1. Washing Hair with Beer for Extra Shine
Believe it or not, some women in the ’60s swore by rinsing their hair with beer to get that luscious, glossy shine. The idea was that the malt and hops in beer would strengthen the hair while adding body and softness. Some even left it in their hair for a while before rinsing, believing it worked like a leave-in conditioner. Of course, this meant smelling like a brewery until the scent faded, which wasn’t exactly ideal. But back then, anything for beauty was worth a little sacrifice. Women were always on the hunt for DIY solutions, and this one seemed like a miracle in a bottle. It was cheaper than salon treatments and made use of something that was already in the fridge. Some even mixed beer with an egg for an extra protein boost. It sounds bizarre now, but at the time, it was just another beauty hack passed between friends. The only downside? It could leave hair feeling a little sticky if not rinsed well. Plus, the smell could linger longer than expected, making for some awkward moments says Fox News.
Eventually, as commercial hair products improved, beer rinses started to fade out of popularity. It was no longer necessary to douse your head in alcohol for a silky finish when drugstore shelves were lined with products promising the same thing. But some still claim that beer rinses work wonders, and every so often, they make a small comeback. There’s something oddly charming about the simplicity of using kitchen ingredients for beauty treatments. It was a time when people got creative instead of relying on expensive products. Today, though, it’s hard to imagine many people wanting to pour their favorite drink over their heads. The thought of sticky, beer-scented hair is enough to make most modern beauty lovers shudder. Still, it’s a fun reminder of how far beauty routines have come. If nothing else, it proves that people will try just about anything in the name of gorgeous hair.
2. Using Vaseline for an All-Night Face Mask
Vaseline wasn’t just for chapped lips in the ’60s—it was considered a miracle product for the entire face. Some women would slather a thick layer on before bed, believing it locked in moisture like no other product could. The idea was that it created a barrier, preventing any hydration from escaping while you slept. While this method did leave skin feeling incredibly soft, it also came with a few problems. For one, it was incredibly greasy, which meant waking up to a sticky pillowcase says Real Simple. It also had a habit of clogging pores, leading to breakouts for those with oily skin. But for women battling dry skin, it was worth the risk. Some even used it as an under-eye treatment, swearing it reduced the appearance of wrinkles. Others rubbed it into their cuticles or elbows, claiming it worked better than any lotion.
Over time, dermatologists began to warn against using such a heavy product all over the face. While Vaseline does lock in moisture, it also traps bacteria and dirt, making it a nightmare for acne-prone skin. These days, there are far more advanced moisturizers that provide hydration without the mess. Still, some people stand by the old Vaseline trick, using it sparingly for extra-dry areas. It may not be a go-to beauty secret anymore, but it certainly had its moment in the spotlight. Even today, some models and celebrities swear by it for glowing skin. The key is knowing how to use it without going overboard. But the idea of slathering on a thick coat before bed? That’s a relic of the past, and most people are happy to leave it there.
3. Applying Mayonnaise as a Hair Mask
If you thought beer was an odd hair treatment, wait until you hear about mayonnaise. Women in the ’60s believed that mayo worked as the ultimate deep conditioner. The eggs and oil were supposed to strengthen and soften hair, leaving it silky smooth. Some even added a little lemon juice for an extra shine boost. It was a messy process, though, requiring a shower cap to keep everything in place. The smell wasn’t exactly pleasant either, but beauty sometimes demanded strange sacrifices. Women swore it made their hair shinier than any store-bought conditioner. It was also an affordable alternative to expensive salon treatments. Of course, the downside was dealing with greasy, mayo-scented hair until it was properly rinsed out explains InStyle.
Over time, people realized there were easier ways to achieve soft hair without raiding the fridge. Once more sophisticated hair masks became available, the mayo method started fading into history. Today, the thought of rubbing sandwich spread into your scalp sounds more like a prank than a beauty treatment. But every so often, the idea resurfaces, usually as a quirky DIY hack. Some people still claim it works wonders, though most prefer products that don’t smell like a deli counter. It’s a fun reminder of how creative people got with beauty before modern products took over. While mayonnaise may still have its fans, it’s safe to say that most people won’t be reaching for it anytime soon.
