Talks at Google The History and Power of Hairdressing | Elizabeth Block
Feb 18, 2025
Elizabeth Block, an award-winning author and art historian, dives into the fascinating world of hairdressing. She reveals how hair has shaped women's identities and societal norms, especially in 19th century America. Block discusses the entrepreneurial impact of women of color in the hair industry and critiques how advertising has influenced women's storytelling. She also uncovers the gender dynamics in hairdressing throughout history and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in hair studies to celebrate diverse identities and cultural expressions.
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Inspiration for Research
- Elizabeth Block's interest in hairdressing began in graduate school while studying 19th-century American paintings.
- She noticed a lack of attention given to women's hair and presentation in art historical analysis.
Diverse Hair Practices
- Block's book "Beyond Vanity" focuses on diverse hair practices across classes and ethnicities in the US after the Civil War.
- Her research highlights how European beauty standards were adapted and transgressed by Black and mixed-race women.
Beauty Standards and Entrepreneurship
- The ideal beauty standard in the 19th century was long, textured hair, reflecting European influence.
- Surprisingly, many Black and mixed-race women entrepreneurs created hair products for textured hair, also selling them to white women.
