Since the redheaded posts went so well, I thought I'd head on to the next group, the blondes of course! This advice also comes from Ruth Murin in Good Housekeeping from the 1940s.
Naturally a blonde's first consideration is her much-admired hair. If she appreciates her luck, she does everything she can to keep it fair and shining. Since it looks most beautiful when it has just been washed, she shampoos often. The least hint of oil darkens it and makes it stringy, so once a week at least she bends over a washbowl and rubs bubbly suds into her scalp. She sprays with clear water until each strand squeaks with cleanliness. Since a film of soap left on the hair will dull it, she uses the juice of two lemons in the last rinse, or she may prefer one of the prepared tinted rinses that not only cut soap but heighten the color of the hair. Or she uses a soapless shampoo which, even in hard water, leaves no deposit on the hair. - Ruth Murrin (Good Housekeeping)
I am a total clean hair addict, so I'm not sure I could handle the blonde's beauty routine. I need to wash my hair minimum daily. I understand in the past, people used to bathe like once a week. I just could not have done it. - A
In spite of the best care, some blond locks naturally darken as a girl grows older. The ripe-wheat tone may deepen to antique gold or honey. Bette Davis has hair like this and refuses to have it bleached. She likes the individuality of its caramel tone, the way it sparkles with gold glints when the light is on it. I admire her attitude and commend her example to girls who write me mournfully that they are "muddy blondes". - Ruth Murrin (Good Housekeeping)
Obviously this was written in the 1940s because at one time, Bette Davis did dye her hair bright blonde. I do admire her stance, though. It's hard to fight the pressure to dye your hair. That's why I stick to my red hair as long as it will last. Too bad all my stress is giving me so much white hair :) - A
Even when the fair hair of childhood turns decisively brown, I still think it is best to let nature take its course. After all, it is much nicer to be a brunette than to struggle with bleaches and such. - Ruth Murrin (Good Housekeeping)Thankfully I have no experience here. Always had red-auburn hair, and totally been too afraid to dye it (My sensitive skin doesn't help either). - A
Tomorrow - 1940s Skincare and Makeup for Blondes
Obviously this was written in the 1940s because at one time, Bette Davis did dye her hair bright blonde. I do admire her stance, though. It's hard to fight the pressure to dye your hair. That's why I stick to my red hair as long as it will last. Too bad all my stress is giving me so much white hair :) - A
This pic shows our Vintage Inspiration from yesterday, Joan Blondell, enjoying her permanent. These permanents were done by sectioning hair into about 20+ sections and winding hair starting at the root, and winding it up the curler. Heat was applied and thus the curls. Staring in the 1930s, chemicals were used to seal the curl, gradually discontinuing these fun devices. I'm not sure what's worse for your hair - tons of heat or harsh chemicals . . . 
