The Vikings were a proud and bold people who placed great importance on their appearance. Hairstyles were a key element of their look, reflecting their social status, identity, and personality. In this article, we explore various Viking hairstyles and how you can recreate them.
The Viking Braid
The Viking braid is arguably the most iconic hairstyle of Viking culture. Viking women often wore intricate braids woven around their heads, with strands spiraled around the main braid. Viking men also wore braids, though their styles were usually simpler and shorter.
To create a Viking braid, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then divide your hair into three equal sections and begin braiding by crossing the left section over the middle, followed by the right section over the middle. Once you reach the end, secure it with an elastic band. To add spiral strands, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the main braid. Pin it in place and repeat the process along the length of the braid.
The Curly Hairstyle
Curls were also popular among the Vikings, especially for women. Curls could be created by braiding wet hair and letting it air dry. While curling irons weren’t used in Viking times, this method mimics their natural styling techniques.
To create curls through braiding, wet your hair and apply a bit of gel or hairspray to help hold the style. Divide your hair into several sections and braid each one using the method above. Let them air dry or use a hair dryer. Once dry, gently undo the braids to reveal your curls.
The Braided and Twisted Style
This hairstyle was popular among Viking men and involved braiding and twisting the hair to create a textured, layered effect. To recreate it, divide your hair into several equal sections and braid each one. Then, twist each braid around itself to form a spiral texture. Secure each twist with a hairpin and repeat the process throughout your hair.
The Hair Clip Style
This style was popular among Viking women and involved pulling the hair back and securing it with a decorative brooch or clip. Start by brushing your hair to detangle it. Pull your hair back and secure it with a decorative pin or hairpiece. Make sure it’s well fastened to hold your hair in place. You can also add braids or curls to personalize the look.
The Headband Style
Another popular style among Viking women involved wearing a fabric headband around the head. To create this look, place a headband on your head over your hair. Then, pull your hair back and tuck it under the headband. You can add braids or curls for a personalized Viking touch.
The Side Braids
This style involved wearing braids that fall over the shoulders and was particularly popular among Viking women. To recreate it, divide your hair into two equal sections and braid each one. Secure with elastic bands and let the braids rest over your shoulders. You can also decorate the braids with spiral strands if desired.
Final Thoughts
Viking hairstyles were a significant part of Viking culture. Vikings took pride in their appearance and used their hair to express their identity and personality. These hairstyles were often intricate and required time and patience to complete. Today, Viking hairstyles remain popular in pop culture and are commonly used in films and TV shows to portray Viking characters.
Using the methods described in this article, you can create your own unique Viking hairstyle. Whether you choose the iconic Viking braid or a more complex braided and twisted look, you’ll achieve an authentic and stylish Viking appearance. So go ahead and explore the fascinating world of Viking hairstyles!