Hair & history

In ancient Egypt, as long ago as 1500 BC, the outward appearance expressed the person's status, role in society and political position. Wigs played an important role in this: they were crafted with great artistry and often sprinkled with powdered gold.

In the 8th century BC, the pre-Roman Celts in Northern Europe wore their hair long. In a man it was the expression of his strength, in a woman of her fertility. Men and women wore ornate locks or braided their hair and used jewellery to bind the ends of their hair together.

The idea of long hair as a symbol of male strength is even mentioned in the Bible, in the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a leader of the Israelites and had been chosen by God. His long hair, which he never cut, gave him superhuman powers. The only person who knew his secret was Delilah. However, she spied for the enemy and betrayed him. One night she cut off his hair and thus robbed him of his strength. This was the only way in which he could be caught by his enemies.

In the classical Greek period (from 500 - 400 BC) curly hair was not only the fashion of the day, but it also represented an attitude towards life. Curls were the metaphor for turbulence, change, freedom and the joy of living. The ancient Greek word "oulos" is related to intrigue, and the German word "locken" still has two meanings: to curl and to tempt someone.

Hair can also become a curse. Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology, was a beautiful woman, who was seduced by Poseidon in one of Athene's temples. She turned Medusa into a gorgon and her most beautiful feature, the curls, into snakes. Every man who looked at her turned into stone.

The punk protest movement today uses hair as a symbol of disapproval of the "bourgeois lifestyle" by wearing a provocative haircut and shockingly coloured hair.

A different form of objection could be seen in the women's hairstyles in the 1960's. Women's liberation was expressed in a short-cut, straight and simple hairstyle which underlined equality with men without neglecting female attributes.

The revolutionary musical HAIR, first performed in New York in 1967, questioned standards of morality, sexuality, racism, violence and social acceptance - topics which are highly relevant nowadays.

To this day hair has kept its importance as a symbol of power, youth, vitality and health.

Nowadays hairstyles and fashions differ widely - but the importance of healthy hair remains unchanged. Loss of hair or hair damage is not only considered a medical problem, but can also severely disturb a person's mental balance and general well-being. PANTOGAR helps women all over the world to grow and keep full, healthy hair.