ASCP Esty Talk – Episode 321: 100 Years of Personal Esthetics

Podcast Information:

• Title: ASCP Esty Talk
• Host/Author: Associated Skin Care Professionals
• Description: Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), ASCP Esty Talk and The Rogue Pharmacist is specifically created for estheticians. Where no topic is off limits, we share all kinds of great information on this podcast from ingredients and the science of the skin, to business, and beauty diversity. We hope you come away having learned more about your career, the industry, and maybe even life in general!
• Episode: Ep 321 – 100 Years of Personal Esthetics
• Release Date: May 7, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

Episode 321 of the ASCP Esty Talk, hosted by licensed estheticians Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik, delves deep into the evolution of personal esthetics over the past century. Titled "100 Years of Personal Esthetics," the episode explores how cultural, technological, and social trends have shaped the way individuals care for their intimate areas.

2. The Flapper Era and Early Body Hair Removal (00:00 – 05:45)

Ella and Maggie kick off the discussion by tracing the origins of women's grooming practices, highlighting the introduction of women's razors between the 1920s and 1940s. Ella explains, "It was between the 1920s and the 1940s... the dress became shorter, like right under the knee, and dresses became sleeveless... so they introduced the razor and marketed it to women" (03:05).

This shift was significantly influenced by the flapper era, where fashion trends like shorter hemlines and sleeveless dresses made body hair more visible, prompting the need for hair removal. Maggie adds context by mentioning the impact of World War I, stating, "During World War I there was a shortage of nylon and so women started shaving their legs" (04:19).

3. The 1970s Feminist Movement and Body Hair (05:45 – 07:10)

Transitioning to the 1970s, the hosts discuss how the feminist movement and hippie counterculture led to a resurgence of body hair as a form of rebellion against traditional beauty standards. Ella notes, "In the 70s, body hair was seen as the antithesis of rebellion... like 'my body, my choice'" (05:47).

This era marked a significant shift where natural body hair became a statement of personal autonomy and resistance against male-dominated beauty norms.

4. The Birth of Brazilian Waxing in the 1980s (07:10 – 09:21)

The conversation moves to the 1980s with the introduction of Brazilian waxing. Ella shares an enlightening anecdote: "In 1987, the J sisters introduced Brazilian waxing in New York... it offered more thorough waxing, removing all or nearly all pubic hair" (06:07).

Maggie reflects on the cultural impact, saying, "I've never heard this story before... it's a huge part of our culture now" (07:38). The Brazilian wax quickly gained popularity, especially among celebrities and models, solidifying its place in mainstream beauty practices.

5. Cultural Norms and Media Influence in the 1990s-2000s (09:21 – 12:54)

Ella and Maggie emphasize the role of media in normalizing intimate waxing. Shows like "Sex in the City" portrayed professional waxing as standard, shifting public perception from personal shaving to professional treatments. Ella remarks, "Now we're going to wax. It was this shaving thing behind the scenes, but now it's professionalized" (08:14).

Maggie adds, "In aesthetic school... if you did not experience a Brazilian, if you didn't know how to give a Brazilian, well, that's it, your career is over" (09:21), highlighting how integral Brazilian waxing became in the esthetics industry.

6. Technological Advancements in Hair Removal (12:54 – 16:15)

The hosts explore the technological advancements that revolutionized hair removal, particularly laser hair removal. Ella shares her personal experience with at-home laser devices: "I have this at home laser hair removal device... it works on my chin hair" (17:21).

Maggie expresses skepticism about at-home treatments, questioning their efficacy: "Can they really sell an over-the-counter laser that is powerful enough to target the follicle?" (17:45). Despite uncertainties, the rise of these technologies offers more options for consumers, aligning with the current trend of increased autonomy in personal grooming.

7. Current Trends: Choice and Body Positivity (16:15 – 19:03)

Reflecting on contemporary trends, Ella and Maggie discuss the growing emphasis on choice and body positivity. Ella summarizes, "The key message here is autonomy. It's not just about fitting in like it used to be. It's about feeling good in your skin" (15:45).

Maggie concurs, noting the influence of Gen Z and platforms like TikTok in promoting diverse beauty standards: "The shift from the full Brazilian to Bush revival is really about freedom of choice" (17:27). This movement encourages individuals to embrace their natural selves or choose grooming practices that make them feel comfortable.

8. Personal Experiences and Anecdotes (19:03 – 21:14)

The hosts share personal stories that illustrate the evolution of intimate aesthetics. Ella recalls her initial discomfort with Brazilian waxing: "I wanted to get it done super fast... I mastered my technique to get it over with because I was uncomfortable" (13:06). Maggie reflects on her early career experiences, emphasizing the necessity of mastering Brazilian waxing for professional success: "I was the only one who performed Brazilian waxing... it was very. It's an intimate Thing and people were modest" (13:52).

These anecdotes underscore the professional and personal transformations estheticians undergo as intimate aesthetics becomes more mainstream.

9. Conclusion: Shift to Self-Care (21:14 – End)

In wrapping up, Ella and Maggie highlight how intimate aesthetics has transitioned from societal expectations to a nuanced form of self-care. They state, "In the last hundred years of waxing, shaving and everything else in between, intimate aesthetics has always been influenced by larger trends, fashion, media, technology and cultural vibes. It started as a reaction to visible skin and has grown into a nuanced personal form of self-care" (19:54).

The episode concludes by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on intimate aesthetics and its cultural influences, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to engaging with its audience on meaningful topics.

Notable Quotes:

• Ella Cressman (03:05): "It was between the 1920s and the 1940s... the dress became shorter, like right under the knee, and dresses became sleeveless... so they introduced the razor and marketed it to women."
• Maggie Stasik (04:19): "During World War I there was a shortage of nylon and so women started shaving their legs."
• Ella Cressman (05:47): "In the 70s, body hair was seen as the antithesis of rebellion... like 'my body, my choice.'"
• Ella Cressman (06:07): "In 1987, the J sisters introduced Brazilian waxing in New York... it offered more thorough waxing, removing all or nearly all pubic hair."
• Maggie Stasik (07:38): "I've never heard this story before... it's a huge part of our culture now."
• Ella Cressman (08:14): "Now we're going to wax. It was this shaving thing behind the scenes, but now it's professionalized."
• Maggie Stasik (09:21): "In aesthetic school... if you did not experience a Brazilian, if you didn't know how to give a Brazilian, well, that's it, your career is over."
• Ella Cressman (15:45): "The key message here is autonomy. It's not just about fitting in like it used to be. It's about feeling good in your skin."
• Maggie Stasik (17:45): "Can they really sell an over-the-counter laser that is powerful enough to target the follicle?"
• Ella Cressman (19:54): "Intimate aesthetics has always been influenced by larger trends, fashion, media, technology and cultural vibes. It started as a reaction to visible skin and has grown into a nuanced personal form of self-care."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich discussion between Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik, providing valuable insights into the historical and cultural shifts in personal esthetics. From the introduction of women's razors in the early 20th century to the modern emphasis on choice and body positivity, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of how intimate aesthetics have evolved over the past century.