Ancient Roman Hairstyles

Ancient Roman hairstyles for women symbolized the political structure of Rome as well. During the days of the republic ancient roman hairstyles were more simplistic while the imperial years saw more elaborate and plush hair structuring. The days of the republic days saw a time when women either braided or curled their hair. Hair was long, often parted down the middle. The Romans also used iron curling to either straighten or curl the hair. Curling was done so by using a hollow cylinder with a smaller solid cylinder being inserted into the hollow one. Women would place their locks in the smaller, solid one and insert into the larger one. The outer cylinder was heated that made the hair easy to curl or straighten. Damaged hair was common during this period and would later see the use of wild and lively wigs of the Imperial days. During the republic, however, long hair was the ideal and usually pinned to the head with hair pins.

The later republic years was a time when war with Carthage was taking place; therefore, the senate passed laws that did not allow the over adornment of dress especially ancient roman hairstyles. This was meant to display solidarity to soldiers who were fighting on the fields. Hair during this period was only braided and done in a simple bun style to placate the will of the senate. As Romans began to see the rewards of their conquering and warfare abroad, many citizens desired a more showy display of their status with fancy diadems (crowns) and combs being seen in women’s hair.