Hairstyles Of The Middle Ages

A Thousand Years of Hairstyles: Exploring the Diverse Looks of the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, wasn't a monolithic era of unchanging fashion. Quite the contrary! Hair styles during this period, like other aspects of medieval life, varied drastically depending on factors like social class, geographical location, religious beliefs, and even prevailing trends. This article delves into the fascinating world of medieval hairstyles, exploring the diverse looks sported by men and women across this extensive historical period. We'll examine the practical considerations, the symbolic meanings, and the sheer artistry involved in creating these iconic styles.

Introduction: A Tapestry of Styles

Understanding medieval hairstyles requires us to move beyond simplistic generalizations. Forget the singular image of long, flowing tresses often portrayed in popular culture. The reality was far richer and more complex. The styles themselves reflected not just personal preference but also social hierarchy, religious affiliation, and changing cultural influences. We'll uncover the common threads and the significant variations across different regions and social strata, moving from the early medieval period to the late Middle Ages and the cusp of the Renaissance. Key factors influencing hairstyles included access to resources, prevailing social norms, and religious regulations. This journey will uncover hairstyles ranging from the practical braids and coverings of peasant women to the elaborate, often symbolic, coiffures of the aristocracy.

Hairstyles of Medieval Women: A Reflection of Status and Spirituality

Women's hairstyles in the Middle Ages served as potent visual indicators of their social standing and marital status. The hairstyles of the peasant class often reflected the practical needs of their daily lives.

Early Medieval Styles (5th-11th Centuries): For women in this era, practicality and functionality were paramount. Common hairstyles included:

• Braids: These were incredibly versatile, allowing for easy management of long hair while working. Braids could be simple or intricate, depending on skill and available time. They were often adorned with ribbons or other simple decorations.
• Head coverings: Due to religious and societal norms, head coverings like wimples (a type of veil or head covering) and coifs (close-fitting caps) were common, especially for married women. These served a dual purpose – protection from the elements and adhering to social expectations of modesty.
• Simple buns or knots: These styles provided a neat and practical way to keep hair out of the way, especially when undertaking manual labor.

High and Late Medieval Styles (12th-15th Centuries): As we move towards the later Middle Ages, hairstyles become increasingly elaborate, especially among the wealthier classes.

• The Hennin: Perhaps the most iconic medieval headdress, the hennin was a tall, conical hat worn by women of high social standing. It was often worn with a veil or other embellishments, creating a dramatic and visually striking look. The height of the hennin itself often signified status, with taller headdresses indicating greater wealth and prestige. The construction was sophisticated, requiring skilled craftsmanship and likely aided by wire or other supporting structures.
• Elaborate Braids and Plaits: Intricate braiding techniques became more prevalent, with multiple braids often combined into elaborate styles. These braids were sometimes embellished with jewels, ribbons, or other decorative elements. The skill and time involved in creating these hairstyles further highlighted the social status of the wearer.
• The French Hood: Another popular headdress, the French hood was a close-fitting cap that often incorporated a veil. It offered a more practical alternative to the hennin, albeit still indicating a certain level of social standing.

Beyond the specific styles, hair length and coloration also played a role. Long hair was generally considered desirable, signifying beauty and health. While natural hair colors were common, some women might have used dyes, although readily available, effective dyes were not universally accessible.

Hairstyles of Medieval Men: From Practicality to Prestige

Men's hairstyles in the Middle Ages were also subject to shifts over time and social class. While less overtly elaborate than women's styles, they still carried social significance.

Early Medieval Styles:

• Short hair: Common amongst commoners and soldiers, short hair was often practical for both work and combat. This style required minimal maintenance, a significant factor for those engaged in physically demanding activities.
• Long hair: Among the elite and clergy, longer hair was often seen. Length often signified status and sometimes even spiritual piety, especially in religious orders. It's important to note that this was not a universally long hair trend for men, but rather a class distinction.

High and Late Medieval Styles:

• Tonsure: For clergy, the tonsure—a shaved patch of hair on the head—was a significant religious symbol, signifying their ordination and dedication to the church. This varied in shape and size depending on the order.
• Longer Styles with Variations: During the later Middle Ages, we see a greater variety in men's hairstyles among the upper classes. Hair was often worn longer, possibly curled or styled with various headbands or other accessories. The specific styles could vary considerably, depending on geographical location and fashion trends.
• Influence of the Crusades: The Crusades introduced new cultural influences and styles that impacted men's hairstyles, introducing some variations in length and styling.

