Best Historical Hairstyles: A Timeless Guide

Embark on a journey through time as we explore some of the best historical hairstyles that have graced the heads of royals, revolutionaries, and everyday people. These iconic styles not only reflect the fashion trends of their eras but also provide insights into the cultural, social, and political landscapes of the past.

Ancient Civilizations: The Cradle of Hairstyle Innovation

Our historical hairstyle journey begins in ancient civilizations where intricate updos and symbolic hair adornments were the norm.

• Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians were known for their elaborate wigs and headdresses, often adorned with jewels and intricate designs. Pharaohs and nobles wore these wigs as symbols of power and status.
• Ancient Greece: Greek women typically wore their hair long and loose, often with braids or curls. However, during the Classical period, women adopted a style called the 'melon' hairstyle, where the hair was pulled back tightly and shaped into a round, melon-like form.
• Ancient Rome: Roman women favored intricate updos and hairpieces, often using false hair to create volume and length. The 'tower hairstyle' was particularly popular, with hair piled high on the head and adorned with jewels and flowers.

Medieval Europe: Hair as a Status Symbol

In medieval Europe, hair was often covered by headdresses and veils, but the styles underneath were no less impressive.

• 12th-14th Centuries: During this period, long, flowing hair was the norm. Women often wore their hair loose or in braids, while men grew their hair long and sometimes wore it in a ponytail or braided it.
• 15th Century: The late medieval period saw the rise of the 'hennin', a tall, cone-shaped headdress worn by women. Underneath, the hair was often braided or worn in a bun.

Renaissance and Baroque: The Golden Age of Hairstyles

The Renaissance and Baroque periods brought a new level of opulence and complexity to hairstyles, with elaborate updos and hairpieces becoming the norm.

• Renaissance: During this period, women's hairstyles became increasingly elaborate, with tall, rounded updos and hairpieces made of real hair. Men, meanwhile, favored short, curly styles.
• Baroque: The Baroque era saw the rise of the 'fontange', a tall, wide headdress made of lace or fabric. Underneath, the hair was often powdered white and arranged in intricate curls and waves.

18th Century: The Age of Powdered Wigs

The 18th century is perhaps best known for its powdered wigs, which were worn by both men and women of high society.

• Men's Wigs: Men's wigs came in a variety of styles, from the long, curled 'periwig' to the shorter, more natural-looking 'bagwig'.
• Women's Hairstyles: Women's hairstyles became increasingly elaborate, with tall, powdered updos and hairpieces. The 'Marie Antoinette' hairstyle, featuring a tall, wide updo adorned with feathers and jewels, was particularly popular.

19th Century: The Romantic Era of Hairstyles

The 19th century saw a shift towards more natural, romantic hairstyles, reflecting the era's emphasis on emotion and individualism.

• Early 19th Century: The Empire and Regency styles of the early 1800s featured simple, natural updos with soft curls and waves.
• Mid-19th Century: The mid-Victorian era saw the rise of the 'bun', with women wearing their hair pulled back into a low, loose bun at the nape of the neck.
• Late 19th Century: Towards the end of the century, women began to wear their hair longer and looser, with the 'Gibson Girl' style featuring a high, rounded bun with loose tendrils framing the face.

20th Century: Hairstyles for Every Decade

The 20th century brought a wide variety of hairstyles, reflecting the rapid social and cultural changes of the era.

From ancient civilizations to the modern era, hairstyles have evolved and changed, reflecting the cultural, social, and political landscapes of their times. Whether they were worn by royals, revolutionaries, or everyday people, these historical hairstyles offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.