My second weekly letter is all about hairstyles from the Civil War. I wanted this post to be my first since it is something I'm very passionate about, however this is more like the second place to start. What good is a beautiful garment without the right accessories? Your hair is the most important accessory you can have when reenacting. Let me show you some lovely examples of period correct styles.
An example of a ball hairstyle.
Daytime hair for different faces
There is many ways one can twist and braid hair. All of these have something in common if you've noticed: the middle part. Now, in today's time not everyone likes the middle part or wears it regularly, however, that was the most popular part of their style back then. There has been a few cases in ball attire that you see a slight side part but that was not the norm of the time. Another thing that is most common with day styles is the bun (or chignon) at the nape(lower part) of the neck. The basis of the day styles consisted mostly of a bun with different techniques of braids or twists added to the sides.
Now lets take a look at modern day reenactors to get an idea of how you can look just as Victorian as the ladies in the pictures.
Now lets take a look at modern day reenactors to get an idea of how you can look just as Victorian as the ladies in the pictures.
This is a good example of using the modern sock bun.
(Photo credit and model to my Girls School alumni)
Using multiple braids is perfect for long hair!
(photo credit to Rapunzel's Resource)
A braided bun is an easy go-to hairdo!
(Photo credit also to Rapunzel's Resource)
There is a good amount of hair tutorials out there but don't forget to be creative and make your own styles! A very period thing to use would be false hair, and hair pieces such as sock buns, hair extensions, I've even heard of people growing their hair out and cutting it for their own extensions so it matches their color! The possibilities are endless. Hair spray should only be used in small amounts and gel or pomade will help it stay better. I know this may sound gross to most people but not washing your hair and leaving the natural oils in your hair (like the Victorians did) really makes a difference in styling your hairdos!
If you have any other tips feel free to comment or email me! Is there anything special you do to your vintage styles? Let me know!
Yours truly,
Shayla P.
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