Woman

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Then


Hans Schwarzkopf, a German chemist, started selling single-use packets of powder shampoo in Berlin in 1903. The "dry shampoo" had to be dissolved in water and rinsed out but was easier to deal with than the bar soaps and oils women had been using to wash their hair.

Now


John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher ($6.50, drugstores) doesn't need water, so you can freshen your hair the day after a blow-out without ruining your style. This formula is translucent—no white, powdery residue—and comes in a spray for easy application.

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Then


L'Oréal debuted Free Hold, the first hair mousse, in 1983. The company claimed the mousse could hold your style in place for hours.

Now


Modern formulas offer more than just hold. Ojon Conditioning Volumizing Foam ($22, Ojon.com) uses wheat protein for volume and strengthens hair with mineral-rich blue agave nectar. And Ojon oil seals the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and help hair retain moisture.
Blowdryer

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Then


In 1973 Conair debuted the Yellowbird, the first pistol-grip handheld hair dryer for use at home. The machine had an anemic motor that made blow-drying a drawn-out affair.

Now


Conair 276 Infiniti Pro Volume Boost Styler ($46, Conair.com) is lightweight and uses a motor typically found in professional hair dryers to produce stronger air flow. Ceramic plates help to evenly distribute heat, and ionic technology releases negatively charged particles to smooth frizz.
Hairstyle

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Then


The first widely popular aerosol hairsprays—sold in the 1950s—contained hard-to-wash-out lacquers and damaging alcohol. Previously, stylists used homemade blends containing beer, animal fat, or a sticky mix of sugar and water.

Now


The new Matrix Total Results Amplify Proforma Hairspray ($15, Matrix.com for salons) protects hair from color-fading and heat, and contains panthenol, a lightweight humectant, to enhance shine and condition without making hair flat.
Hair Product

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Then


In the 1920s, the American cabaret performer Josephine Baker popularized a short, slick hairstyle and became the first African-American celebrity to endorse a beauty product. Her gel, called Bakerfix, likely contained greasy brilliantine, heavy oils, and alcohol.

Now


Tresemmé Curl Spray Gel ($5, drugstores) uses strong-hold polymers that fight frizz and stay in place even in high humidity without making hair crunchy. Plus, the liquid formula doesn't leave hair—or hands—sticky.

Keep Reading: Get Oprah's Hairstylist Andre Walker's Favorite Easy Party Hairdo
Published 11/18/2011