create an instant facelift effect. The system was often hidden under wigs or hairstyles. It provided a temporary lift but could be painful and unnatural-looking. Despite the effort, many wore them daily.
7. Permanent Hair Straightening with Harsh Chemicals
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Chemical relaxers were widely used to permanently straighten curly or textured hair. These products often caused burns, breakage, or hair loss due to strong ingredients. Salons offered these treatments as standard beauty services. The risks were rarely discussed openly.
8. Freckle Removal Creams
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Some creams promised to bleach or erase freckles, which were considered flaws by certain beauty standards of the time. They often contained hydroquinone or mercury compounds. These chemicals could be harmful with repeated use. Still, the creams sold well to people hoping for clearer skin.
9. Bubble Hair Dryers
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Women would sit under dome-shaped dryers for hours at home or in salons. These devices looked like space helmets and were loud and slow. They were used to set roller curls or dry treatments. Despite the bulk, they became a common household item.
10. Nose Shaping Clips
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These were small plastic or metal clips worn over the nose to supposedly reshape it over time. The idea was that pressure could slim or lift the nose without surgery. Most users reported discomfort and no actual results. Still, the clips were sold through catalogs and beauty shops.
11. Leg Makeup
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Many women applied foundation or tinted creams to their legs to even out skin tone and hide veins or marks. This was especially popular before the invention of spray tan. The creams would often smear or stain clothing. They were used daily during the summer and for photoshoots.
12. Hot Curling Devices Without Temperature Control
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Curling irons and rollers were heated on open flames or plugged in without a thermostat. Many burned scalps, fingers, or hair due to overheating. There were no safety guidelines or automatic shutoffs. Despite the risks, they were used for everyday styling.
13. False Beauty Marks and Stick-On Features
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Some makeup kits came with peel-and-stick moles, eyebrows, or even under-eye shadows. These were seen as stylish or dramatic additions to a look. The trend came from fashion magazines and TV stars. Though unusual today, they were part of mainstream makeup practice then.