Elizabethan Hair

Hairstyles and hats-

Elizabethan Hats for Women Elizabethan Hats were an essential part of clothing for women and played an important part in the fashion of the day. The style of the head covering dictated the hairstyle. Many of the hats were adorned with feathers, pearls, glass jewels, spangles, gold thread, embroidery and lace. Married and grown women covered their hair, as they had in previous periods. Early in the period, hair was parted in the center and fluffed over the temples; later front hair was curled and puffed high over the forehead. Wigs and false hairpieces were used to extend the hair.


The Coif-
The coif ( commonly referred to as the 'biggin' ) worn by all children. It was the most general wear for the poor and middle classes. Material was plain white linen, a close fitting cap tied under the chin. Coifs were often worn as caps to keep hair in place under more elaborate hats.








The French hood-
Introduced from the French court by Anne Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. A half moon, or crescent, style band or brim sloping away from the face this pulled the hairline back and emphasised the forehead. The edges were often adorned with pearls or glass jewels, called bilaments, and a veil covered the back of the hair.








The Attifet-
Similar to the French hood style but with a heart shaped crescent - favoured in white by Mary Queen of Scots. Lace trimmnigs were added.










The Caul-
Cauls were the Elizabethan hair net. A Caul covered the hair at the back of the head and was made of fabric, or fabric covered by netted cord which was sometimes adorned with spangles. This particular hat was often decorated. 








The Pillbox style of hat-
often had a veil attached to the back.







Other styles of hats that were also worn:

The Crispine - A cap made of net, similar to a caul 

The Frontlet - Also called a cross-cloth or a binding-cloth. Sometimes worn with a coif. Worn when women were ill in bed after being soaked in herbs.








http://www.fashion-era.com/hats-hair/hair3-1485-1600-womens-hair-calthrop.htm
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-hats-women.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1550%E2%80%931600_in_Western_European_fashion#Hairstyles_and_headgear

Introduction to Project Brief

Unit Brief-

This unit is designed to introduce the essential skills and techniques for hair styling and postiche application. I will be introduced to the technical and creative processes involved in the styling of hair and the application of postiches. I will also learn about the historical contexts and cultural value relevant to the fashions in period and contemporary hair and wig styling. I will be a attending a variety of lessons which will be practical where I can study the hair in depth and learn a variety of techniques which the Elizabethan era would wear. I will also be incorporating hair pieces, accessories and other item that may be used in the hair.

My current understanding of Elizabethan hair-

When I first started the course I couldn't really describe a technique or a typical Elizabethan hair style that they used in the 1500-1600's. When attending each lesson I have started to learn more and more about what products, styles, props, techniques they used and did to there hair. When looking into the upper class people of the Elizabethan era they had very elaborate and large hair. It was very popular to incorporate hair pieces and assesories into the hair and to even use wigs. I feel the Elizabethan hair era will give me a wide variety of skills that i need to use for the hair as it contains most things you could do to the hair. I'm very excited to further my knowledge of hair itself and create unique elaborate designs.