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How to Prevent Hair Damage with This Forgotten 1940s Hair Hack (Perfect for Protective Hairstyles!)

Writer: Katherine SewingKatherine Sewing



They told women in the 1940s to wear these for safety—but little did they know, this forgotten trick might be the key to saving your hair from breakage today. What we will be talking about in this video is a forgotten and highly underrated tool for effortless and elegant protective styles that will help you grow longer, healthier hair. That’s right, we’re talking about a funny little thing called snoods.



What are snoods? Essentially a glorified, crocheted hair net. They can also be made out of fabric. And they may just be my new favourite way to protect my hair… and they’re actually something women have sworn by for centuries. This little net might be the secret to waking up with beautiful, tangle-free hair while still looking effortlessly put together. But do they really work? In this video, I put them to the test.


Green, black, and maroon crocheted fabrics on a wooden table, with colorful floral decor and books in the blurred background.

The Protective Styling Connection


One of the most important tips in my arsenal for growing out my hair from a chin length haircut – and a lifetime of hair that wouldn’t grow – to now thigh length, are protective styles. Protective styles and protective hairstyles for long hair keep the hair tucked up and off the body and the ends protected. This helps you retain hair length. Because you can be growing hair super fast, but if you’re not retaining that growth, you won’t see any increase in length. Our culture has largely forgotten the importance of protective hairstyles for long hair, and that might be why we see so many issues with hair damage and stunted growth.

Snoods are a perfect protective style. They keep your hair secure without compressing it too tightly, which allows for natural movement while reducing breakage and hair damage.

And the best part? They look effortlessly elegant. You can wear them for a lazy day at home or dress them up for going out. They’re functional and stylish—a rare combination!



Smiling person with curly hair in a mustard shirt stands indoors. Background features blurred shelf and floral wall decor. Warm and cheerful mood.

The History & Function of Snoods:


Snoods, or similar hair coverings, have existed for centuries. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, women wore elaborate nets called cauls to protect their long hair and maintain intricate hairstyles. These coverings weren’t just practical; they were a sign of status and refinement.


Fast forward to the 1940s, and snoods had a major resurgence. Women working in factories needed a way to keep their hair out of machinery while still maintaining an elegant look. Hollywood stars like Vivien Leigh and Marilyn Monroe even wore them in movies, solidifying snoods as both functional and fashionable.


But somewhere along the way, they fell out of fashion. So I want to put them to the test—not just as a vintage accessory, but as a serious protective style and solution for protective hairstyles for long hair that combines convenience with practicality and beauty. I want to see if they still hold up today.


Woman with intricate earrings, soft expression, in a neutral setting. Brown hair, fair skin, with a focused, calm demeanor.

Ever since I was little and watched Ever After, I’ve been captivated by the aesthetic of historical hair snoods. The way they added such elegance to everyday life really stuck with me. Now, as a busy mom of five who homeschools and runs a business, I wear my hair up most of the time. And I’ve come to really appreciate the idea of snoods, for their convenience, beauty, and ability to keep my hair out of the way without having to use a lot of tension. They also evenly distribute the weight of my now-thigh-length hair, which is super important for avoiding traction alopecia and preventing hair damage. But there’s more to love about snoods than just practicality—lately, I’ve been loving the aesthetic of 1940s crocheted hair snoods. They're vintage, cute, and fit seamlessly into a modern lifestyle without looking too costumey.


I also love that snoods are breathable, unlike silk scarves, which I’ve been using a lot lately to keep my hair tucked away. I find snoods more natural and polished in comparison. So, even though I’ve never actually worn a snood before, I decided to give them a try. I did think about making one myself, but with homeschooling, five kids, and being in the middle of a big sewing project, I ended up buying them instead. But if you want to make your own, I think it’s pretty easy, and I have a great tip for you coming up later in the video!


My Real-Life Test


Using the Snood:


So what was my experience using vintage hair snoods for the first time ever with my thigh-length hair? Will they stay on all day? And most importantly, will they keep my hair protected, despite my busy life, the cold temperatures outside, and the constant threat of hair damage?





Main Takeaways


  1. Snoods can look very fashionable in a vintage chic way.

Snoods look very pretty in a uniquely vintage way. They strike the perfect balance of not looking costumey – like scarf turbans can – while still having a vintage flare. They’re a beautiful addition to protective hairstyles for long hair.


  1. Snoods are extremely comfortable to wear, and stay on all day.

Despite some of my fears, these snoods had just the right amount of elastic at the edge to stay on all day without feeling tight in any way. Any amount of physical activity or mom-life busyness doesn’t budge them—and they help prevent breakage and hair damage from daily wear and tear.


  1. Snoods save a ton of time on hair styling.

It’s nice to be able to still look decent on those days when I can’t be bothered to style my hair, or even to take it out of the braids I slept in. Snoods help me achieve that—being able to just “put away” my hair for several hours until I have the time to deal with it. They are now a staple in my lineup of protective hairstyles for long hair.


  1. Snoods preserve the health and moisture of your hair.

I started my “snood experiment” on freshly washed hair with defined, moisturized curls. Normally, the freshly washed hair effect can start to fade after a day or two. This time, my curls stayed feeling soft and moisturized much longer than usual. I also noticed significantly less hair damage from rubbing against pillows or clothes.


Smiling woman with curly hair raised in hand, wearing brown top. Background shows a green plant and blurred interior. Bright, cheerful mood.

Nighttime


I’ve always recommended sleeping with a silk scarf or cap to protect my hair, but I have to admit, a snood could be a slightly more aesthetic and breathable option—especially for those focused on avoiding overnight hair damage. If you combine it with a silk pillowcase, even better! It’s a way to get the protection you need without sacrificing style or breathability. I have been wearing a snood over my hair at night over a silk scarf or hair cap almost every night, and my hair has been feeling so healthy. And the fact that these are more breathable is great for scalp health too—and preventing long-term hair damage.


Woman sleeping peacefully in a wooden bed, nestled in white pillows and sheets. She appears content and relaxed.

Final Thoughts


I honestly didn’t expect to love hair snoods as much as I do. I’ve literally been wearing one of these every day or night since getting them. Why reinvent the wheel when people figured out great protective hairstyles for long hair and hair protection methods centuries ago?

I love that these keep my hair tangle-free without looking like I just rolled out of bed. And they add vintage flare to any outfit or just lazing around at home. They also help minimize hair damage—something so many of us struggle with.


Woman in profile with a green knitted hair cover smiles indoors. Snowy trees visible through window, books and art on dresser behind.


So, the question is… would you wear a snood? Let me know in the comments!


If you’re into natural hair care, vintage beauty, or historical hair secrets, make sure to subscribe to my email list! When you sign up for my list, you will get my free hair growth cheat sheet which includes my herbal clay hair recipe. It’s perfect for anyone looking to nourish their hair naturally, avoid hair damage, or ready to dive in and start their protective hairstyles for long hair journey. If you want to dive deeper into protective styles, I’ve got an article and video all about the benefits of them, plus a demonstration of my favorite and most effective styles—trust me, you’ll want to check it out! See you soon.



Woman in plaid dress adjusts hair with a neutral expression. Wooden furniture with a floral box is in the background by large windows.

 
 
 

2 Comments


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janetsellars1
a day ago

Love this. I’m getting a snood. My scalp gets too warm with a scarf so this should be so much better. Plus, it’s cute. Thanks for sharing and demonstrating 👍

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