By Ann Siock, Staff Writer
Feb. 12 to 18, 1967: This week, hairstylists from around Lackawanna County visited local hospitals and nursing homes to spread beauty to female residents as part of National Beauty Salon Week.
Patients and residents at the participating sites could receive a variety of free treatments, from shampoos and new styles to permanent waves. Area psychologists lauded the program, citing the link between grooming and a happier outlook on life.
At Community Medical Center, Mary Ann Campriello studies hair of Lillian Hailstone, prior to beauty treatment, while Marie Paradise sits under the dryer. During National Beauty Salon week in Febraury 1967, stylist and hair dresser throughout Lackawanna County volunteered their time and talent to give beauty treatments and haircuts to female residents and patients at the county’s medical facilities. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
Participating stylists belonged to the Lackawanna County Hairdressers Association, an affiliate of the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association.
As well as having stylists travel to hospitals and nursing homes, National Beauty Salon Week also featured a queen contest, which Marlene Stranko won, and she presided over other activities of the week, such as a show featuring sneak previews of spring cuts held at the Jermyn Motor Inn.
Louise Pane enjoys complete relaxation under dryer while participating in a conversation with Anita Panunzio. The pair were taking part in the educational program on new hair styling techniques at the Jermyn Motor Inn in February 1967. The program was part of the celebration to mark National Beauty Salon Week. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
James Martino, right, leans back for better look of his work, while John Caprio, rear, president of Lackawanna Valley Hairdressers Association, brushes in “blunt cut” in daytime style on his model. The hairstyling was part of education program the association held during National Beauty Salon Week in February 1967. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
The theme for the year’s Beauty Salon Week was “Wear the promise of spring in your hair.” New styles for the upcoming months debuted, including the diamond cut, an updo named for its resemblance to a soft-edged diamond. The look was achieved by keeping hair close around the ears while increasing width and height on the top of the head to reach a dull point. The new cut was then treated with Diamond hair coloring, a special blend of basic colors that gave hair highlights and lowlights that mimicked the prismatic display of a diamond in direct light. People wore the new style with curls or waves, depending on the formality required. Often, waves were used to create a less-formal “day” look while curls were reserved for more formal evening wear.
Contact the writer: asiock@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127
James Martino, Joseph Trovota and John Caprio, from left, demonstrate different types of coiffure treatment at an educational program on new hair styling techniques at the Jermyn Motor Inn in February 1967. The program was part of the celebration to mark National Beauty Salon Week. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
