How to Do Your Hair Like in the Renaissance

Hairstyles during the Renaissance were about flair and elegance.

Women's hairstyles during the Renaissance were all about showing off the hair, and accenting it with adornments such as pearls, veils and gems. Hair typically was braided and then decorated with these items. One popular style of hair coiffing for women was called lacing. It began in Italy, and was popular through the end of the 15th century. Using this technique, women would sew a piece of ribbon through their hair, adding an extra touch of elegance to a normally common style.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• 2 clear rubber bands
• Bobby pins
• 2 to 3 yards of ribbon
• Plastic bodkin

Instructions

1. 

   Hair should be parted from your forehead all the way to the nape of your neck.

   Using a comb, part your hair down the center.

2. 

   A French braid starts at the scalp, and then gathers more hair into the plaits as the weaving continues.

   French braid each section of hair, beginning at the forehead and then all the way down the back, to the ends of the hair. Secure each braid with a clear band.

3. 

   The crisscrossing of the braid creates a type of braided crown around the head.

   Crisscross the two braids at the nape of the neck, tucking the strands into the braid on the opposite side of the head. Secure with bobby pins, making sure that there are no loose strands of hair. This will create the appearance that braids are circling the entirety of your head.

4. 

   A bodkin is like a sewing needle, without the sharp tip.

   Thread your ribbon through the bodkin.

5. Starting at the back of the head, thread the bodkin up through the bottom of the hair, as close to the scalp as possible.

6. 

   You can use any type of ribbon that strikes your fancy.

   Using a whip stitch, sew the ribbon in and out of the braids, making sure to keep the ribbon straight and smooth.

7. Weave the ribbon throughout the entire braid, stopping when you have made a complete circle.

8. Tie one end of the ribbon to the other, then cut the remaining ends of the ribbon, leaving about two inches on each side.

9. Tuck the loose ends of ribbon into the braid, and secure with bobby pins.

Tips & Warnings

• Lacing can be used to accessorize any type of braiding or hair twisting.

References

• Eras of Elegance: Ancient Hairstyles
• Hair Stylesall.com: Discover Your Hairstyle