Medieval Hairstyles

The medieval period, also known as the Dark Ages is one of mystery and full of dark stories! Be it damsels in distress or knights in shining armor, some of these stories are fascinating and gruesome as well. This was the time when people fought battles and also created history. Fear, bravery, love and treachery, it was all there in the Medieval period. A life less than ordinary, people in the medieval period had their own set of problems as compared to what we may face today. Have you ever thought what kind of life did these people lead in the medieval times? People in the medieval ages also had their own set of problems and trends as well. This period also saw varieties of medieval hairstyles. Such are the styles that they have inspired many a hair stylist to go along the same path even today. Such inspired looks are still predominant on the fashion runways as well. Take a trip back into history and know more about the beauty and the intricacy of medieval hairstyles and why this look is still very much in vogue today.

Medieval Hairstyles:
Long hair and curls were one of the commonly seen factors as far as medieval hairstyles were concerned. Long hair was a kind of a distinguishing factor for women who had a high status in the society. Many a times, the hairdos were curly in appearance and women also attached golden balls at the end of the strands. There was also a popular belief in religious stories that led to bonnets being used to cover the hair, as was the case for the commoners. The common people in the medieval period used minimal fancy items for decorating their hair to be on the safer side. Hair braiding was another option for some of them. The medieval period saw a lot of various styles of hair braid being used. The laborious works of the hair stylist often remained covered under headgear, as women were always apprehensive about flaunting their hairstyles lest it was considered to be in bad taste. The other option for the common folks was to wear their hair short.

Women who belonged to the higher strata of society in the medieval times also used ribbons and golden colored threads in the hair. Women also used to pile up their hair in two mounds on either side of their head. These were sometimes braided or unbraided. Even if the hair were short, these were curled up on the sides and the back area. Sometimes, certain sections of the hair were tied tightly behind into buns. These were coiled and used on both the sides of the head. Braids also went all the way at the back of the head at times. Short hairdos were covered with hoods or bonnets. It was only at a later period that women had more mounds of hair piled atop their heads. It was then a custom for married women to cover their hair with cone shaped hats or veils. Nets were also used at times.

Having a high forehead was considered to be an asset for women during the medieval times. Those who were not blessed with the same went to the extent of shaving off their hair to acquire a ‘high’ forehead. Strange were the ways used to achieve medieval hairstyles! These foreheads were adorned with jeweled headbands. Yet another strange factor was pulling out and giving a strand of hair that was considered to be a way of being polite to others.

The medieval times were one with strange stories and surprises in store. However, the medieval times have always caught the fancy of many and one can only wonder how life must have been during the Dark Ages.