Ancient Egyptians had an obsession with cleanliness and a desire to appear aesthetically perfect. The use of makeup and methods of cleaning bodies inspired many of the soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes popularized in later eras. The dark eye makeup and wigs were adopted not only for appearances but also as methods of survival in an area scorched by the sun and an era plagued by insects, vermin, and parasites. Discover ancient Egypt’s hygienic practices.
They shaved their heads to avoid lice
Lice tormented ancient Egyptians so badly, people removed all their hair using knives, razors, and tweezers. They wore wigs, with the wealthy able to own several which they’d dispose of if infested with lice.
They used deodorant
Ancient Egyptians made use of plants and other natural substances to keep their body odor in check. They ground herbs, flowers, and roots into a paste, then combined those with oil to make a cream to apply to their armpits. Women even added scents to wax which they spread on their head as a sort of diffuser.
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youtube
Mints and herbs kept their mouths fresh
Egyptians always had access to methods of relieving bad breath. They chewed on herbs like parsley during the day or after meals. They also had breath mints. These mints were combined fragrant spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and frankincense, with cashews and pine seeds. They used honey to bind the ingredients together before using fire to form candies.
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youtube
Circumcision
Inscriptions found in temples and tombs seemed to point to the fact that uncircumcised men were not allowed to enter, as they were deemed impure. It may have started as a desire for cleanliness but the practice evolved into rituals involving religious ideas.
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youtube
Only the wealthy owned toilets
Wealthy Egyptians owned seats made of limestone. It sat on top of a box filled with sand. Someone had the unfortunate job of emptying these seats. The remaining number of people used the Nile as their bathroom. The river everyone used to drink, bathe, and wash their clothes in. They were strict with hygiene but neglected proper sanitation. Which meant…
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youtube
People washed clothing in infested waters
Clothing was usually made from linen and because the fabric’s color was white, garments showed dirt very easily. This required laundry to be done more often. The wealthy hired others to do their laundry with the use of special facilities. Lower classes had to use the Nile.
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youtube
Perfumes were diverse
Using oil as a base, fragrant spices and herbs including cardamom, mint, and juniper were added to create a variety of scents. A perfume called kyphi became the most prized and expensive of perfumes. The lower class could not afford perfumes so they ground and combined roots, herbs, and flowers to make less expensive fragrances.
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youtube
The wealthy had indoor baths
The wealthiest Egyptians had built-in baths in their homes. They would stand on a stone slab, then bathers had basins or jugs full of water poured on them by their servants. The lower classes, which was most of Egyptian society, bathed themselves in the Nile itself.
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Wikimedia Commons
Laxatives and enemas
Doctors who were also priests encouraged the use of purgatives or laxatives to help clean the intestines. Laxatives were believed to help rid the body of disease hence the practice. They used castor oil to force waste out of the body.
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youtube
Cosmetics for aesthetics
After smoothing their skin with oils and face masks of honey or aloe, Egyptians applied eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner. Eyeliner was a beauty statement. The kohl people used it to line their eyes which also protected their eyes from the sun’s glare and repelled flies.
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youtube
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Ancient Egyptians ground salt, flowers, and mint into a powder to clean their teeth. They brushed this over their teeth using their fingers, which would mix with saliva to form a paste. Egyptians created a toothbrush using a stick bound with thin strips of plants as bristles with historians finding evidence of dental practices as well.
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youtube
Sunscreen and moisturizers
Ancient Egyptians made the effort preserve their skin, what with Egypt being hot and sunny. People applied animal byproducts such as tallow, which helped moisturize skin due to the fat content. Plant products like linseed or castor oil and added honey helped diminish scars.
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youtube
The wealthy got manicures
The upper class and royalty hired manicurists, who used files and small knives to trim and clean their toenails and fingernails. Manicurists held a special place in society and even labeled their tombs with their job title after they passed.
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pixabay
Food preparation was unsanitary
The Nile created fertile soil for growing food along its banks. However, disease and other contaminants often came into contact with the soil and food. The lower class prepared food in open air rooms or on the roof where vermin could easily access their prepared meals.
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pixabay
Towers were built to escape mosquitoes
Residents would build towers for their sleeping rooms since the wind prevented mosquitoes from flying high enough to infiltrate the barrier. Egypt was plagued with mosquitoes and other preventative tasks included wrapping themselves in a net as they slept.
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pixabay
Beauty beyond the grave
Hair implements as well as entire cosmetic sets were buried with their rightful owner as if to serve a purpose in the afterlife. Ornate hairpins and wide-tooth combs made of ivory and silver as well as bronze tweezers to shape the eyebrows and gold razors were also found in abundance. Highly polished copper mirrors with intricate elegant handles were placed under the heads of the deceased or in front of their faces as well.
