Besides Minoan, Egyptian, and Hindu accounts of this hairstyle, it also seems clear that Germanic tribes and even early Christians may have worn their hair in matted, rope-like textures. The Vikings' neighbors were known as The Celts. Based on this evidence, theres a good chance that Vikings wore dreadlocks. [8]. Several cultures throughout history have encouraged their people to wear dreadlocks. Both Western and Eastern traditions believed the mental, bodily and spiritual energies exit the body via the top of the head and if the hair was knotted, the energy would remain in the head and body, keeping the wearer prosperous and healthy. You can get them started by backcombing or hand-rolling your hair. If you have naturally curly hair, you can choose to not comb it for a while, and your hair locks on its own without any effort. Understanding how Vikings wore their hair is also an excellent way to understand more about Viking culture and practices! Many of these people from those eras did not have the hair grooming tools and products we have today and most likely had matted hair, which looked thick, untidy and unkempt. The most crucial difference is the way that they are structured. We hope this article has given you some insight into the rich history behind dreadlocks and answered your questions about Vikings and their dreads. (Also see Heres How the Vikings Proposed and Got Married). Does Norway use the Euro? Vikings wore dreads for some of these reasons but also had reasons specific to their traditions. 20 Best Viking Hairstyles Female ideas | viking hair, hair styles, long hair styles Viking Hairstyles Female 20 Pins 3y G Collection by Makeup Artist Similar ideas popular now Hair Beauty Hair Makeup Wedding Hairstyles Braids Braided Hairstyles Updo Braided Updo Up Hairstyles Hairdos Updos Viking Hairstyles Female Dreads 2016 Hair Trends Hair Expo viking woman warrior. Female styles tend to be portrayed as long and flowing though, of course, the reality may have been wilder and less neat! Once the dreads are well-established, you can begin experimenting with different Viking braid patterns. Such occasions where young women wore their hair up probably included religious observances and special events. Unmarried Viking women often wore their hair loose or in untucked braids to symbolize their maidenhood. Some Vikings even shaved their heads completely, though this practice was far less common than wearing their hair long. The Elling braid is a hairstyle worn by the Elling Woman, a body discovered in Denmark. The Vikings have a reputation as some of the fiercest warriors in history, and accounts of their terrible exploits are plentiful. Roman authors described some Vikings as having long hair that looked like ropes. link to What Did the Vikings Look Like? After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. Archeologists have found artifacts like combs in Viking gravesites that point to their keenness in looking after themselves. These dreadlocks look amazing on every woman . However, the evidence to support this idea is scant. The style begins with two low-set braids, one on each side of the head. Polish plaits are a matted formation of hair that was common in Europe. Even though people in different places at different times in history wore dreadlocks, that doesnt mean the hairstyles were exactly the same. Men and women alike adorned themselves in lavish hairdos, likely including dreads. As Viking culture is largely centered on voyaging and exploring, there is no reason to believe that Vikings didnt have significant interactions with Celtic peoples. For other Viking Hairstyles for females, you can check the below side or can visit the main page of this website. did participate in Viking activities, many also stayed at home to tend to farming, construction, and child-rearing duties. Although Vikings and Celts wore their hair in dreads, historians agree that neither group invented them. But locks themselves have been worn as a choice by many cultures since history began and prior to that by every human on the planet.. We didn't always have combs. The Celts and Vikings shared several cultural similarities, including hairstyles. Pacific Islanders, Somalis, the Massai, and New Guineans are also known to wear dreadlocks. These rope-like strands, created by locking or braiding hair, were worn for practical, spiritual and aesthetic reasons. are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? The primary difference between these virgins and married women was that the maidens kept these styles uncovered by a cap. While dreadlocks and braids look similar because locks of hair are bunched together, the patterns are different. In addition, it would have protected the wearers hair and kept her warm in the colder months. To achieve the Irish ribbon knot, the woman would have followed these steps: The woman may have pinned the knot in place or worn a protective head covering to keep the knot secure. Although both locs and dreads dont look very different to the untrained eye, as both are made by braiding hair, they are quite different. Your email address will not be published. This changed in the Twentieth Century with the start of a socio-religious movement in New York in the . Did Vikings have dreads? Dreadlocks were not invented by the Vikings. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. You can make variations with dreadlocks and one of the best styles is the twin bun with dreads. Many Viking men sported a hairstyle known today as a "reverse mullet," whereby hair was allowed to grow long in the front but was cut short or even shaved in the back of the head. Five of the traditional female Viking hairstyles include: The Irish ribbon knot The Arden braid The Elling braid The Kransen for maidens There are hieroglyphs showing Egyptian pharaohs wearing locs to symbolize wealth and power. Another prevalent example is the Dublin cap, a more narrow, rectangular hood with a point at the crown of the head. