Beauty Treatments from the ’60s Women Actually Endured

The pursuit of beauty in the 1960s often ventured into territory that would shock modern sensibilities. From questionable chemical treatments to bizarre mechanical devices, women endured some truly remarkable beauty regimens in their quest for perfection. Looking back at these treatments gives us a fascinating glimpse into both the ingenuity and the occasional madness of vintage beauty practices.

1. Tape Face Lifts

Special adhesive tape was used to pull back facial skin, secured at the hairline. Women would sleep with their faces literally taped up, hoping to train their skin into a more youthful position. Some even wore these contraptions during the day, cleverly hidden under carefully styled hair.

2. Vibrating Belt Machines

These massive machines promised to shake away fat while you stood still. Women would wrap the wide belt around their waists or thighs and endure vigorous mechanical vibrations. Beauty salons often had entire rooms dedicated to these noisy devices, with multiple women jiggling away their afternoons.

3. Sleeping Beauty Masks

Full-face plastic masks were worn to bed, often lined with “miracle” creams. These rigid masks were supposed to prevent wrinkles by keeping facial muscles immobile during sleep. Some even featured built-in straws for breathing, making midnight water sips a complicated endeavor.

4. Egg White Face Masks

Raw egg whites were beaten and applied to the face, allowed to dry into a tight mask. Women would sit perfectly still to avoid cracking the mask, believing the tightening effect would become permanent. The smell was less than pleasant, but beauty required sacrifice.

5. Sauna Belts

Electric heating belts promised to melt away fat through localized sweating. Women would wear these potentially dangerous devices while doing housework, often resulting in minor burns and major disappointment. The cords trailing from these belts made everyday tasks rather challenging.

6. Pin Curl Helmets

Plastic helmets covered in holes held pin curls in place while sleeping. These torture-device-looking contraptions were supposed to maintain perfect curl formation overnight. The hard plastic made sleeping nearly impossible, and the noise of rolling over on them could wake the entire household.

7. Facial Exercise Machines

Mechanical devices with rubber suction cups would pull and stretch facial muscles, supposedly preventing wrinkles. Women would attach these contraptions to their faces for prescribed periods, often ending up looking more startled than rejuvenated. The red marks could last for hours.

8. Freckle Removal Cream

Harsh chemical creams promised to bleach away freckles, often containing dangerous levels of mercury. Women would apply these toxic concoctions nightly, risking serious skin damage in pursuit of the fashionable pale, freckle-free complexion.

9. Posture Training Boards

Women would lie on hard boards with specific ridges and grooves designed to “train” their spines into perfect alignment. These sessions could last hours, with some dedicated users even sleeping on these uncomfortable devices.

10. UV Tanning Machines

Full-body UV machines resembled space capsules, with women standing inside while powerful ultraviolet lights bombarded their skin. No sunscreen was used, and eye protection was often optional. These machines were found in many beauty salons, promising year-round tans without understanding the skin damage they caused.

11. Rollers with Built-in Heaters

These potentially dangerous hair rollers were plugged directly into electrical outlets, heating up while in the hair. Women would sleep with these hot devices inches from their scalps, risking burns and electrical hazards. The cords would tangle around their necks during sleep, adding an element of danger to beauty.

12. Vacuum Face Masks

Clear plastic masks attached to vacuum cleaners were supposed to “suck out” impurities from the skin. Women would sit with their faces under vacuum pressure for extended periods, often emerging with burst blood vessels rather than clearer complexions. The noise of the vacuum made conversation impossible.

13. Hormone Face Creams

Creams containing unregulated hormones were applied liberally to the face to prevent aging. These potent concoctions could cause serious hormonal imbalances and other health issues. The creams were often expensive and came with elaborate application rituals.

14. Electric Facial Brushes

Harsh rotating brushes powered by electricity were used to “deep clean” facial skin. These aggressive devices often caused irritation and broken capillaries. The brushes were difficult to clean and could spread bacteria from one area of the face to another.