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pixabay
Preventive medicine
The Egyptians fed their laborers a diet rich in onion, garlic, and radish to secure the production of their magnificent monuments. These vegetables are extremely rich in allistatin, allicin, and raphanin. Powerful antibiotics that aided in the prevention of disease in crowded working conditions. Doctors fed their visually impaired patients with powdered liver, which is rich in Vitamin A, a vital nutrient for vision.
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youtube
Medical knowledge
The Ebers Medical Papyrus, which dates back to 1500 BC, states that Egyptians formed a soap-like material using alkaline salts in addition to vegetable and animals fats. This substance aided in treating skin diseases. The Ebers Papyrus includes 877 prescriptions as well as the earliest documented awareness of tumors.
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wikipedia
Hair care
The most stylish women in ancient Egypt enjoyed wearing beads, ribbons, flowers or jewelry to show off. They used combs made from fish bones and colored their grey hair with henna. Almond oil was applied to keep their locks moisturized.
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youtube
Pregnancy tests used ember and barley
Women physicians tested fertility by requiring a woman to urinate on a combination of barley and ember. If neither the barley nor the ember grew, she was not pregnant. If the barely grew, she was pregnant with a boy, while ember meant it was a girl. This test is fairly effective as modern researchers discovered.
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youtube
Fingernails and toenails
The wealthy kept their fingernails and toenails short and well-manicured, using metal tools or pumice stones.
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wikipedia
Eye makeup
Kohl, a black eyeliner made from soot and animal fat, was applied to the eyes to protect them from the sun and enhance their appearance.
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Wikimedia Commons
Body ointments
Ointments made from oils, fats, and herbs were used to protect the skin from the harsh desert climate and to treat skin conditions.
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wikipedia
Hair removal
Both men and women removed facial and body hair using razors, depilatory creams, or tweezers.
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Wikimedia Commons
Oral hygiene
Chewing sticks made from twigs or reeds were used to clean the teeth and gums.
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pixabay
Foot care
Foot ointments and sandals were used to protect the feet from the hot sand and to prevent foot problems.
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Wikimedia Commons
Public baths
Public baths were available to the lower classes, but they were not as luxurious as the private baths of the wealthy.
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Wikimedia Commons
Toilets
Toilets were simple holes in the ground or elevated structures with pits below.
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Wikimedia Commons
Waste disposal
Waste was disposed of in the Nile River or in pits outside of settlements.
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Wikimedia Commons
Water purification
Water was often filtered through sand or gravel before drinking.
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Wikimedia Commons
Food preservation
Food was preserved by salting, drying, or smoking.
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Wikimedia Commons
Medical treatment
Physicians were trained in the use of herbal remedies and surgical techniques.
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pixabay
Dentistry
Dentists extracted teeth, filled cavities, and made dentures.
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Wikimedia Commons
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists treated eye diseases and performed cataract surgery.
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Wikimedia Commons
Midwifery
Midwives assisted women in childbirth.
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Wikimedia Commons
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery was performed to correct deformities and enhance appearance.
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wikipedia
Mummification
Mummification was a complex process used to preserve the bodies of the deceased.
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wikipedia
Cosmetics for medicinal purposes
Some cosmetics, such as kohl, were also believed to have medicinal properties.
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Wikimedia Commons
Use of honey as a wound dressing
Honey was used to treat wounds and skin infections due to its antibacterial properties.
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pexels
Belief in the importance of personal hygiene for health and well-being
Ancient Egyptians believed that personal hygiene was essential for both physical and spiritual health.
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Wikipedia
Use of natural resources for personal care products
Egyptians utilized various natural resources, such as plants, minerals, and animal products, to create their personal care products.
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Wikimedia Commons
Development of specialized tools for hygiene practices:
Ancient Egyptians developed specialized tools, such as razors, tweezers, and applicators, to enhance their hygiene practices.
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Wikimedia Commons
Incorporation of hygiene into religious rituals
Personal hygiene practices were often incorporated into religious rituals and ceremonies, emphasizing their significance in Egyptian culture.
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Wikimedia Commons
Variation in hygiene practices based on social status
Wealthier Egyptians had access to more luxurious and effective hygiene practices compared to those of lower social classes.
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Wikimedia Commons
Influence of hygiene practices on social interactions
Personal appearance and hygiene were important factors in social interactions, influencing reputation and status among Egyptians.
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Wikimedia Commons
Evolution of hygiene practices over time
Hygiene practices in ancient Egypt evolved over time, reflecting advancements in knowledge and technology.
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pexels
Adaptation of hygiene practices to local conditions
Egyptians adapted their hygiene practices to suit the specific environmental conditions of their region.
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pexels
Importance of hygiene in maintaining public health
Maintaining proper hygiene was crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining public health in ancient Egyptian society.
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pexels
Role of hygiene in preserving cultural heritage
The study of ancient Egyptian hygiene practices provides insights into their culture, beliefs, and daily lives.
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pexels
Legacy of ancient Egyptian hygiene practices
Some of the hygiene practices developed in ancient Egypt continue to influence modern-day personal care routines.
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pexels
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