Curls

‘Curls are sections of hair in the shape of a spiral or coil. During the Elizabethan era the hair was usually frizzed or tightly curled, and was either closely cropped and brushed upwards into a bristle effect with the aid of gum or had a centre parting with the hair rolled back at the temples over rolls or pads. Later these pads were developed into wire frames called `palisadoes', and the aim was to make the hair appear abundant. The hair at the back was coiled into the nape, and small curls (also known as ‘hairlocks’) would be worn just in front of the ears. False hair was also commonly used as it was easier to manage than natural hair.’

Elizabethan period - late 16th century | history of fashion and Hairstyling (no date) Available at: http://www.hairdressingworld.com/Hairdressing-Design/History-Of-Fashion-And-Hairstyling/elizabethan-period-late-16th-century.html (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

Modern curls:

Image 1 – the following images are some modern curls that reminded me of Elizabethan hairstyles. This sort of hairstyle falls under the category of ‘waves’. ‘Wavy hair lies somewhere between straight and curly hair, forming a loose S-shape. Wavy hair can be fine, medium-textured or thick/coarse and is typically more prone to frizz.’ Elizabeth often had her hair down in waves before her crowning. I like this hairstyle as it’s a mixture of two worlds (straight and curly).

Curly hair types chart. What type of hair do I have? (no date) Available at:
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-type-guide.html (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

Image 2 – this hairstyle falls under the category of ‘curly’ which forms a highly defined S-shape. ‘Curly hair is full bodied, climate dependent and damage prone. Lack of proper care can render dull curls. Curly hair is also the most temperamental hair type if you apply too much styling product.’ The colour of this hairstyle reminded me a lot of Elizabethan hair. It has a reddish-ginger tone to it, similar to the Queens. I like this hairstyle due to its high volume. I personally think the bigger the hair, the better.

Curly hair types chart. What type of hair do I have? (no date) Available at: 
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-type-guide.html (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

admin (2010) How to get big wavy hair, long wavy hair, how to get long curly hair. Available at: http://www.selectyourhairstyle.com/how-to-get-big-wavy-hair.html (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

Image 3 – this hairstyle falls under the category of ‘kinky’ hair. ‘Despite many conceptions, this tightly coiled hair is quite fine and fragile. It is wiry and delicate by nature. Each strand usually has a zig zag pattern. Kinky hair is very dry, meaning it is more prone to breakage and requires a gentle touch. It grows at the same rate as the textures above, however it breaks easily therefore requires special care.’ This hairstyle reminded me a lot of Elizabeth’s tight curls/frizz usually at the front of her head. I like this hairstyle as it’s unique and stands out a lot more compared to other textures.

(no date) Available at: 
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-type-guide.htmlhttp://gracyhair.co.uk/product/brazilian-kinky-curly-hair/ (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

Elizabethan curls:

The following are images I found of Elizabethan women wearing curls. This image shows two different types of curls. The curls on the front of the head are extremely tight, similar to the ‘kinky’ hairstyle whereas the curls that fall on her shoulder are quite loose. Her hair is reddish-ginger which was highly favoured during this era. I personally think the lady in this portrait looks a lot similar to Queen Elizabeth with her pale complexion, costume and jewellery. Her hair is adorned with a variety of pearls and jewels, including a hat which was a representation of wealth and nobility. I like this hairstyle as its half up/half down, something that could be worn today as it’s very popular

Elizabethan (no date) Available at: http://www.closetcapers.com/elizabethan.html (Accessed: 3 December 2015).

The lady in this portrait is wearing very soft curls on the sides of her head. The curls seem to be more smooth than frizzy. She’s also wearing a bun that looks like it’s been made up of plaits. Her hair is brown, which wasn’t a favoured colour during this era. She also has a jewelled adornment on her head, something similar to what the Queen would wear. I like this hairstyle as it’s incorporated a plaited bun into curls. I also like the texture of the curls, as it’s something in between waves and kinky.

Agostini, D. and Orti, D. A. (no date) Portrait of Amalia Von Schintling painting by Joseph Karl Stieler ,.. Available at: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/illustration/portrait-of-amalia-von-schintling-painting-by-joseph-stock-graphic/175824823 (Accessed: 3 December 2015).