Mute the silence: Hair Fashion from 1840

1840 - 1866

1840s fashion in European and European-influenced clothing is characterized by a narrow, natural shoulder line following the exaggerated puffed sleeves of the later 1820s and 1830s. The narrower shoulder was accompanied by a lower waistline for both men and women.The wide hairstyles of the previous decade gave way to fashions which kept the hair closer to the head, and the high bun or knot on the crown descended to the back of the head. Hair was still generally parted in the center. Isolated long curls dangling down towards the front (sometimes called "spaniel curls") were worn, often without much relationship to the way that the rest of the hair was styled. Alternately the side hair could be smoothed back over the ears or looped and braided, with the ends tucked into the bun at the back.

Bonnets for street wear were smaller than in the previous decade, and were less heavily decorated. The decorations that did adorn bonnets included flowers on the inside brim or a veil that could be draped over the face. Married women wore their caps under their bonnets. the crown and brim of the bonnet created a horizontal line and when tied under the chin, the brim created a nice frame around the face.

For evening, feathers, pearls, lace, or ribbons were worn in the hair. There was also a small brimless bonnet worn with the ribbon untied at the nape of the neck.

Hairstyles and headwear fashions like dress fashions often change gradually, moving slowly from one line to another. These are some drawings of hair, bonnet and hat styles between the early and mid Victorian fashion era 1844-1870.

Early Victorian Hair Fashion History

1844 1845 1854 1855

Mid Victorian and Civil War Hair Styles

1858 1860 1862 1870

Early Victorian Bonnets

1844 1845 1850 1858

Victorian Bonnets

1858 1860 1862 1866

Victorian Era Hairstyles (Part 1)

Victorian Era Hairstyles (Part 2)

Victorian Era Hairstyles (Part 3)

(Other parts on Youtube)

1870 - 1900

1870s fashion in European and European-influenced clothing is characterized by a gradual return to a narrow silhouette after the full-skirted fashions of the 1850s and 1860s. In keeping with the vertical emphasis, hair was pulled back at the sides and worn in a high knot or cluster of ringlets, often with a fringe (bangs) over the forehead. False hair was commonly used. Bonnets were smaller to allow for the elaborately piled hairstyles and resembled hats except for their ribbons tied under the chin. Smallish hats, some with veils, were perched on top of the head, and brimmed straw hats were worn for outdoor wear in summer.

Hairstyles and headwear like dress fashions often change gradually, moving slowly from one line to another. These are some drawings of hair and hat styles between 1870-1900.

Ladies hair styles