Victorian Hairstyles

Like in every era, hairstyles change in style due to influences from fashion and important figures. In the Victorian era especially, Queen Victoria had a great impact. The use of accessories was very important to Victorian women. Hats and bonnets were preferred by women and they would style their hair to fit these in with their look.  

In the early 1830's women all wore their hair extremely long. Many people simply think that they always had it up or curled and plaited, however at the beginning of the Victorian era women wanted the desired look of long hair. Women did not wear their hair down in public as it was not yet accepted in Victorian society. Younger girls could wear their hair how they wanted however as they grew older they were expected to wear it up. Upper class women would wear their hair up and ensured that it was neat and sophisticated to convey their wealthiness. The typical hairstyle that was seen on most women included a middle parting with curled or plaited sides and the back section was placed into a neat bun. 

In the 1840's women were seen with curls down the side of their face. They were often ringlet shaped. Bonnets and hats were still worn and were placed on the head to ensure that these ringlets were still visible. Throughout the era hair got bigger and more volumised. In the 1880's middle partings were seen less on women. Fringes were now the desired look and were often frizzy in texture. 

Men's hair in the Victorian era was always short and parted to the side. It was also often curly at the ends and sleek on the top of the head. They desired a very sophisticated look. Men also had a variety of facial hair whether that being moustaches, full beards or side-burns. They all took great care of their beards and often used waxes and oils to keep them in place. In late Victorian times a shaven face became more popular. 

Victorian hairstyles did change with fashion. Hair often copied the silhouette of the dress and body. In the 1850's skirts became larger in size as well the hair growing in volume as well. In the 1870's a piece of clothing called a bustle was worn and women's hair grew higher. They used hair pieces called rats to created volume and texture that their own hair could not create on its own.  

References

Harris, K. (2015) Victorian Hairstyles: A short history, in photos. Available at: http://www.whizzpast.com/victorian-hairstyles-a-short-history-in-photos/ (Accessed: 29 January 2016).