Hairstyles in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is renowned for its cultural achievements and its influence on the arts, including fashion. One area of particular interest is the hair fashion of ancient Egyptians, which was characterized by elaborate hairstyles, wigs, and headdresses that reflected social status and cultural values.

Characteristics of Hair Fashion in Ancient Egypt

The hairstyles of ancient Egypt were characterised by several unique features, including −

Wigs

Both men and women wore wigs, often made from human hair or wool. These wigs were an important part of daily life and were used to protect the head from the sun as well as to convey social status and wealth.

Elaborate Hairstyles

Both men and women wore intricate hairstyles that featured braids, curls, and other decorative elements. These hairstyles were often adorned with beads, jewels, or other accessories.

Natural Hair

Many ancient Egyptians wore their natural hair, which was often styled with beeswax or other hair products to create unique textures and shapes.

Headdresses

Headdresses were an important part of ancient Egyptian fashion, with different types of headdresses worn to signify social status, rank, or religious affiliation.

Symbolic Meaning

Hair and headdresses in ancient Egypt held significant symbolic meaning, with different styles and adornments signifying different things such as royal power, religious devotion, or marital status.

Overall, the hair fashion of ancient Egypt was a complex and multifaceted aspect of their culture, reflecting both practical and symbolic concerns. It remains an important influence on modern hair and fashion, with many elements of ancient Egyptian hair fashion still visible in contemporary styles.

Transformation of Hair Fashion Throughout Ancient Egypt

The hair fashion of ancient Egypt went through several transformations throughout its history, with different styles and trends reflecting the changing cultural and political landscape of the region. Here are some notable examples −

Early Dynastic Period (3100–2686 BCE)

During this period, men and women wore their hair short and often shaved their heads. Some men wore small tufts of hair at the front of their heads, while women sometimes wore braids or a simple bob.

Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE)

In the Old Kingdom, both men and women began to wear more elaborate hairstyles, including long, straight hair with a center part or braids that were wrapped around the head. Women also began to wear wigs with complex curls and braids, often decorated with beads or other accessories.

Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BCE)

During this period, the use of wigs became even more prevalent, and men began to wear shorter, more natural-looking wigs. Women's hairstyles continued to be elaborate, featuring curls, braids, and twists.

New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE)

The New Kingdom was a period of great prosperity and cultural achievement in ancient Egypt, and the hair fashion of the time reflected this. Both men and women wore long, flowing wigs with intricate curls and braids, often decorated with gold or jewels. Women's hairstyles often featured a distinctive V-shape at the front of the head, known as the "Nubian style."

Late Period (664–332 BCE)

In the Late Period, both men and women continued to wear wigs, but the styles became more natural-looking, with less emphasis on elaborate curls and decorations. Women's hairstyles often featured a small bun at the back of the head.

Overall, the hair fashion of ancient Egypt underwent significant changes throughout its history, reflecting the evolving cultural and political climate of the region. These styles continue to inspire modern fashion and beauty, with many elements of ancient Egyptian hair fashion still visible in contemporary styles.

Ancient Egypt's Hairstyles and Lives of Ordinary People

Hairstyles in ancient Egypt were an important aspect of daily life, including for ordinary people. While much of the surviving evidence of ancient Egyptian hairstyles comes from depictions of elite individuals such as pharaohs and members of the royal court, it is likely that ordinary people also followed similar styles.

For example, men and women of lower social status may have worn simple hairstyles such as shaved heads or short hair, while those who could afford it may have used wigs or hair extensions to achieve a more elaborate look. In some cases, women may have styled their hair into simple braids or buns or worn head coverings such as scarves or hats.

The use of hair accessories such as combs, hairpins, and beads was also common among all social classes and would have been used to secure hairstyles in place and add decorative elements.

While the precise styles and trends followed by ordinary people are difficult to know with certainty, it is clear that hair fashion played an important role in the daily lives of people throughout ancient Egypt, both as a means of protection from the sun and as a way to communicate social status and identity.

Wigs in Ancient Egypt

Wigs were an important part of hair fashion in ancient Egypt and were worn by both men and women of all social classes. They were made from human hair, animal hair, or plant fibers and were often styled into intricate curls and braids.

Wigs were worn for a variety of reasons. For example, they could be worn as a means of protecting the head from the sun, as well as to cover baldness or other hair loss. They were also worn as a way to indicate social status or as a symbol of religious devotion.

In ancient Egypt, wigs were made by highly skilled wig makers who carefully crafted each piece to fit the wearer's head. The process involved measuring the head and creating a base cap to which the hair or fibers were then attached. The hair was often styled using a variety of techniques, including hot curling irons, wax, and oils.

Wigs were also used as a form of self-expression, with many individuals choosing styles that reflected their personalities or status. For example, pharaohs and members of the royal court often wore highly elaborate wigs made from human hair and decorated with gold and jewels.

Overall, wigs were an important part of hair fashion in ancient Egypt and were used for a variety of practical and symbolic purposes. They continue to be an important part of contemporary fashion and beauty, with many modern styles and trends inspired by the wigs of ancient Egypt.

Hair Fashion of Men, Women, And Children in Ancient Egypt

Hair fashion was an important part of daily life in ancient Egypt for men, women, and children. Here are some examples of the hairstyles and hair accessories that were popular among each group −

Men

Men in ancient Egypt typically wore their hair short or shaved, often to keep cool in the hot climate. However, they also sometimes wore wigs or hair extensions for special occasions or to indicate their social status. A popular style among men was the "sidelock" style, which involved leaving a lock of hair on one side of the head while the rest was shaved.

Women

Women's hair was typically longer than men's, and they wore it in a variety of styles. One popular style was the "Nubian" style, which involved braiding the hair and then wrapping it around the head to create a crown-like effect. Another popular style was the "mellon" style, which involved wearing the hair in a bun at the back of the head with the ends curled or braided. Women also used a variety of hair accessories, including combs, hairpins, and beads, to secure their hairstyles in place.

Children

Children's hair was often left uncut until the age of three, at which point a ceremony was held to mark the occasion. After this, boys typically had their heads shaved, while girls wore their hair in a variety of styles similar to those worn by women. It was also common for children of both genders to wear braids or other simple styles.

Overall, hair fashion played an important role in the lives of people of all ages and genders in ancient Egypt, both as a means of protection from the sun and as a way to communicate social status and identity.

Conclusion

Hair fashion was an important part of daily life in ancient Egypt, and it reflected the culture and beliefs of the time. From elaborate wigs and hair extensions to intricate braids and accessories, people of all ages and genders in ancient Egypt used their hair as a means of self-expression, social status, and religious devotion. The use of wigs and other hairpieces in particular is a testament to the creativity and skill of ancient Egyptian wig makers, and their influence can still be seen in contemporary fashion and beauty trends. Overall, the hairstyles and hair accessories of ancient Egypt offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and culture of this ancient civilization.