As you now know, Vikings, Celts, and other Germanic tribes wore their hair in ropelike strands. Dec. The Vikings did not have access to the advanced hair care products, synthetic extensions, and teams of professionals it takes to create the Viking dreads we see in dramatic productions. Viking culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of which has been lost over the centuries. Cultural Significance of Dreadlocks Among the Vikings It is believed that unmarried Viking girls sometimes wore dreadlocks and heavily braided to mark a festival or formal occasion. Viking women were just as integral to Viking raids are their male counterparts. 3. did participate in Viking activities, many also stayed at home to tend to farming, construction, and child-rearing duties. Still, because long hair was seen as an indicator of social status in many Viking villages, its unlikely that a shaved head was the preferred hairstyle for most Vikings. Seline Shenoy is a journalist and podcaster. Hair was important to the Vikings, but so were their clothes? After all, short hair had some pretty negative associations in Viking culture. If youre interested in trying Norse dreadlocks, these four steps will help: This will determine the dread style that best suits you and how long it will take you to create it. Happy styling! Historians think dreads served as a status symbol for ancient Vikings. Browse 3,631 viking woman stock photos and images available, or search for viking woman warrior to find more great stock photos and pictures. Ancient Egypt: Several artifacts show Egyptians with braided hair and wigs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. The reality however is that Viking women didnt have conditioner, hair stylists or detangler so their hairstyles had to be practical! Hej, I'm Astrid and I'm here to show you everything that Scandinavia has to offer - based on my own experience living up here in the Nordics! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Viking warriors were larger than life figures whose very appearance instilled fear in those who stood between them and their bounty. People from all over the globe experienced hair matting, so its impossible to attribute the style to any one group. Vikings wore dreads for some of these reasons but also had reasons specific to their traditions. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Well show you all you need to know below. Contrary to certain modern stereotypes, historical evidence shows that physical hygiene was important to the Vikings in the Middle Ages. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Viking hairstyles and dreadlocks. Depending on your role in the community, you likely wore a specific hairstyle to denote your status. Roman writers have described some Vikings as wearing long rope-like braids, while other accounts say that the Celts and Vikings had hair like snakes. We are sharing some of the sample pictures on the below side and you can make any of the variations with your dreads. Many female Viking hairstyles are untraceable through art since most married Viking women kept their hair covered or tightly wound in a bun. If you have further questions, you might find the answer youre looking for below! Known as fairy-locks or elflocks, this hairstyle seems to have been made from a combination of tangles and knots. When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (alsocalled thralls). After all, our ancient ancestors focused on survival, not keeping their hair tangle-free. We exists to inform people about the people, culture, and history of Northern Europe. Other hairstyles worn by Vikings include: Due to their proximity, Vikings often interacted with Celtic peoples. Braided locs can easily be undone, and your hair can return to its natural structure soon after. See What Kind of Clothes Did the Vikings Wear? Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the areainside-outand speak the local lingo. January 4, 2023. She would have used a bone darning needle and an extra piece of cord to whip stitch the braids to her head, working from the base of one braid to the other, forming a crown. It is believed that unmarried Viking girls sometimes wore dreadlocks and heavily braided to mark a festival or formal occasion. As geographical neighbors, both peoples likely had an influence on each other. The Celts version of dreads was called fairy locks or elflocks. According to Celtic folklore, elves and faerie liked to knot the hairs of sleeping children while they were playing at night. In Aztec society, priests allowed their hair to grow completely unmanipulated. The 30 Most Popular Dread Styles for Women to Rock in 2023. Viking men were seen with a more masculine style of a shaved undercut and dreadlocks at the back. Locs have been mentioned and depicted in the records of countless civilizations from different places around the world. You may also be interested in: Did Viking Face Paint Exist? There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. Also see Did the Vikings Share Their Wives? We will also share many other Female dread hairstyles on this page so dont forget to follow us on Pinterest. But Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home. To secure the cord, the wearer would have folded one cord over on itself once, then created a slipknot around the base of the braid. In the Middle Ages, the Vikings occupied northern Europe, the region known today as Scandinavia. If youre short on time, you can use hair weaves or extensions to create a natural-looking Viking dreadlock. Sometimes their hair was further accessorized with a decorative circlet that matched their clothing. Many Viking men and women had dreadlocks. Before moving to the Viking dreadlocks, you have to know what dreadlocks are. Still, Viking women tended to wear complex plaits made of braids, while mens hairstyles were often more straightforward. Get the Facts, link to Were the Vikings Black? Braids can be taken out without causing significant hair damage, whereas dreadlocks need to be teased and matted if they are to be untangled, which may lead to hair breakage. Your email address will not be published. They required less upkeep which made it a convenient choice for them. Check the below-given picture and make a similar hairstyle. 