Cleanliness and hygiene were important, even if our modern standards differed from theirs. Hair would have been combed and cleaned regularly, although the frequency and methods varied depending on social class and access to resources.

The Role of Religious Beliefs and Social Norms

Religious beliefs played a crucial role in shaping medieval hairstyles. The Christian church, particularly in its early medieval influence, emphasized modesty and encouraged women to cover their hair as a sign of submission and piety. This explains the prevalence of head coverings and the limitations placed upon elaborate displays of vanity. The rise of courtly love in the later Middle Ages may have influenced some shifts in fashion and the acceptance of more elaborate hairstyles, though religious norms remained influential.

Social norms also contributed significantly. Hair length, style, and adornment clearly demarcated social class. The elaborate styles of the wealthy contrasted sharply with the simple, functional styles of the working class. These visual markers reinforced social hierarchies and communicated status effortlessly.

The Practicalities and Challenges of Medieval Hair Care

Creating and maintaining medieval hairstyles, especially the elaborate ones, was a time-consuming process. The tools available were relatively simple, including combs (usually made from wood or bone), shears, and potentially curling irons of varying sophistication. Dyes were available, but their effectiveness and accessibility varied greatly, likely relying on natural ingredients and regional availability. Shampoos as we know them did not exist, and hair washing was likely less frequent than today, with reliance on methods like dry shampoos, oil treatments, or less frequent washing with water and herbs.

Regional Variations and Cultural Influences

While certain trends emerged across Europe, significant regional variations existed in medieval hairstyles. Styles in Italy, France, and England, for example, often differed in subtle yet significant ways. Local customs and prevailing fashion trends within each region further contributed to this diversity. The gradual shifts in artistic expression and cultural exchange also had an impact on hairstyles as fashions evolved and were influenced from neighboring regions and beyond.

Conclusion: A Rich Tapestry of Style and Symbolism

The hairstyles of the Middle Ages represent a fascinating tapestry of practical needs, social status, and religious beliefs. They were not merely decorative elements but powerful visual indicators of identity, belonging, and social hierarchy. By exploring the diversity of these styles, from the simple braids of peasant women to the towering hennins of aristocratic ladies, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of medieval life. The careful examination of pictorial evidence, combined with analysis of written records, helps to unravel these complexities and uncover the stories behind the styles. While our understanding is constantly evolving as new research emerges, the evidence showcases a vibrant and varied history of medieval hairstyles – a testament to human creativity and the enduring power of personal expression across time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Were wigs used in the Middle Ages? A: While not as common as today, there's some evidence suggesting the use of hairpieces or extensions, particularly among the wealthy who might have used them to enhance their existing hairstyles or add volume and length.
• Q: What materials were used to create medieval hairstyles? A: Common materials included ribbons, jewels, fabrics, and potentially wire for structural support in certain headdresses like the hennin. Natural hair was the primary component, though some women may have used hairpieces or extensions.
• Q: How often did people wash their hair in the Middle Ages? A: The frequency of hair washing varied across social classes. The wealthy may have washed their hair more frequently than the commoners, but generally, washing was less frequent than in modern times.
• Q: How did hair color affect social status? A: While there wasn't a rigid system, generally, a healthy head of hair was seen as attractive, regardless of specific color. However, the availability of dyes and the ability to maintain a certain color could have contributed to perceptions of social status.
• Q: Were there specific hairstyles associated with certain professions? A: To a lesser extent than social class, certain professions might have dictated certain practical hair styles. For example, long hair would have been impractical for some laborers. However, explicit professional hairstyles were not a defining feature of the era.

This exploration of medieval hairstyles provides a glimpse into the rich cultural landscape of the period, highlighting the interplay of social norms, religious beliefs, and practical considerations in shaping the visual identities of medieval men and women. The surviving visual representations, while sometimes fragmentary, combined with careful historical analysis, allow us to reconstruct a remarkably detailed picture of a fascinating aspect of medieval life.