Apart from big technological advancements, the 1800s were the times when drastic changes occurred in hair and fashion trends. Men and women went for more practical and elegant hairstyles in contrast to the period before when oversized coiffures were the ultimate obsession.
Women most commonly wore elaborate updos, piled braids, tight curls, and middle partings coupled with intricate accessories. Not to forget, Queen Victoria herself had a lot of influence on these hairdos as a fashion icon back then.
Although the following 1800s hairstyles may seem a bit old-fashioned now, they are still perfect for a costume party or a fun way of rocking a vintage look in general.
Inspiring 1800s Hairstyles
All hairdos in the 19th century took a modern turn and their modified versions are still worn today. Here are some of our favorite 1800s hairstyles for ladies.
1. Low Bun
Here is a famous hairstyle from the 1800s that can be worn with glamour even today. The strands are slicked down with a middle part and assembled into a low bun at the back.
Braid a chunk of hair and wrap it around the bun or use an extension instead.
2. Braided Half-Up Curls
Victorian hairdos are all about braids, twists, and rolls. Steal the show at a wedding event with this half-up style.
Opt for loose curls that are plaited and twirled away from the face with a middle or side parting and add some pearls for a fancy finish.
3. Rolled Half-Updo with a Pearl Band
Look like Queen Victoria to turn some heads around this Halloween. Use hair padding to create a rolled half updo on top of the head with the center-parted strands at the front twisted at the back.
Finish off the look with tight curls and some pearl accessories.
4. Loose Waves
It is surprising to know that loose waves were rocked by women almost two hundred years ago.
So if you got shoulder-length tresses, consider getting frizzy waves to pay tribute to those good old times. A hand-tousle and voila!
5. Gibson Girl Hair
This Gibson girl hairdo is the chicest among all. The front strands are teased and assembled into a puff while the remaining tresses are gathered into a loose updo sitting on the top of the head using a hair donut. Pull out some chunks to frame the face. Done!
Edwardian updos build a similar silhouette by pinning the front and back sections into a raised crown.
6. Piled Spiral Curls
Tight curls were quite the hype during the 19th century. Back in those days, women used to pile up their coils at the back of their heads to fall on both sides of the face.
Rock the look with a center part and a pearl hair chain. Eye-catching, right?
7. Center-Parted Crown Braid
Center-parted coiffures made trendy by Queen Victoria during her era are ideal for formal events even today. Opt for a messy look by plaiting the hair and wrapping it around the head.
Tug the strands loose for a ruffled appeal while sporting a sleek middle part at the front.
8. Chignon with a Twisted Headband
Looking for something elegant? Here is an 1800s hairstyle that is still around. Place a rubber band at the end of your low ponytail and roll it inward, creating the chignon bun of your dreams.
Spare a chunk of hair and twist it before fixing it in place like a hairband.
9. Side Wings and Barley Curls
This gorgeous hairstyle is to die for! It features long barley curls.
Complete the look by pulling the side locks away from the face and twisting them softly to look like angel wings. Top off the style with bold red lips.
10. Braided Bun with Flowers and Ribbons
Hair ornaments were an essential part of Victorian hairdos, and talking about long hair, plait it down and wrap the braid around in a bun leaving the end loose to fall on the shoulder or back. Pick out your favorite flowers and fix them on your updo with a ribbon wrapped around it.
11. Pin-Curl Updo with a Hat
Fond of hats? Then this look is just for you. Go for curls and pin them in place above the nape of the neck resulting in an elegant updo with some face-framing strands at the front.
Put on a top hat matching the outfit and see your eyes pop wherever you go.
12. Braided Double Buns
Space buns of today are an updated version of these retro braided buns. Young girls and women used to create two pigtail braids and wrap them around just above their ears.
How about wearing your necklace as a hairband? Give it a shot!
13. Vintage Crown Braid
Give off queen vibes by wearing those long locks like a crown on the head. Copy this exact style by wrapping the hair with a pearl chain before swirling it around the head.
You can also braid or twist the strands instead and add the pearls afterward.
14. High Bouffant with Long Side Curls
Spice up a Gibson girl hairdo mentioned before by creating a jumbo puff at the front while the remaining hair is assembled on top.
Spare the strands at the back and those along the sides of the face and curl them up for an ultimate vintage appeal.
15. Loose Curly Updo
Lastly, here is an 1800s hairstyle that is perfect for the beautiful brides of today. Whatever the hair length, opt for tight curls and pin them at the back, leaving the ends loose for a ruffled yet romantic appeal. Add some sparkling gems, and you will love it!
These 15 hairstyles from the 1800s turn out to be quite impressive, and most of them were famous during the Victorian era. How about trying one for fun?
You can recreate the exact look or add a personal touch to it. Maybe you’ll end up with a stunning coiffure for a special occasion!
