Medieval Hairstyles

The medieval period was the time when humans fought battles galore and rewrote history. Fear, bravery, love, treachery, beautiful damsels, and knights in shining armor, were symbolic of the medieval period.



This period also saw a variety of hairstyles and headdress. It was mandatory and religious etiquette for women to wear bonnets and headgear to cover their hair, with an exception to unmarried women and children. Long hair and curls were one of the most commonly seen hairstyles of those days. Long hair, in fact, was considered as a distinguishing factor among women who had a position of high status in the society.



Such inspired looks are still predominant on the fashion runways even in today’s times. Women also sport many of the old hairstyles even nowadays, depending on the occasion and the outfit they are wearing.



Let’s take a trip back into history and know more about the beauty and the intricacy that these women used, and why some of these looks are still very much in vogue even today.

Hair Styled with Headgear



It was customary for married women to honor their husbands by covering their head with cone-shaped hats, shimmering nets or veils. Women who belonged to the higher strata of society used ribbons, silk, fillet, and wimple that were studded with precious stones, feathers, pearls, and even used gold-colored wires to adorn their hair. This period also saw a lot of hair braiding being used in an artistic and elaborate manner. Another very popular hairstyle was buns and tresses with some strands left loose and curled in the front of the face.



Decorative headdress also played an important role in defining a woman’s social standing in the society. Having a high forehead was also considered to be an asset for women during the medieval period. Those who were not blessed with the same, went to the extent of shaving off their hair in front to acquire a ‘high’ forehead. These foreheads were then adorned with jeweled headbands.

Different Hairstyles

Banded HairRibboned HairLaced HairLayered HairUpdosAngelic LookShort CurlsFlowered HairFrench BraidsPearled HairRoped HairBuns and TressesPonytailsBraided Hair


Wigs and false tresses made of flax, wool, cotton and silk, were also a rage in the medieval era. The hairdos were mostly made curly, and attached with golden balls at the end of the strands. Sometimes, certain sections of the hair was tied tightly behind into buns. These were sometimes braided and coiled on both the sides of the head, and resembled a ram’s horn. It was only at a later period that women had more mounds of hair piled atop their heads. Some women would also cover their heads with bands of lace, silk ribbons and flowers, or go in for ornamental headgear, hoods, and bonnets.



The medieval times was a period with strange stories and surprises. Like pulling out and giving strands of hair to a lover symbolized commitment and love. This era had always caught the fancy of many, and one can only wonder how different life must have been in those medieval days.

Medieval Hairstyles