Hair styles: From ancient countries till 20th century

Just like any other thing, hairstyles have also evolved and undergone dynamic changes from ancient times till now. Let us first talk about different hair styles of ancient countries like Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc.

Greece – Women used to keep their hair long or tied back with a chignon. Some used to dye the hair red and then adorn it with gold powder, jeweled tiaras or fresh flowers. Men used to keep their hair short and sometimes shaven.

Egypt – Because of the heat, men and women used to keep hair tied up. During ceremonies, curls were donned. Wigs used to be braided and long, decorated with jewels. Men usually remained clean shaven.

Rome – Romans used to follow Greeks. Women used to color their hair blonde and use curling irons. Later, they used to wear their hair high. Hairdressing was very popular.

China – Unmarried girls used to wear long and braided hair, while married women used to do a knot. Men used to shave the front of the head and tie their back hair with black silk.

The East – The Muslim community used to conceal their hair in public. Women’s hair was concealed by veils whereas men wore turban.


Japan – Males kept their front head shaven, while the back hair pulled tightly into a ponytail. During medieval times, women used to keep their hair long and loose but with the advent of the 17th century, hair became more stylish, adorned with jeweled combs and pins. Geisha women’s hairdos were elaborate and adorned with hairpieces.

America – Americans of the East Coast used to keep shaven head except for an edge of hair along the circlet. Plain Indians wore long braids decorated with feathers. Incas of south used to wear black headbands over short, even bobbed hair. Aztec women used to entwine their hair with colored cloth. Mayan nobility kept their heads shaven and donned ornate headdresses.

Africa – African hairstyles were varied and generally connoted status. Masais tied their front hair into parts of tiny braids and the back hair used to grow till waist length.

Women and non-warriors used to shave their heads. Some tribes dyed their hair with grease and red earth. Some used to stiffen their hair with animal dung. Miango tribe used to cover their ponytails with headscarf and decorate it with leaves.

The Western World – During the Renaissance period, ladies used to pluck their hair from their front hairline to give a look of high forehead. Hairline used to remain covered by jeweled turbans and low caps. The remaining hair was tightly pulled back to show intricate headdresses.

The 16th century saw the era of red tresses matched with lily-white complexion, while the 18th century was the time of complicated wigs, heavily decorated curls and high headdresses. White wigs with front ringlets decorated with garlands, feathers and bows were the fashion of that time.

Long hair was popular. In the Victorian era, emphasis was given more on natural beauty rather than artificial makeup. Hair was kept shiny, healthy and sleek and styles were much more sophisticated and demure and hairnets were worn.

In the later part of the century, hair was plaited and wound around heavy coils. Men kept hair short along with a beard, moustache and sideburns. In the 20th century, the trend was to follow movie stars and fashion icons.

Different hairstyles became popular like bob cuts, wavy, curls, soft layers, etc. and men kept their hair short and donned various styles like spikes, punk and many more.

Similar Articles:

Increase hair growth and shock your friends: Superb tips

Review of some great hair loss products

Implement these natural treatments today and get amazing results

Hair Rollers – Use them to add glamour to your hair!