How to Achieve Iconic 17th Century Hairstyles: A Step by Step Guide
The fashion and beauty trends of the 17th century are still admired today for their elegance and glamour. One of the standout features of this period was the elaborate hairstyles worn by both women and men. From high-piled curls to intricate braids, these hairstyles are iconic and resonant even in modern times. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll be exploring how to achieve those iconic 17th century hairstyles with class and sophistication.
Step 1: Create a Foundation
The first step is creating a foundation that will provide structure for building up your hairstyle. For women, this can start by tying your hair back in a simple bun or ponytail with some added volume. Men can also prepare their hair by parting it down the middle into two sections.
Step 2: Add Volume
Once you have created the foundation, it’s time to add volume to your hair. Women can create this effect by teasing their hair at the roots or using hair extensions or rats (little rolls of hair) to add more thickness. Men can use pomade or styling gel to give their hair some texture, making it easier to shape.
Step 3: Begin Styling
Next up is styling- one of the most crucial steps in achieving an iconic 17th century hairstyle! To begin styling, sections of hair should be taken from either side (for girls), braided tightly with either spikes or twists, pinned in place and then curled over towards where your neck meets your shoulders. Aquanet hairspray comes highly recommended as its strong hold ensures long-lasting style retention! Do not forget about accessorizing with feathers, ribbons or other decorative pieces!
Men usually wore wigs instead of stylizing actual head fulls themselves- perfect replicas included sky-high quiffs while some men sported longer locks styled around tight braids looked sophisticated yet elegant.
Step 4 : The Finishing Touches
Finally, once you have achieved your desired look, the finishing touches come into play. Whether it’s adding a ribbon to your braid or spraying some extra hairspray to keep those flyaways in place, these finishing touches will bring your 17th century hairstyle to life.
Whether you want to recreate an iconic 17th century hairstyle for a costume party or simply want to add some vintage flair to your everyday look, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve that glorious rebirth beauty. So there ya have it- now, with patience and determination- knock yourself out and become wherever you desire with just a few tweaks and additions!
Frequently Asked Questions about 17th Century Hairstyles
The 17th century was an era of royal flair and widespread fashion trends. Fashion enthusiasts would often spend hours on intricate hairstyles that matched their meticulously curated outfits. Today, the revival of historical fashion has sparked an interest in these bold hairstyles from the past. This has led to some common questions regarding 17th century hairstyles – so let’s clear a few things up!
Q1) What were the popular hairstyles in the 17th century?
17th century saw hairstyles that were usually dominated by rich people, but it wasn’t unheard of for ordinary individuals to sport them too! Women’s long hair had typically been worn loose or partially pinned since the Renaissance period; however, in the early seventeenth century, women began to style their hair high off their foreheads and wear it piled onto the top of their heads. By mid-century this had evolved into a wide variety of styles encompassing barrel curls, heavy braids, and low coils.
Men’s hairstyles during this time followed suit with either short bobs or shoulder-length curled styles adorned with plumes or hats.
Q2) How did they create such complicated styles without modern tools?
Creating these ornate styles was no mean feat. While curling irons have played a vital role in contemporary hairstyling; ladies back then resorted to using human hair wigs supplemented with wire frames which they could use to mold various shapes and forms as required. The resulting masterpiece would then be decorated with ribbons, pearls or even flowers.
Men decidedly opted for powdered wigs and later changed to cropping short hair as French military influence embraced shorter designs.
Q3) How did hairstyle reflect social status?
Hairstyles were not just mere fashion statements but instead acted as significant indicators of social status during this period. Women from wealthier backgrounds could afford bigger wigs with finer ornamentations while maintaining complex compositions featuring shapely rolls above prominent foreheads.
This further reflected personal taste and cultural background without forgetting elite status in society. Men shared a similar story, the length of their hair often being a reflection of their specific socio-economic standing while shorter hairstyles hinted at military connections.
Q4) Did they use any hair products?
