Hair was an integral component of Victorian culture. Women would keep their locks up, and having short locks was considered offensive and inappropriate. Long hair became the standard style, often featuring crimped curls, sausage curls, coiled chignons, and pompadours. Women often powdered their locks or made rats to add volume.
Ponytail
One of the easiest Victorian hairstyles to pull off is a ponytail. Perfect for long wavy locks, it works for any number of special events – add decorative clips or pins to make this style truly standout! For those wanting a more dramatic Victorian look, invisible comb tufts or plaits of false hair can create an eye-catching queue pinned vertically up the head. This technique is especially helpful for vintage dancers or reenactment participants without natural period hair who wish to add extra character and character to their costume.
Men’s Victorian Hairstyles
Men’s Victorian hairstyles were often short and slicked back, an easy look to replicate for either costume wear or daily use. They’re an ideal option for those who favor more conservative looks while remaining neat and tidy. Men with longer locks could even add quiffs as part of a quiff-inspired 1800s trend which remains trendy today.
Three-Strand Braid
The three-strand braid is an intricate style, perfect for longer locks. This romantic and voluminous option creates a stunning shape at the crown of your head. Start with a regular ponytail, flip it through an elastic band, three-strand braid down each side until reaching the ends, and tighten tightly before tying a clear elastic around it to secure. As soon as you arrive in the center, mentally identify each strand as hair strand 1, 2, or 3. Now bring each of them over two others, starting on either end: left first, then right. Repeat this pattern until you have a neat-sized braid and tie off its end. For thicker braids, use four or five strands instead. This style can also be customized further with flowers or ribbon embellishments or stretched into circular cord.
Curly Bob
Curly bob is another versatile Victorian hairstyle that works well on all textures of hair, as it gives curls a chance to show their potential without becoming overbearing. To achieve this style, curl and tease your hair before twisting it for a vintage aesthetic that’s ideal for channeling Victorian princesses. This style is great for wavy or curly hair, helping to define your face shape. Additionally, try pairing this look with a feathered headband for an eye-catching and playful effect. To achieve an authentic Victorian look, ensure your hair is at least shoulder length. For added drama and volume in front of the headband, try pin curls or using feathered headbands. These will make your locks appear fuller and more dramatic.
Feathered Headband
Feathers were an increasingly fashionable adornment during the Edwardian era. A plume boom saw imported ostrich feathers from the Middle East and Southern Africa, parrot feathers from South America, and Birds of Paradise feathers from New Guinea imported in their thousands. Women wore their hair in various styles designed to showcase feathers. Perms were available during Edwardian times but required many hours for completion; therefore, only wealthy ladies would opt for such treatment. An easy way to achieve the Edwardian look is to gather your hair into a low crown and secure it with a clear Victorian-style hair tie, using either a lace headband or Marcel iron (you could also try other curling irons for this style). Marcel irons allow you to create distinctive peaks and troughs which define this style; alternatively, you could also experiment with different curling irons to add variety in texture to your locks.