4. Using Powdered Kool-Aid as Lip Stain
Before fancy lip stains were a thing, some women in the ’60s turned to Kool-Aid for a pop of color. It wasn’t just a drink—it was an easy, cheap way to achieve a long-lasting tint. The trick was to mix the powder with a tiny bit of water and dab it onto the lips. The result was a bold, vibrant color that lasted much longer than regular lipstick says PopSugar. Some women even used it as blush in a pinch. The downside? It could be incredibly drying, leaving lips feeling like sandpaper. And if you weren’t careful, it could stain your fingers, teeth, or anything else it touched. But for those on a budget, it was a creative way to add a bit of color without spending a fortune.
Eventually, as lip stains became more widely available, the Kool-Aid method lost its appeal. It was a fun hack, but most people preferred products designed for lips rather than ones meant for kids’ drinks. Still, the idea of using unexpected products for beauty purposes never really went away. Even today, people experiment with unconventional hacks in the name of beauty. The difference is that now, there are more options that don’t involve staining your entire mouth. It’s one of those weird little beauty secrets that people forget about until someone randomly brings it up. And then, for a brief moment, you wonder—should I try it? Before quickly deciding that, no, some trends are best left in the past.
5. Spraying Hair with Sugar Water for Hairspray
Before modern hairspray formulas took over, some women in the ’60s made their own by mixing sugar and water. It was a cheap and easy way to keep their beehives and bouffants in place all day. The idea was that the sugar acted as a natural setting agent, holding the hair in position without making it stiff. A little lemon juice was sometimes added for extra shine and a fresh scent. Women would pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist it over their hair, just like today’s hairsprays. It worked surprisingly well, but there was one major downside—it was sticky. If you used too much, your hair could feel like it was coated in syrup. And on a humid day, things could get even worse, attracting bugs and making hair a magnet for dirt.
As professional hairsprays became more affordable and accessible, the sugar water trick faded into obscurity. No one wanted to deal with the mess when aerosol cans offered a more convenient option. Plus, sugar residue wasn’t exactly great for the scalp, sometimes leading to itchiness or buildup. Still, some people today swear by homemade hair products, believing they’re better for hair health. While the idea of using sugar water as hairspray might sound ridiculous now, it was once just another beauty hack in a time when people had to get creative. Nowadays, we take for granted the convenience of a quick spritz from a can. But back then, making your own beauty products was just part of the routine.
6. Taping Your Face for an Instant Facelift
Not everyone in the ’60s had access to plastic surgery, so women found other ways to achieve a youthful, lifted look. One trick involved using clear tape to pull back sagging skin. It was usually placed near the temples, hidden beneath a carefully styled updo. By pulling the tape tight, women could create the illusion of a firmer, more defined face. Some even connected the tape with thin strings that ran behind their ears to keep it in place. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it worked—at least for a few hours. Of course, if the tape came loose, the whole illusion fell apart. Women had to be careful not to sweat too much or move their hair the wrong way.
As cosmetic procedures became more mainstream, taping the face lost its appeal. Today, we have Botox, fillers, and high-tech skincare to achieve the same effect without needing a roll of Scotch tape. Still, the method hasn’t completely disappeared—stage actors and drag performers sometimes use similar tricks. And every once in a while, a celebrity makeup artist will bring it back as a red carpet hack. But for the average person, taping your face daily isn’t exactly practical. It’s a reminder of just how far beauty techniques have come. No one wants to deal with their facelift unraveling halfway through dinner.
7. Rubbing Raw Onion on Eyebrows for Growth
In the ’60s, full, dark eyebrows were in, and women went to great lengths to achieve them. Some believed that rubbing raw onion on their brows would make them grow in thicker and faster. The logic was that the sulfur in onions stimulated hair follicles. Women would cut a fresh onion in half and rub it directly onto their brows, sometimes repeating the process daily. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience—the smell alone was enough to make eyes water. But if it worked, the sacrifice seemed worth it. Some women even mixed onion juice with castor oil for an extra boost.
Eventually, more reliable brow products hit the market, making this pungent hack obsolete. Today, we have serums, microblading, and tinted gels that deliver instant results. The idea of rubbing an onion on your face sounds more like a dare than a beauty tip now. But at the time, people were willing to try just about anything. Every so often, a new “natural” remedy pops up claiming to boost brow growth. But thankfully, most don’t involve smelling like a kitchen for the rest of the day.
