Hair styles and the Tudors
During the 1500's hair styles changed according to the different styles of headdress; they were fitted differently and some allowed the hair to flow feeling off the shoulders, even though this look was mainly worn by the younger generation. When Elizabeth 1 came to reign styles changed and the ruff became a popular accessory to wear. It was very elaborate and big, and it attached to more delicate headwear, set by hair that was pulled away from the face. Also with it being so large, the hair would only get in the way and avert the eye from the ruff. This picture is from the series television programme 'The Tudors' this is Maria Doyle Kennedy as Queen Katherine of Aragon.
Tudor women kept their hair long, but hid it underneath a headdress or hood; long flowing hair was considered a sign of virginity. For a coronation or wedding the hair would be allowed to flow, but hidden after marriage. Longer hair would be tied back in a bun or platted and tied into buns; whist using my doll head I have managed to recreate a number of buns and plats that could have been inspired by these looks.
The front of the hair however was paid the most attention to because it was seen. It would normally be curled with hot tongs or crinkled, because this was how Elizabeth 1 wore her hair. There were no fringes, this wasn't fashionable at the time; ladies would pull their hair back to portray a large forehead. This was considered beautiful, and many people would pluck away at the front of the head to get this effect.
Men would keep their hair and beards short agin to suit a ruff. Compared to the ladies ruff, the mens would be short and higher at the back, it would follow their jaw line and look more masculine. This is portrayed in the portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh.
www.bbc.com
The Tudors
'The Tudors' is a series tv programme about Henry VIII and his wives. There are a lot of inspirational hair styles from this programme that are inspired by the real people of this time, they have redeveloped each hair style for the contemporary viewers.
The hair designer is called Dee Corcoran and has worked on all the actors for this tv show. This is an example from the tv series back stage hair. It is a much developed and progressed version of a french plat.
In order form left to right, Joss Stone as Anne of Cleves season 3, Joely Richardson as Catherine Parr and Tamzin Merchant as Katherine Howard season 3.
All these hair styles are done using curling tools, I really admire the hair of Katherine Howard, The curls fall effortlessly around her shoulders suggesting she is young and free. Clever and Parr both have their hair up, this suggests they are older or married, although their hair is not hidden. The use of curling tools is clear.
This is Laoise Murray as Princess Elizabeth Tudor in season 4. I really admire this look, the hair is a strong dark shade of red and it is lightly crinkled and down her shoulders, this shows she is young and not yet married or lined up for the thrown.
References:
www.thegardian.com
www.sixwives.info/tudors/hair
timesoftudors.blogspot.com.hairstyles.html
