Is there a woman on Earth who doesn't want to know about beauty? Do we all strive to look and feel better? The answer to this question is YES!

In these busy times, I know that we often feel that it is such a commitment to achieve these fashionable looks that we see on TV, movies and magazines. We are constantly bombarded with beautiful images to emanate. Is this beauty phenomenon a recent predicament for women or has this been bestowed on us for centuries?

I offer lectures to this question that are both historically stimulating and visually fun.

The word "hairdresser" didn't emerge until the late 1500's when artists were hired to dress the hair with ornamentation for theme parties. The ladies of the French, English, and Austrian Courts began competing with each other on whom could have the most elaborate hairstyle. They were constructed with a flour paste and attracted vermin while the women slept. The trend was to sleep with 5 or 6 cats to protect the hairstyle. These hairstyles often caused catastrophic casualties to the wearer. Back problems were common and women often caught their "do's" on fire because of the candle in the homes. With the lack of running water, women often died from their burns.

My lecture is filled with trivia about this time period. Please look at my HISTORY page and click on ORIGIN OF THE WORD HAIRDRESSER for more details.

During the course of my lecture, I use someone from the audience and construct one of these hairstyles using hairpieces, ribbons, beads, and ornaments. When completed, I ask them to tie their shoe, walk across the room, and dance the waltz with me. It really shows what women went through back then and makes us realize that our beauty regime is nothing compared to what these brave women before us endured.

I conclude the lecture by taking people out of the audience and creating quick, easy up do's that are current and trendy. I focus on tricks that the average person can do themselves. This also includes ideas for short hair.

My lectures are great for day spa's, beauty schools, an amusing fill-in after a serious lecture, or anytime a laugh is needed. The lecture usually takes about one hour. Please contact me by email or phone for prices and availability.

REMEMBER:

YOUR HAIR IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ACCESSORY!

Kathie Rothkop, center, at a recent lecture conducted at Redwood Beauty College in Santa Rosa, CA.