8. Bathing in Milk for Softer Skin
Some women in the ’60s took their skincare routine to the next level by soaking in a bathtub full of milk. Inspired by the legendary beauty rituals of Cleopatra, the idea was that lactic acid in milk helped exfoliate and soften the skin. Some added honey or rose petals for an extra luxurious touch. It was believed to make skin glow, leaving it silky smooth. However, there were a few issues. First, it wasn’t the most practical (or affordable) beauty treatment. Buying gallons of milk just to pour them into the tub wasn’t exactly budget-friendly. Second, the smell wasn’t great, especially if the milk wasn’t super fresh.
As exfoliating skincare products became more advanced, milk baths faded from popularity. These days, we have body scrubs, lotions, and acids that achieve the same effect without the hassle. While some high-end spas still offer milk-based treatments, most people prefer to stick with products that don’t require them to soak in dairy. It’s one of those beauty secrets that sounds romantic in theory but isn’t so appealing in reality. And let’s be honest—cleaning out a tub full of milk sounds like a nightmare.
9. Drawing on Stocking Seams with Eyeliner
In the early ’60s, stockings were an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe. But when they got expensive or hard to find, some women resorted to drawing faux stocking seams on the backs of their legs with eyeliner. This trick actually started during World War II, but some women in the ’60s kept it alive when they needed a quick fix. The idea was to mimic the look of real stockings without actually wearing them. It took a steady hand to get the line straight, and smudging was a constant risk. If it rained or got too hot, the illusion could quite literally melt away.
Thankfully, affordable hosiery became widely available, making this beauty trick unnecessary. Today, the thought of drawing lines down your legs just to fake stockings seems laughable. But back then, women did what they had to do to keep up appearances. It’s a testament to how resourceful people could be when fashion demanded it. Now, it’s just another odd relic of the past—one that makes us extra grateful for modern-day convenience.
10. Using Cold Cream for Everything
Cold cream was the ultimate beauty multitasker in the ’60s. Women used it as a cleanser, moisturizer, makeup remover, and even an anti-aging treatment. It was thick, rich, and promised to keep skin soft and youthful. Many women swore by it, using it religiously every night before bed. The only downside? It was incredibly greasy, leaving behind a heavy residue. While it worked well for removing makeup, it wasn’t great for acne-prone skin. Some women ended up with more breakouts than they bargained for.
Over time, lightweight cleansers and moisturizers took over, and cold cream lost its place as the ultimate beauty product. Today, it still exists, but it’s nowhere near as popular as it once was. Skincare has evolved to include a variety of specialized products, making one thick cream seem outdated. Some still swear by it, but for most, the idea of slathering their face in something so heavy feels old-fashioned. It’s a reminder of a time when beauty routines were simpler—but also a lot messier.
11. Whitening Teeth with Baking Soda and Lemon
Before fancy whitening strips, women in the ’60s used a mix of baking soda and lemon juice to brighten their smiles. The baking soda acted as an abrasive, scrubbing away stains, while the lemon juice provided bleaching power. It worked surprisingly well—at least at first. The problem? Over time, the acid from the lemon juice eroded enamel, leading to sensitive teeth and damage. Some women ended up making their teeth more yellow by wearing down the protective layer.
Eventually, dentists warned against this DIY method, and safer whitening options became available. Now, there are toothpastes, strips, and professional treatments that do the job without ruining your enamel. While some people still experiment with homemade whitening tricks, few go as far as rubbing straight lemon juice on their teeth. It’s a perfect example of how not all old beauty secrets are worth bringing back. Sometimes, advancements really are for the better.
12. Using Egg Whites as a Natural Face Lift
Women in the ’60s loved a good DIY beauty treatment, and one of the strangest involved egg whites. The idea was that applying a thin layer of egg white to the face would tighten the skin, giving a temporary lifted effect. As the egg dried, it created a firming sensation, making wrinkles appear less noticeable. Some women swore by this method before a big night out, using it as a quick fix for sagging skin. It was cheap, natural, and easy to do at home. However, it wasn’t the most pleasant experience—once dried, the mask could feel uncomfortably tight. Plus, the smell wasn’t exactly spa-like.
As anti-aging creams and serums improved, the egg white trick lost its appeal. Dermatologists also warned that raw egg on the face carried a slight risk of bacterial infection. These days, there are plenty of safer and more effective ways to firm up the skin. But every so often, this old-school beauty hack resurfaces as a “natural alternative” to modern treatments. While it might work in a pinch, most people would rather stick with skincare products that don’t leave them smelling like breakfast. Still, it’s a fun reminder of how far beauty routines have come.