Guys in the past do not go to barber shops for a unique hairstyle because most barbers in the past had only a fixed number of styles. The guys who wanted a different style usually went to a hairstylist.

The rest of the guys who did not worry about their hair, did try to follow their idols in the gym. There was a belief that if you follow a certain action star or sports star's exercise regime, you could get the same physique. Or a similar well defined body part. Or if you tried a certain exercise, you could bulk up or get a certain "cut".

In those days the beauty products selection for men was much smaller. The sport stars in the past, also did not endorse grooming products.