Maintaining these hairstyles demanded various cosmetics such as pomades, oils or scented powders formulated to maintain control and shine over this meticulously coiffed hair. Wigs, on the other hand, were powder-engulfed concoctions kept pristine with dedicated brushes.
Q5) Were there any distinct advantages to 17th-century hairstyles?
Well, for women especially, elaborate protective styles reflected hygiene practices since intricate composition involved tying up long sections away from pollution caused by poor sanitation systems which had littered wealthy urban areas
The complexity of men’s wigs also offered protection against direct exposure to sun rays which were believed to induce devastating skin cancer.
Exploring 17th century hairstyle history provides fascinating insights into fashion culture during that time period. These sophisticated pieces would have taken hours if not days to complete but ultimately represent timeless elegance and class that is nothing short of artistry in motion!
Top 5 Surprising Facts about 17th Century Hair Trends
When we think of 17th century hair trends, the first image that comes to mind is probably the iconic curly wigs worn by aristocrats and nobility. However, there are many surprising facts about the hair trends of this era that you may not have known. From unusual hair treatments to unexpected styles, here are the top five surprising facts about 17th century hair trends.
1. Hair Powder Wasn’t Just for Wigs
While we often associate white powdered wigs with the 17th century, hair powder was actually used on natural hair as well. Women would powder their hair with flour or starch to give it a lighter color and increase volume. This trend eventually evolved into using colored powders made from various minerals and even lead.
2. Hair Was Used for Housekeeping
Believe it or not, women in the 17th century would save their own shedded hair to use for household cleaning! Hair was believed to be perfect for scrubbing floors and polishing furniture due to its absorbent properties.
3. Some Styles Were Inspired By Food
The “herringbone” hairstyle became popular in the 1600s after Dutch women began styling their braids in this fashion to resemble herring fish bones. In addition, some women wore “Fontanges” which featured tall headpieces resembling whipped cream confections…yum!
4. Curling Irons Were Not Invented Yet
Curling irons didn’t exist during this time period so achieving coveted curls meant partially drying your dampened tresses before wrapping strands around heated metal rods then securing them tightly with fabric strips until completely dried in order ot achieve bouncy ringlets.
5. Lice Infestations Were Common
It’s not surprising given how complex hairstyles were back then that lice infestations were rampant among both men and women at all social statuses! These pesky parasites were difficult to control due to lack of hygiene and unsuitable remedies available in comparison to today’s treatments.
In conclusion, the hair trends of 17th century were as eclectic as they were surprising. From using hair for household cleaning to food-inspired hairstyles, it is fascinating how much can be learned about society from their choice of hairstyles. What will historians have to say about our current bun and messy ponytail obsessions centuries later? Only time can tell!
Breaking the Rules: Unique and Unconventional 17th Century Hairstyles
The 17th century was a period of great change and transformation in Europe. It saw the rise of great empires, the development of new technologies, and the emergence of new artistic and cultural trends. One of these trends was a fascination with unique and unconventional hairstyles that broke all the rules.
During this time, men and women all over Europe were experimenting with their hair in ways that had never been seen before. From towering powdered wigs to intricate braids, these 17th century hairstyles were anything but ordinary.
One of the most iconic hairstyles of this era was the “fontange” style worn by women. This involved piling up curls on top of a wire frame, which would then be adorned with ribbons, feathers, flowers or even small sculptures. The fontange became so popular that it appeared on countless paintings and portraits from this period.
Another common hairstyle during this time was known as the “periwig”. Men would shave their heads completely bald, then wear enormous curly wigs made from horsehair or human hair that could cover their entire faces. These wigs were often powdered with white powder to give them an extra dramatic effect.
However, not all 17th century hairstyles were purely for show. Many served functional purposes as well. For example, sailors often wore their hair long because it helped protect their necks from sunburn while at sea. Similarly, working-class women would keep their hair short or tied back tightly to prevent it from getting caught in machinery or other hazards.
