The new Millennium slipped in with some of the trends from the full lace front wig, but with more emphasis on poker straight styles, fringes and hair extensions. And at last, brunettes were back! Styling equipment was at its peak with curling tongs and hair straighteners showing record sales, and a flurry of new boutique-influenced hair styling products hitting the shelves.

In the 16th century Queen Elizabeth I was the main female icon of her era, and set the trends for the women who adored her lily-white complexion and red tresses. To steal this look, female followers would adorn red wigs, and some even used highly poisonous white lead to achieve the pasty complexion, adding a glow to the cheek with lead based rouge!

By the 18th century, big hair was definitely the ‘in’ thing, with the emergence of Elton John-style elaborate wigs, mile-high coiffures and decorated curls. White powdered wigs with long ringlets were in high fashion; often tied back and adorned with a colourful array of feathers and bows, with the biggest and best offerings being the talk - and envy - of the society gatherings.

Later on, the Victorians took a much more subdued approach to their fashion and toned down the elaborateness, and set out to achieve a more natural beauty. Hair was more sleek, shiny and healthy and styles were altogether more elegant and demure. This trend continued until the 1920s, known as the ‘Roaring 20s’, when the constraints of Victorian life were thrown out. In came the short, bobbed and wavy styles, inspired by Coco Chanel and signifying the new independent, free-spirited woman. Make-up was heavy and lips were ruby red - glamour was indeed back in town!

But while the celebrities may come and go and fashions change, but it seems women will always find a style icon to imitate.

Farah Fawcett and Kate Smith summed up the long, full lace wigs and natural look that describes the hair in the 1970’s. Soft partings and long fringes were feminine and romantic. However, nothing can beat the 1980’s - the decade that saw more freedom of choice in styles and trends. The long ‘bob’, precisely cut and curled under - signified the power dresser, whereas the rebel in us would follow the likes of Madonna’s choppier and ever-changing hairstyles. The rules were, well - there were no rules, and everyone copied their own idols of this decade.

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