Forensic Archaeological Hairstyling

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Sat January 12th, 2013, 5:46 pm

For those interested in the history of costume, grooming, etc., a GREAT set of links discussing - and *demonstrating* hairstyles from across quite an array of (Western) historical eras, from Rome into the 19th century. There is one particular link illustrating the hairstyle of Rome's Vestal Virgins. Not short videos (most are in the 13-19 minute range, a few are shorter), but fascinating pieces, loaded with observations and theories. There are some useful looks, too, at the art studied to come to the "how-to" conclusions.

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Tue January 15th, 2013, 3:10 am

What fun! Thanks for sharing. Some of those hairstyles are really beautiful - but I'm so glad I never had to torture my fine, ultra-straight hair into Flavian-Trajanic curls and complications!

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Tue January 15th, 2013, 10:29 am

Wow, the woven hairstyle looks amazing. Too bad I have no aptitude whatsoever for complicated hairstyles - the most complex I can manage is a simple braid. I wonder what the hairdresser would say if I took in one of those photos and asked her to copy it?

parthianbow · Post by **parthianbow** » Tue January 15th, 2013, 9:06 pm

@Lady of Bennachie: Go on, go on, I dare you!

lauragill · Post by **lauragill** » Wed January 16th, 2013, 1:14 am

Those are beautiful recreations. I'd love to see some Mycenaean/Minoan hairstyles in there.

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Wed January 16th, 2013, 2:23 am

I wonder what the hairdresser would say if I took in one of those photos and asked her to copy it?
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She'd probably love it!

annis · Post by **annis** » Wed January 16th, 2013, 2:48 am

Posted by Margaret

I'm so glad I never had to torture my fine, ultra-straight hair into Flavian-Trajanic curls and complications!

No problem, Domina - you just get a wig whipped up from hair formerly belonging to some unfortunate slave(s) who have (make that had) the sort of lovely thick hair us fine-haired folks would kill for. Don't take that literally, though - slaves are worth a pretty penny!

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Wed January 16th, 2013, 10:22 am

[quote=""parthianbow""]@Lady of Bennachie: Go on, go on, I dare you!

[/quote]

But then after the hours of hard work, and extravagant cost, I'd be reduced to sleeping on one of these so as not to mess up my hair:

fljustice · Post by **fljustice** » Wed January 16th, 2013, 5:06 pm

[quote=""Margaret""]What fun! Thanks for sharing. Some of those hairstyles are really beautiful - but I'm so glad I never had to torture my fine, ultra-straight hair into Flavian-Trajanic curls and complications![/quote]

That's why clever hairdressers invented wigs and extensions millennia ago.

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Thu January 17th, 2013, 3:25 am

No problem, Domina - you just get a wig whipped up from hair formerly belonging to some unfortunate slave(s) who have (make that had) the sort of lovely thick hair us fine-haired folks would kill for. Don't take that literally, though - slaves are worth a pretty penny!

That's why clever hairdressers invented wigs and extensions millennia ago.

Oh, yeah. Reminds me of the synthetic ponytail I bought via mail order when I was a teen. Never wore it - didn't match my hair color, because the hair sample I sent in was from the sun-bleached ends. Vanity of vanities!