Despite being so different from modern styles, these 17th century hairstyles still capture our imagination today. Perhaps we are drawn to them because they represent a more imaginative and creative time in history where people weren’t afraid to break conventions and try something new.
Whatever draws you to these remarkable hairstyles – whether it’s nostalgia for historical periods or an admiration for those bold enough to flaunt them – there is no denying their enduring appeal. And who knows – maybe someday we’ll see them make a comeback in fashion. After all, fashion is cyclical, and what was once old is often new again.
Behind the Scenes of Creating Extravagant Wigs for High Society in the 17th Century
During the 17th century, extravagant wigs were all the rage among high society. These elaborate pieces were crafted to elevate the wearer’s status, and they became an essential asset in Europe’s fashion industry. However, creating these wigs was no small feat; it required a lot of skill, time and creativity to make them.
The journey began with choosing the right material for the wig. The wigs were usually made from human hair or horsehair, but horsehair was preferred because it was less expensive than human hair. Horsehair also had a luster that made it resemble human hair when properly processed.
Once the material had been chosen, it would then be washed and treated with vinegar to remove any dirt or oil that may have clung to it before being dyed into various colors using natural dyes such as henna and indigo.
Next came the task of building a foundation for the wig which involved making a cap out of handmade lace that would fit snugly on top of their head while still leaving enough room for comfort. This cap would then be sewn together so securely that it would last for years even under daily wear.
Afterward, long strands of horsehair would be attached to this lace cap using fine needles until there were enough strands to begin building up complex styles such as large pompadours or long curls.
The final step involved cleaning and styling of these magnificent works of art. Stylists used hot irons to shape and curl sections of hair into bold designs that could withstand everyday use yet still maintain its luxurious appearance well past its expiration date.
In conclusion, creating extravagant wigs in 17th century Europe required craftsmanship, creativity and patience which now serves as a cornerstone in setting up beauty industries worldwide. The process behind making these eye-catching accessories captivates attention from modern times as much as they did centuries ago during their heyday in royal courts – proving good style is timeless!
The Symbolic Meaning Behind Different Styles of 17th Century Hairstyles
During the 17th century, hairstyles played a significant role in conveying status, societal expectations and cultural identity. The hair of both men and women was styled elaborately, often adorned with feathers, jewels and intricate braids.
Here are some styles of 17th-century hairstyles and their symbolic meanings:
1. Powdered Wig
The powdered wig emerged during the late 17th century as a status symbol for aristocrats. It signified wealth, sophistication and power. These wigs were made from horsehair or human hair and were often powdered with flour or starch. The white powder was used to conceal lice and to add volume to the wig.
2. Liberties
Liberties were elaborate headpieces that incorporated an assortment of ribbons, flowers and feathers onto the natural hair of women during the 17th century. Liberty hats signified freedom in general because they were often worn by people during political rebellions.
3. Loose Hair
Wearing one’s hair down unadorned among younger women was an indicator of being single; however for married women it conveyed promiscuity or infidelity outside her marriage.
4. Fontanges
Fontanges is a hairstyle named after Madame de Fontanges who wore her linen cap tying it behind her turned over her bun on each side ending with coiled ribbon knots hanging down in profusion at back below each ear.The height of fashion when Madame de Sévigné held her vogue for them (1670–90), Fontanges’ came in various heights ranging from modest to conspicuous as shown here(left).
5.Gentlemen’s Hairstyles
Men’s hairstyles varied widely depending on social class and occupation; nobleman like Louis XIV trimmed theirs into curly shoulder length locks whilst middle-class folk kept it shorter usually cheek-length.Therefore these tight ringlets represented “tasteful elegance,” often worn by politicians,judges,bankers etc because respectability was paramount for them.
In conclusion, 17th-century hairstyles were much more than just a fashionable accessory – they conveyed a range of societal expectations and cultural significance. The styles of hair that people chose to wear represented their social status, political beliefs, and sense of style. Hairstyles had the power to communicate messages beyond words and played an important role in society’s understanding of identity, values and attitudes at the time.