Medieval hairstyles are having a real moment. Between fantasy shows, Renaissance fairs, cosplay, and the love for historical fashion online, more people than ever want to know how women actually wore their hair in the Middle Ages.
The variety surprises most people. The medieval period covers roughly a thousand years, and hair changed a lot across centuries, countries, and social classes. A farm worker in 12th century France and a noblewoman in 15th century England looked nothing alike.
Some rules held steady, though. Loose hair usually marked an unmarried girl, while married women covered or bound their hair. Below are 20 historical medieval hairstyles drawn from art and records, with practical tips for recreating them today.
1. The Two Braid Style
Two long braids from a center part show up across centuries of medieval art. Wealthier women often wrapped the braids with silk ribbon or decorative bands, while simpler versions were left plain.
It is one of the easiest looks to recreate. The medieval feel comes from the details: a clean center part, thick braids, and a slim band across the crown like this gold circlet headband.
Project Card · 15 minutes · Easy
What You Need
- Long hair
- A comb for a clean center part
- Satin ribbon (optional)
- Two small elastics
How to Do It
- Part your hair down the center from forehead to nape.
- Start each braid high, just behind the ear, for a period look.
- Braid tightly to the ends and secure with elastics.
- Wrap ribbon around each braid in a spiral and tie it off at the end.
- Add a thin circlet or fillet across the forehead.
2. The Fillet and Veil
A white linen veil held in place by a slim band across the forehead was everyday wear for married women for much of the period. The hair underneath was braided or pinned flat first.
This is easy to copy for a fair or costume event. A linen veil and wimple set plus a simple headband is all you need.
- Married women
- Easy to copy
- Well documented
3. Braided Crown Updo
Braids wound around the head into a crown appear in art from the 12th century onward, especially on noblewomen. The look is elegant, practical, and holds all day.
You only need basic braiding skills and good pins.
Project Card · 20 minutes · Medium
What You Need
- Medium to long hair
- Large bobby pins
- Two small elastics
How to Do It
- Make two braids, one behind each ear.
- Lift the left braid over the top of your head and pin it along the hairline.
- Bring the right braid over in the same way, tucking its end under the first.
- Pin every few inches, sliding pins into the braid itself.
- Hide both ends underneath and finish with a light spray.
4. The Hennin Cone
The hennin is the tall pointed headdress most people picture on a storybook princess. It was worn by noblewomen in France, Burgundy, and England in the 15th century, often with a sheer veil flowing from the tip.
The hair was hidden completely, and some women even plucked their hairline back for a high forehead. For costumes, a ready made hennin hat is far easier than building one.
- 15th century
- Dramatic
- Costume favorite
5. Loose Hair for Unmarried Women
Long loose hair was a sign of being unmarried. That is why brides often wore their hair down on their wedding day, while married women covered or bound theirs afterward.
A thin metal circlet or a flower crown across the forehead completes this maiden look. It is the simplest style on the list.
- Maiden look
- No styling needed
- Romantic
6. The Wimple
The wimple was linen wrapped around the head, neck, and chin, often worn with a veil on top. It was common from the 12th to the 14th century and appears constantly in manuscripts and tomb carvings.
Underneath, hair was braided and pinned flat to keep a smooth shape.
- 12th to 14th century
- Hair fully covered
- Practical
7. The Horned Headdress
In the early 1400s, fashionable women in England and France wore their hair padded out at each side into two horns or lobes, then covered with fabric or a decorative net.
It is a striking look for Renaissance fairs. Build the shape with padding or rolled fabric rather than hair alone.
- Early 1400s
- Bold shape
- Fair favorite
8. Simple Braid with Ribbon
A single thick braid with ribbon woven through it was practical for work and pretty enough for a festival. The ribbon added color to an everyday style.
Red, blue, and gold ribbons look the most period appropriate.
Project Card · 10 minutes · Easy
What You Need
- Long hair
- Satin ribbon about twice your hair length
- One elastic
How to Do It
- Tie the middle of the ribbon around the top of a low ponytail.
- Split the hair into three sections and lay one ribbon end with each outer section.
- Braid as normal so the ribbon weaves in and out.
- Secure the end and tie the ribbon tails into a bow.
My Pick
Satin Ribbon, 20 Rolls
Twenty colors of narrow satin ribbon, perfect for braiding into medieval and festival styles.
9. Curly Hair with a Caul Net
A caul was a net of silk or gold thread used to hold hair at the sides of the head. Curls peeking through the net gave a lovely texture.
You can find simple pearl and crochet nets today that give the same effect. Add a fillet band across the forehead and it looks very convincing.
