The Dees sisters first appeared in LIFE in 1950, in an ad for Nabisco shredded wheat, when the eye-grabbing identical triplets were just five years old. Then in 1956 the triplets from New York City came before the camera of estimable LIFE staff photographer Nina Leen, who chronicled the signpost style moment when Christina, Katha and Megan had their pigtails shorn in favor of a shorter style.
And in 1964, the triplets made their biggest splash in LIFE, with their hair once again a topic of interest. The story was headlined “New York’s Dees Triplets Import a New Hairdo: Sleek and Straight and Hide an Eye.”
The triplets had gone to Europe and came back with a new look that was especially attention-getting when seen in triplicate. “Now 19, Christina, Katha and Megan with identical eye-obscuring hairdos by London’s Vidal Sassoon—which they like so much that they are willing to sacrifice individuality,” LIFE wrote. At that time Vidal Sassoon was just beginning his rise to prominence, and the year after this LIFE story came out, he would open his first salon in New York City.
Leen’s photos, while showcasing their new hairdos, and also presented the triplets in a variety of youthful fashions. But after this LIFE appearance the Dees sisters didn’t leave much of a public trace. Among the relatively few other fashion photos that can be found online is this fun shot of them standing in front of an image of the Beatles, taken by.the noted fashion photographer and film director Jerry Schatzberg.
It’s certainly not hard to why the Dees triplets captured the public’s attention, for as long as they were in it.
Triplets Christina Dees (left), Katha Dees (center) and Megan Dees modeling their braids before getting haircuts, 1956.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets in braids, before they got their har cut, 1956.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Triplets Christina, Katha, and Megan Dees getting their hair cut, 1956.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets under hairdryers at a salon, 1956.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Triplets Christina Dees (left), Katha Dees (center) and Megan Dees modeling their new, shorter haircuts, 1956.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Christina Dees (left), Katha Dees (center) and. Megan Dees (right) modeled new hairstyles done by Vidal Sassoon, 1964
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets modeled identical organdy jacket dresses, 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets modeled slim crepe dresses that were “great for dancing,” 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Christina Dees (left), Katha Dees (center) and Megan Dees (right) modeling their new hairstyles,1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets wore striped knit pullovers and pleated skirts while making a nod to individuality with the way they wore the brims of their straw hats, 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets—Christina, Katha, and Megan—model knit pullovers with pleated skirts, 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets modeled cotton beach dresses, 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Dees triplets posed in identical beach dresses, 1964.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Christina Dees (left, in overblouse), Katha Dees (center, in hooded dress), and Megan Dees (right), May 1964
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
