The fillet: This decorative band was worn across the forehead by noblewomen to accentuate their hairstyles.Men, on the other hand, commonly used leather or metal hair clasps to secure their hair in place. It was often made of fabric or metal and could be embellished with gemstones or embroidery. One common accessory for women was the “fillet,” a narrow band worn across the forehead to hold back the hair. These accessories ranged from simple pins and ribbons to more extravagant items like jeweled hair combs and tiaras. In addition to intricate hairstyles, medieval men and women often adorned their hair with various accessories to enhance their overall look. The crown braid: A popular choice among royalty, this hairstyle involved weaving the hair into a tight braid that encircled the head like a crown.Ĭommon Hair Accessories to Enhance Medieval Hairstyles.The Catherine wheel: This regal hairstyle required skilled hairstylists to create intricate loops or rolls around the head, giving the appearance of a circular wheel.This style was favored by queens and noblewomen as a symbol of their status and elegance. It involved creating a circular shape with the hair by arranging it in large loops or rolls around the head. One example is the “Catherine wheel” hairstyle, named after Catherine of Aragon. These hairstyles were often elaborate, incorporating intricate braiding techniques, voluminous curls, and ornate accessories. Royalty and nobility in medieval times had access to a wide range of extravagant hairstyles that were reserved exclusively for them. Hairstyles Reserved for Royalty or Nobility in Medieval Times The lower class: Peasants typically wore their hair in simple styles like braids or buns that were easy to maintain and didn’t require expensive accessories.The wealthy elite: Nobility and royalty often adorned their hair with luxurious accessories like gold or silver hairpins, pearls, and gemstones.They often wore their hair in practical styles such as braids or buns to keep it out of their faces during work. On the other hand, peasants and lower-class individuals had simpler hairstyles due to limited resources and time constraints. These hairstyles often included intricate braids, elaborate updos, and ornate accessories like jeweled hairpins. The wealthy elite had access to more elaborate hairstyles that required time, resources, and skilled hairstylists to achieve. In medieval times, social status played a significant role in determining one’s hairstyle choices.

How Social Status Influenced Hairstyle Choices in Medieval Times The hennin: Reserved for royalty and high-ranking nobility, this extravagant headdress was a symbol of wealth and power.The Gibson tuck: This elegant style was favored by noblewomen who wanted to showcase their wealth through intricate hairstyles.It was easy to maintain and kept hair out of the face during manual labor. The bowl cut: This hairstyle was popular among both peasants and nobility.

Middle ages hairstyles