As far back as we can remember, fashions have dictated our hair needed to be coaxed into weird and wonderful shapes. LUCYA SZACHNOWSKI looks at crowning glories from the 40s onwards ...

Hair with height was the rage throughout the wartime 40s and the Pompadour look was peak of fashion despite shortages of things like shampoo and lacquer.

Women achieved the style by rolling their hair and keeping it in place with hairpins. Some wrapped their tresses around small cushions, known as "hair rats", to make them appear taller.

With the 50s came backcombing to give extra lift. This was fixed in place with generous amounts of hairspray. Fake switches were also used to create the illusion of bigger and better hair.

With the swinging 60s came the bouffant hairdo, popularised by President Kennedy's wife Jacqui Onassis. This was quickly followed by the beehive, which could require a frame to shape the hair around.

The beehive lost popularity due to urban myths which spread rumours the style was unhygienic.

Later came synthetic wigs, which were used not only to cover thinning hair but also piled on top of straight natural bobs to give the impression of bouncier locks.

In the 70s, punk rock spikes and Mohicans needed vast amounts of gel, hairspray or even soap to keep them in place, not to mention lurid colourants for added effect.

And big hair was back again in the 80s, fitting in with shoulder-padded, power-dressing suits.

All of these styles could take hours to get just right and often ended up looking bedraggled after a run for the bus in wet English weather.

Yet there were few things which could give you more confidence on an evening out than knowing your hair was in the height of fashion.

If you have any interesting anecdotes about fashions of the past, write to Lucya Szachnowski, History, News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood,

BR5 1BT

November 14, 2001 12:00

Lucya Szachnowski