The concept of beauty standards has significantly influenced hair styling throughout history, with different cultures and societies defining what is considered beautiful and desirable. Beauty standards have often been tied to social status, wealth, and power, with certain hairstyles and hair textures being associated with privilege and others with marginalization. For example:

- In ancient Greece and Rome, long, curly hair was seen as a symbol of wealth and status.
- In Africa, braids and dreadlocks were a symbol of spirituality and cultural identity.
- In Asia, straight, black hair was considered a beauty ideal.
- In the Western world, blonde hair and blue eyes were often associated with beauty and femininity.

Beauty standards have also been influenced by social and cultural movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the feminist movement, which challenged traditional beauty ideals and promoted more inclusive and diverse definitions of beauty.

Throughout history, hair styling has been a way to conform to or challenge beauty standards, with many people using their hair as a form of self-expression and identity.