- Great for curls
- Decorative
- Easy to buy
My Pick
Crochet Pearl Hair Snood Net
A soft pearl net that holds a bun or curls just like a medieval caul.
10. Viking Style Braided Updo
In early medieval Northern Europe, women wore detailed braids, often several thin braids gathered into an updo or wrapped around the head.
Modern multi braid updos translate this well. Keep the braids tight and add simple metal or woven accessories.
- Early medieval
- Multiple braids
- Strong look
11. Short Hair with a Coif
Short hair was not the norm, but it happened, for example among nuns, after illness, or for practical reasons. The coif, a fitted linen cap tied under the chin, covered it neatly.
If your hair is short, this is the easiest medieval look of all because the cap does the work.
- Short hair friendly
- Simple
- Authentic
My Pick
Medieval Linen Coif Cap
A fitted linen coif that instantly gives short hair a period correct look.
12. Noble Updo with Jewels
Wealthy women wore elaborate pinned updos decorated with jeweled pins and gold bands that showed off their family status.
For a modern version, sweep hair into an updo and add sparkling twist in pins and a thin gold headband.
- Regal
- Sparkling
- Photo ready
My Pick
Rhinestone Twist In Hair Studs, 60 Pieces
Spiral pins that twist straight into an updo and add instant sparkle.
13. The Crespine
In the 13th and 14th centuries, hair was coiled into decorative nets sitting at each temple and joined by a band across the forehead.
It appears on tomb effigies and in manuscripts across England, France, and Italy. A pearl hair net on each side recreates it nicely.
- 13th to 14th century
- Side coils
- Decorative nets
14. Maiden Flower Crown
Young women wore flowers in loose hair for festivals and May Day celebrations. It is one of the most romantic looks on the list.
Long loose hair and a flower crown are all you need.
- Festivals
- Romantic
- Very easy
My Pick
Boho Floral Crown Headband
A pretty flower crown with ribbon ties that stays put over loose hair.
15. Byzantine Court Style
Byzantine court hair was some of the most elaborate of the era, with gold thread woven through pinned hair and jeweled diadems, as seen in mosaics from Constantinople.
For a photoshoot or costume, layer gold hair accessories and a jeweled headband over a rich updo.
- Eastern style
- Lots of gold
- Elaborate
16. Coiled Temple Loops
In the 12th and 13th centuries, hair was sometimes wound into large flat coils above each ear and wrapped in mesh or ribbon.
The round shapes are unmistakably medieval and look great in photos.
- 12th to 13th century
- Unique shape
- Photo friendly
17. Simple Peasant Braid
A single braid and a plain linen headband is the closest to how most medieval women actually wore their hair every day while working.
It is the most historically grounded style here and the easiest to do.
- Most accurate
- Everyday
- Very easy
18. Loose Curls with a Fillet
Curly hair worn loose with a thin decorative band appears in art of noblewomen and saints, which suggests curls were considered beautiful.
A slim gold circlet is the only extra you need.
- Curly hair
- Elegant
- One accessory
19. Half Up with a Veil
A small veil over the top of the head with the rest of the hair loose or braided appears in 13th and 14th century art, often on townswomen.
It is comfortable for a long day at a fair and still looks authentic.
- Comfortable
- Authentic
- Easy
20. Butterfly Headdress
The butterfly headdress of the late 1400s used a wire frame to hold a sheer veil in two wide wings above the head. The hair was hidden underneath.
It marks the very end of medieval fashion before Renaissance styles took over.
- Late 1400s
- Wire frame
- Dramatic
Frequently Asked Questions
Did medieval women wear their hair down?
Mostly unmarried girls and brides wore loose hair. Married women usually covered or bound their hair in public.
What accessories did medieval women use?
Veils, wimples, fillets, circlets, nets called cauls or crespines, ribbons, and jeweled pins for wealthy women.
What is the easiest medieval hairstyle to recreate?
Two braids with a thin band across the forehead, or loose hair with a flower crown. Both take minutes.
Can I do medieval styles with short hair?
Yes. A coif, wimple, or veil covers short hair completely, and clip in braids can add length for updos.
What should I wear to a Renaissance fair with my hairstyle?
Pick one hair accessory that matches your outfit, like a circlet, flower crown, or snood, and keep the rest simple.
Final Thoughts on Historical Medieval Hairstyles
Medieval hair told everyone who you were, from your age to your marriage status to your family’s wealth.
Whether you want a simple braid for a fair or a full hennin for a photoshoot, start with one accessory and build from there.
