Instructions for Renaissance Hairstyles

Braids were in fashion during the Renaissance era.

Style your hair with the romanticism of Italian lace or the modest elegance of braids. During the rich era of cultural achievement known as the Renaissance, women's hair became a work of art. Hairstyles were accented with beadwork, sheer veils and fine lace or ribbon. Renaissance women had just begun to show off their hair, so styles were simple yet heavily accessorized.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Smoothing cream
• Elastic bands
• Beaded necklace
• Hairspray
• Ribbon
• Bodkin
• Bobby pins

Instructions

Renaissance Braid

1. Comb your hair straight, and part it down the middle. Apply a small amount of smoothing cream to reduce flyaways.

2. Gather hair in the back with your hands, as if you are going to create a low ponytail. Separate the hair into three equal sections. Cross the right segment over the middle segment, so that it is now in the middle position. Then, cross the left segment over the new middle strand. Continue braiding the segments. After each crossing, slightly tighten the braid. When you reach the ends of your hair, tie an elastic band around the braid to secure.

3. Drape a beaded necklace over the circumference of your head. Use bobby pins to secure the jewelry around your head. Finish with hairspray.

Italian Renaissance Hair Lacing

1. Part hair down the middle with a comb, and separate hair into sections as if you are going to make two pigtails. These will serve as the base of two, low braids.

2. Braid each section from the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic band.

3. Wrap the right braid up and over your head, going toward the left ear, and secure the braid around your scalp with bobby pins. Wrap the left braid up and over your head, going toward the right ear, and secure it with bobby pins.

4. Take your bodkin in hand, and thread the ribbon through the eye. A bodkin is a needle-like instrument without a sharp point.

5. Thread the ribbon through your hair with the bodkin, leaving about 6 extra inches of ribbon hanging. Start on the right side, and push the bodkin through, up and out of the braid. Weave the bodkin into the braid again, pushing through, up and out.

6. Repeat the whip stitch all the way around the head, and pull the ribbon snug, so it does not twist. When the ribbon is fully threaded, take the 6-inch section hanging from either side and tie in a knot to secure the ribbon. Finish with hairspray to set.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessorize braids with gold or silver ribbons or drape a sheer veil over your head for an authentic Renaissance style.

References

• Eras of Elegance: Hair and Makeup
• Hair Styles All: Renaissance Hairstyles
• House Wild Rose: Italian Renaissance Hairdressing
• Holiday Crafts and Creations: Whip Stitch

Resources

• UK Hairdressers: History of Hair