20 Best Viking Hairstyles Female ideas | viking hair, hair styles, long hair styles Viking Hairstyles Female 20 Pins 3y G Collection by Makeup Artist Similar ideas popular now Hair Beauty Hair Makeup Wedding Hairstyles Braids Braided Hairstyles Updo Braided Updo Up Hairstyles Hairdos Updos Viking Hairstyles Female Dreads 2016 Hair Trends Hair Expo Of all the cultures and people that make up the rich tapestry that is human history, the Vikings are in a class all by themselves in terms of recognition, popularity, and perhaps even infamy. In Celtic folklore, elves appear at night to tie knots in peoples hair; hence, the term elflocks. Celtic legend also said that combing out these knots brings bad luck. Others believe the hairstyle was practical and served to keep their long hair out of their faces when raiding. Virtually all hair will naturally mat and form dreadlocks if left alone for a period of time. Curl Centric has an affiliate relationship for some of the products that we recommend. This detail implies how serious the Vikings were about these matters. Thank you for visiting Scandinavia Facts. Avoid creamy and thick conditioners as this can cause build-up. While there is no clear evidence to say that the Vikings picked up their hairstyle from the Celts, or vice versa, it seems reasonable to assume that each culture took note of the appearance of members of the other. Beautiful Blonde Sword wielding viking warrior female. To advertise your brand to a global audience, contact our advertising team below. Where Viking dreads for females, too? Norse dreadlocks were practical and enhanced their fierce, rugged, and bold look, making them a force to be reckoned with. As a group, they share cultural and linguistic similarities. Did Vikings have dreads? In many cases, they were merely a sign of neglected strands. Some historians believe that unmarried Viking girls may have worn dreadlocks for special formal occasions or festivals. Long hair was likely to fall into your face running into combat, reducing your field of vision and potentially opening you up to attack. Scandinavian watches: What are the best Scandinavian watch brands? If youd like to adopt an authentic Viking hairstyle, youll want to know whether these people sported dreadlocks. There are also intact mummies with their dreadlocks still intact. Those who are looking for the Female Viking dreads or locs can check some of the coolest dreadlock hairstyles from this website. Many of these people from those eras did not have the hair grooming tools and products we have today and most likely had matted hair, which looked thick, untidy and unkempt. Vikings (vkingr in Old Norse) are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? Wealthy individuals adorned their hairstyles with brightly colored ribbons and embellished caps. Besides being a symbol of religious and spiritual convictions, it also became an expression of ethnic pride and social standing. Over time, the tangled hair became matted. 9. As their hair grew, it became tangled and formed knots. | Yes, But Not Always. ) To create this hairstyle, the Elling woman likely followed these steps: However, historians are unsure whether the Elling woman completely wrapped the braid into this top section to form a bun. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. How did Vikings celebrate the winter solstice? In Viking fiction movies, you may have seen Vikings in dreadlocks or dreads but it is still a myth whether they really wore dreadlocks? However, silk was a luxury and imported item, so most Viking women likely had hoods of linen or wool. Doing so helped to keep hair out of the face while working or fighting. | Absolutely! The frescos are thought to date from around 1700 BC some 2500 years before the Vikings! Your guide to the uniquely Scandinavian fruit, Swedish girl names: The most popular Swedish girls names in one place, Scandinavian Christmas decor: the coolest decorations from the Nordic countries, The best canal tours and boat trips in Copenhagen, The Swedish nature house: living in a greenhouse. The Celts had a rich ancient culture consisting of arts, songs and storytelling, making it easy to pass information down from one generation to the next and to other groups exposed to them. The long glossy flowing locks intermingled with a few neat braids that you often see Viking women wearing on TV series and in films are unlikely to have been realistic. These rope-like strands of hair, created by braiding or locking hair, were worn by people of distinct origins around the world, including the Vikings. While the exact origins of dreadlocks may never be definitively proven, theres enough evidence in the historical and archeological record to determine that Vikings did not invent dreadlocks. [2]. This is very easy to make and you can easily go with this hairstyle. Another part of the controversy surrounding dreads stems from how theyre perceived in some cultures. Many Viking men sported a hairstyle known today as a "reverse mullet," whereby hair was allowed to grow long in the front but was cut short or even shaved in the back of the head. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. In ancient Egypt, bas-reliefs and other artefacts have been found to show Egyptians donning braided hairstyles (and even wigs). Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on theSarcophagus of Kawit) or Ancient Greece. