The ancient Romans were known for their love of beauty and fashion, and this was reflected in their hairstyles. From elaborate updos to simple braids, the Romans had a variety of hair styles that were popular among men and women. However, one particular hair color stood out among the rest – blonde. In this article, we will explore the top 10 ancient Roman blonde hair styles that were popular among the elite and the commoners. Ancient Roman Hair Styles
Ancient Roman Hair Styles
In ancient Rome, blonde hair was considered a sign of beauty and purity. Many women would use natural ingredients like honey and saffron to lighten their hair, while others would wear wigs made from real blonde hair. One popular hairstyle for blondes was the capillamentum, which involved curling the hair and then arranging it in a bun on top of the head. This style was often adorned with flowers and jewelry to make it even more eye-catching. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Blondes
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Blondes
Women in ancient Rome had a variety of hairstyles to choose from, depending on their social status and occasion. For everyday wear, they would often wear their hair down in loose waves or braids. For more formal occasions, they would opt for elaborate updos, such as the tutulus, which involved twisting the hair into a bun at the back of the head and securing it with pins. Some women also dyed their hair blonde using natural ingredients like vinum (wine) or auripigmentum (gold pigment). Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Women
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Women
Men in ancient Rome also took pride in their appearance and had a variety of hairstyles to choose from. One popular style for men with blonde hair was the commissa, which involved combing the hair back and then tying it into a bun at the nape of the neck. This style was often adorned with a headband or a wreath. Another popular style was the capillatus, where the hair was left long and curly, and sometimes styled into a topknot. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Men
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Men
In ancient Rome, the nobles often had the most extravagant and elaborate hairstyles. One popular style for noblewomen was the seni crines, which involved wearing the hair in long, loose waves and adorned with jewels and ribbons. For noble men, the commissa hairstyle was also popular, but they would often add intricate braids and twists to make it more extravagant. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Nobles
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Nobles
Commoners in ancient Rome often had simpler and more practical hairstyles. For women, the comis style was popular, which involved braiding the hair and wrapping it around the head like a headband. For men, the singulare style was common, where the hair was cut short and styled into small, tight curls. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Commoners
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Commoners
Soldiers in ancient Rome had to maintain short and practical hairstyles that would not interfere with their duties. The caesaries style was popular among soldiers, where the hair was cropped short and styled into small, tight curls. This style was also worn by gladiators, as it was easy to maintain and kept the hair out of their faces during battle. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Soldiers
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Soldiers
The emperors of ancient Rome often set the trends for hairstyles, and many of them had their own signature styles. Emperor Augustus, for example, was known for his caesaries hairstyle, which he wore with a wreath of laurel leaves. Other emperors, such as Nero and Caligula, were known for their elaborate wigs made from real blonde hair. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Emperors
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Emperors
Empresses in ancient Rome also had their own signature styles, which often involved intricate braids and elaborate hair accessories. One popular style was the regina, which involved braiding the hair and then wrapping it around the head in a crown-like fashion. Empress Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus, was known for her signature tutulus hairstyle, which became popular among noblewomen. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Empresses
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Empresses
Gladiators were known for their fierce fighting skills and also for their distinctive hairstyles. They often had shaved heads with a long strip of hair left at the top, known as the galea style. This hairstyle was not only practical for battle, but it also added to their intimidating appearance in the arena. Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Gladiators
Ancient Roman Hair Styles for Gladiators
The Ancient Romans and Their Obsession with Blonde Hair
The Ideal Beauty Standard
When we think of ancient Rome, we often picture grandiose structures, powerful emperors, and intricate art. But one aspect of ancient Roman culture that is often overlooked is their obsession with blonde hair. In fact, blonde hair was considered the epitome of beauty and was highly sought after by both men and women. This fixation on blonde hair can be traced back to the early days of the Roman Empire and continued throughout its existence.
The Origins of the Obsession
The ancient Romans believed that
blonde hair was a symbol of purity and divinity
. The ideal beauty standard for both men and women was to have golden locks that shimmered in the sunlight. This belief can be attributed to the Romans' fascination with the Greek culture, where blonde hair was associated with the gods and goddesses. The Romans also believed that blonde hair was a sign of wealth and status, as it was commonly found among the noble and upper-class citizens.
Blonde Hair in Ancient Roman Society
To achieve their desired blonde locks, the ancient Romans went to great lengths. They used various natural ingredients such as saffron, leeks, and chamomile to lighten their hair.
Blonde wigs and hairpieces were also popular among those who were not naturally blonde
. These wigs were made from human or horse hair and were often adorned with elaborate gold and silver hair accessories.
The Legacy of Blonde Hair in Ancient Rome
The obsession with blonde hair in ancient Rome had a lasting impact on their society. It became a symbol of beauty, power, and social status. This belief even extended to the afterlife, where the dead were depicted with blonde hair in paintings and sculptures. The legacy of this beauty standard can still be seen today in our modern society, where blonde hair is still considered a desirable trait.
In Conclusion
In ancient Rome, blonde hair was more than just a physical attribute, it was a symbol of perfection and divinity. The Romans' obsession with blonde hair has left a lasting impact on their society and continues to influence our beauty standards today. So the next time you see someone with blonde hair, remember that they may just be channeling their inner ancient Roman.
