In pictures: The history of hairdressing

Andrew Barton Andrew BartonAndrew Barton
The exhibition has been co-curated by Barnsley-born hairdresser Andrew Barton

An exhibition charting the history of hairdressing since the 1950s has opened in Barnsley.

Beehives, Bobs & Blow-dries follows the changing fashions and technological developments of the past seven decades.

The exhibition at The Civic has been curated by celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, who began his career in Barnsley, and fashion research consultant and academic Donna Bevan.

It runs from 17 February to 7 April before moving to London.

Heritage Images/Michael Walter Hairdressing department, BarnsleyHeritage Images/Michael Walter
Hairdressing department, Barnsley Co-op, 1957
Honey Salvadori Traditional hairdressers, Nottingham, 1996Honey Salvadori
A traditional hairdressers in Nottingham in 1996
Kirstin Sinclair HairdressingKirstin Sinclair

The exhibition features images of hairstyles from the beehives and perms popular in the 1950s and 60s to Jennifer Aniston's 'Rachel' cut and the grunge-inspired hairdos of the 90s.

Ms Bevan said: "[Our hair] is such an important part of our lives. It's not like a piece of clothing that you can take off, you can't get changed, once someone has done your hair you are stuck with it."

Top Foto/Ken Russell In Your Dreams by Ken RussellTop Foto/Ken Russell
In Your Dreams photo by Ken Russell, January 1955
Leslie Frances Archive Beehives, bobs and blow-dries exhibitionLeslie Frances Archive
Models from the Leslie Francis Salon in Barnsley taking part in a hairdressing competition in Blackpool in 1962
Leslie Frances Archive Beehives, bobs and blow-dries exhibitionLeslie Frances Archive
Honey Salvadori Clubber at the Bat Cave in Meard Street, SohoHoney Salvadori
Clubber at the Bat Cave in Meard Street, Soho, in 1983
Russell Eaton Salons Hairdresser's Journal's 2016 Afro Hairdresser of the YearRussell Eaton Salons

The exhibition also features examples of technological advancements that have impacted on what can be achieved both by professionals in the salon and at home, from portable hairdryers to perming machines.

Ms Bevan said another element of the show was examining the "politicisation of hair" such as in the punk era of the 1970s and the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s.

Harry Meerson/L'Oreal L'Oreal advertsHarry Meerson/L'Oreal
RégéColor press adverts 1955
Wakefield Museums Ronson Escort hairdryerWakefield Museums
Ronson Escort 2000 hairdryer