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. Get the Facts. Consequently, they took great pride in their hairstyles. Locs, on the other hand, can be patterned easily and quickly within less than an hour, depending on the hair length. The product recommendations and advertisers that appear on Curl Centric are from companies that compensate us through an exclusive, full-service ad management partner. This changed in the Twentieth Century with the start of a socio-religious movement in New York in the . When did Vikings start wearing dreadlocks? As a result, long and ornate hairstyles became associated with a higher status. Since personal hygiene was known to be important to the Vikings, its likely that wearing braids and dreadlocks was a practical solution to keeping hair neat and in control. The importance that they placed in these matters can, in part, be seen in the story about Odin, when the Norse god was distraught after the death of his son and refused to wash or comb his hair for days. Get the Facts. These unfortunate individuals would have their hair shorn short to differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings. Her body and clothing are now on display at the National Museum of Denmark. Required fields are marked *. Unmarried Viking women often wore their hair loose or in untucked braids to symbolize their maidenhood. Having dreadlocks means that there is a need to take additional care to preserve the look and maintain hair health. Other descriptions sound more like braids than dreadlocks, and mention accessories worn in the hair along with the special style. ABOUT | BLOG | CONTACT | TERMS | PRIVACY | SITEMAP, GOING NATURAL | HAIR GROWTH | NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS | HAIRSTYLES. From religious writings in India to depictions in art from ancient Greece, dreadlocks are clearly evident in ancient civilizations. The majority of ancient people wore dreadlocks for religious purposes. The most popular of these caps was called the Jorvik (York) cap, a curved head covering that resembles a modern-day hood with a tie that would have secured it under the chin of the wearer. Yet in some cultures, including some ancient ones, certain hairstyles, including dreadlocks, may have been worn more for practical reasons than stylistic ones. We do know, however, that the Vikings had combs, since they have been discovered in Viking burial sites, so keeping their hair combed and neat was obviously important to the Vikings. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. In some cultures, male hair was connected to manliness, while female hair was connected to femininity. These unmarried Viking women traditionally wore a Kransen, similar to a hairband, passed down from mother to daughter. Based on written records, like the writings mentioned above, as well as some hair care artifacts, like combs, that Scandinavian archaeologists have discovered, there is reason to believe that the Vikings valued managing their hair. When you keep your hair long and braided most days, theres a chance that it could naturally begin to form into dreadlocks. People with dreadlocks are found in a variety of cultures and geographical locations. That is why many people who would like to stop wearing dreadlocks often opt to shave their heads. Sadly, slavery was a common practice throughout ancient civilizations. Years ago, during the onset of the industrial revolution, dreadlocks were primarily confined to India. However, they werent the only Europeans to do so. Some historians make a distinction between braids and dreadlocks. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: When you keep your hair long and braided most days, theres a chance that it could naturally begin to form into dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are mentioned in multiple ancient sources from a variety of places around the world. We are sharing some of the Female Viking Dreadlocks but we are not sure whether either ancient Vikings wore dreadlocks or not. One thing that sets dreadlocks apart from other hairstyles is their ability to form naturally, particularly with the limited grooming options available in ancient times. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: Long hair was the norm for most Viking communities, but it could also be a nuisance. Viking women who were married tended to wear their braids in a knot on top of their head to show their status as a wife, while unmarried girls often wore long braids or dreadlocks decorated with a circlet of flowers on festive occasions. The issue of who wore dreadlocks first has become something of a controversial subject. Read on for more about the history, significance and meaning of Norse dreadlocks. However, even unmarried Viking women likely wore the Irish ribbon knot, Arden braid, or Elling braid with their Kransen. Well show you all you need to know below. So, if you are interested in Female dreadlocks then, you can check the below side to find a perfect hairstyle for you. That bun might be left plain, or covered with a small hood or cap. Both forms of locks may have been simply the result of practical necessity or the lack of regular combing or brushing. Just roll and clip them as you would with regular hair. A less well-known aspect of Norse culture is their relatively Did Vikings Have Piercings? Did Viking Face Paint Exist? Roman authors described some Vikings as having long hair that looked like ropes. Does Dyson Airwrap Damage Hair? The hair would wrap around itself and form dreads. Did Vikings Have Dreads? She then wrapped the end of this longer braid into the first braided section of hair directly on the back of her head. For example, they could wear long, unbraided hair, hair braided into long rope-like locks, or long on top but short along the back and sides. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. Polish plaits were often associated with witchcraft. However, the evidence to support this idea is scant. Dreadlocks were seen as both fashionable and functional by the Vikings. Then, any loose ends were woven into the hair using either fingers or the darning needle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did Vikings have dreadlocks: What did Viking dreadlocks look like and why were they special?