Art historian Elizabeth L. Block shares fascinating stories about hair culture in 19th-century America that she uncovered while researching her new book, Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing. We’re talking about Victorian hair dishes; what shows like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age get right (and wrong) about beauty; the ingredients in early hair products; and what salons in the 1800s really looked like. Plus, you’ll hear the story of hairdresser and abolitionist Christiana Carteaux Bannister, an American beauty entrepreneur whose story is often overlooked in the history books.
Below you’ll find a list of some of the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram or TikTok or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us voice memos of your beauty questions and Raise A Wand favorites so we can share them on the show. You can also leave us a voicemail to be featured on a future podcast (our phone number in the U.S. is at 646-481-8182).
Elizabeth L. Block
The Polyester Podcast
Rachael Gibson - @thehairhistorian (check out her FM episode here!)
Beyond Vanity: The History And Power Of Hairdressing (Elizabeth’s new book)
“The Torn Hat” (1820) - Thomas Sully
Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion (Elizabeth’s first book)
The Gilded Age (HBO TV series)
Louisa Jacobson
Christine Baranski
Cynthia Nixon
Bridgerton (Netflix series)
The Buccaneers
Christiana Carteaux Bannister (“The Hair Doctoress”)
Madam C.J. Walker
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix series)
Frances Folsom Cleveland
John Singer Sargent
CLINIQUE | ID: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
“Snap the Whip” (1872) - Winslow Homer
Tracee Ellis Ross
PATTERN | Styling Cream
Black-ish (ABC series)
Zitomer Pharmacy
LA ROCHE-POSAY | Anthelios Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60
A313 Retinol Pommade Vitamin A Night Mousturizer
Koa Mineral Sunscreen
ELTAMD | UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 46 (Duo) (use code: FATMASCARA for 15% off)
JVN | Complete Air Dry Cream
FEKKAI | Brilliant Gloss Shampoo
FEKKAI | Shea Butter Intense Hair Mask
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