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Viking hairstyles and dreadlocks. Since there were many red haired Vikings along with the more typical blonde ones we see today in pop culture, bleaching would have created a distinct and memorable dreadlocks appearance. Married women tucked their long hair in a high bun on top of their heads. 5 out of 5 stars (647) Sale Price $16.35 $ 16.35 $ 19.24 Original Price $19.24 . We exists to inform people about the people, culture, and history of Northern Europe. That longer hair may have been coiled into dreadlocks by Vikings to make it easier to keep off the face while not wearing a helmet. Dreadlocks may have also served practical purposes within every culture in which this style is documented. Those who are looking for the Female Viking dreads or locs can check some of the coolest dreadlock hairstyles from this website. Some styles for men have a completely shaved head with a long plait of dreads running from the top of the head down the back. If youre wondering whether this could be true, youre in the right place. As a group, they share cultural and linguistic similarities. Ancient Romans alluded to this when they described the Viking dreads as snake-like.. See What Did the Vikings Look Like? People from all over the globe experienced hair matting, so its impossible to attribute the style to any one group. This doesnt imply that caring for their hair was only about appearance; they probably have managed it out of necessity. Vikings (vkingr in Old Norse) are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? Well show you all you need to know below. But are they the same thing? To create this hairstyle, the Elling woman likely followed these steps: However, historians are unsure whether the Elling woman completely wrapped the braid into this top section to form a bun. Sometimes their hair was further accessorized with a decorative circlet that matched their clothing. Dreadlocks were common among the Vikings and in other people who lived in ancient Egypt, Guinea, and Pacific Island. Does Dyson Airwrap Damage Hair? The men who spent much of their time in battle and traveling needed to keep their long hair from getting in the way during their raids. Wearing their hair loose all the time would have been impractical, so dreads were used to keep their long hair from getting in the way as they fought. Some sources suggest they kept a long fringe in the front. Viking culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of which has been lost over the centuries. Other hairstyles worn by Vikings include: Due to their proximity, Vikings often interacted with Celtic peoples. The ancient people may simply have worn dreadlocks as a fashion preference. In modern times, dreadlocks are still a popular hairstyle for many people. I consent to the privacy policy and terms and conditions. The Celts were well documented to wear their hair in dreads and may have inspired the Vikings to follow suit. In Celtic folklore, elves appear at night to tie knots in peoples hair; hence, the term elflocks. Celtic legend also said that combing out these knots brings bad luck. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. Furthermore, the first archaeological evidence of dreadlocks comes from there, where mummies have been discovered sporting dreadlocks still in good shape. See also:The coolest, craziest Viking hairstyles Nordic and Viking tattoosAll you need to know about Viking weddings. Also see Did the Vikings Share Their Wives? Having lived and traveled in different parts of Scandinavia, Seline has a fondness for all things Nordic. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. Victoria Holmes. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. While it wasnt uncommon for men to shear off most of the hair on the sides or back of their head, most Viking women kept all of their hair long, keeping it off their neck by braiding and knotting it at the top of the skull. Many Viking men and women had dreadlocks. Dreads are easier to maintain and offer a complete and permanent look compared to braided hair. We also have strict editorial integrity; heres an explanation of our editorial guidelines and how we make money. This party Viking hairstyle is best for high school girls and office-going women. Still, Viking women tended to wear complex plaits made of braids, while mens hairstyles were often more straightforward. What was life like for women in Viking society? Dreadlocks werent always a sought-after, intentional style. Some women are shown wearing braided hair on top of their head and the rest left loose. Locs, on the other hand, can be patterned easily and quickly within less than an hour, depending on the hair length. Were dreadlocks important to the Vikings? However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. The etymology, or word history, of the term dreadlocks, is uncertain. The Celts were a collection of Indo-European tribes who originated from central Europe. What is known about the Vikings is that they sometimes used lye or other substances to stain or bleach their hair to a lighter shade. Instead, they use the term locs to describe the style. There is no question that the Vikings had dreadlocks that were different in texture from those of African and Indian origins (although recent studies and historical sources suggest that there were also Black Vikings, whose hair was likely of a different texture from those Vikings who were genetically Northern European). Well show you all you need to know below. Without photographic evidence or the existence of art from the period that clearly shows Vikings wearing dreadlocks, its difficult to determine whether their dreads were any more special or different than the deadlock styles favored by other cultures. After taking vows, they committed to not touching or brushing their hair. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. Descriptions of elflocks are found in ancient Celtic folklore. Yet in some cultures, including some ancient ones, certain hairstyles, including dreadlocks, may have been worn more for practical reasons than stylistic ones. In Viking fiction movies, you may have seen Vikings in dreadlocks or dreads but it is still a myth whether they really wore dreadlocks? Leaving their hair loose or in braids could signify their unmarried status. Known as fairy-locks or elflocks, this hairstyle seems to have been made from a combination of tangles and knots. So, theres no excuse now not to get braiding and plaiting! People with dreadlocks are found in a variety of cultures and geographical locations. Many historians believe this caused their hair to become matted and form dreads. The long glossy flowing locks intermingled with a few neat braids that you often see Viking women wearing on TV series and in films are unlikely to have been realistic. 3. Wealthy individuals adorned their hairstyles with brightly colored ribbons and embellished caps. Norse viking rune beads with antique silver metal finish on each edge, plus Northern European symbol and character on the middle, are with retro exotic style. The word dreadlocks is through to have its origins in the Rastafarian movement, so Vikings wouldnt have called the braids in their hair dreads at all. Also see Why Do Scandinavians Have Asian Eyes? Here are some of the leading theories behind why Vikings may have worn dreadlocks. Some believe it has European origins, but others associate it with Rastafarian language and culture: Some authors have speculated that the dread component could refer to the reaction of British soldiers upon encountering Mau Mau fighters who had this hairstyle. Get the Facts. Men and women wore different hairstyles to express their masculinity or femininity in their communities. It was said to be bad luck to comb these tangles and knots out. Some of the types of dreads seen today are: Due to the negative connotations surrounding the origin of the name, some people have stopped referring to the style as dreads. Vikings women wore their female Viking dreadlocks differently before and after marriage. Elflocks or fairy-locks are a hairstyle of tangles and knots similar to dreadlocks. Here are a couple of theories behind why dreadlocks were important to Vikings: Vikings wore dreads to show their position in their clans. Hej, I'm Astrid and I'm here to show you everything that Scandinavia has to offer - based on my own experience living up here in the Nordics! We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Human slave trade was practiced during the Viking era, so hairstyles were used to differentiate between enslaved people and the general population. Sadly, slavery was a common practice throughout ancient civilizations. Use clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up or oil from your hair strands. But what about people from the Nordic countries? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Routes North was started to help people discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of their travel budget. Dreadlocks are basically invented by the Minoan Civilization which has its footprints in Greece. The Vikingshad diverse hair types, from thin blonde strands to thick black heads of hair. You can make your dreadlocks wavy using silk or satin-covered hair rollers. Thanks to the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism . They mentioned that some Vikings had long, rope-like hair. While there is no clear evidence to say that the Vikings picked up their hairstyle from the Celts, or vice versa, it seems reasonable to assume that each culture took note of the appearance of members of the other. Use enough dish soap to make the water color murky, but not opaque, at a ratio of approximately 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of soap for every 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. In ancient Egypt, bas-reliefs and other artefacts have been found to show Egyptians donning braided hairstyles (and even wigs). . When many folks think of dreadlocks, the drama that unfolded between Zendaya and Giuliana Rancic probably comes to mind. In any culture where there wasnt a focus on writing down records or creating artwork depicting their lives (at least not any that has survived until today), its always difficult to say definitively anything about that culture relating to appearance. She then pulled the knot tightly against her head to secure her hair. 3. However, others have interpreted the Roman writings as meaning that the Vikings had long flowing hair, such as Chris Hemsworths Thor in the earlier Thor films. Laghertas dreads. Long hair was likely to fall into your face running into combat, reducing your field of vision and potentially opening you up to attack. She would have used a bone darning needle and an extra piece of cord to whip stitch the braids to her head, working from the base of one braid to the other, forming a crown. After all, weve all seen the TV shows where many Vikings appear to have elaborate braids or long, flowing locks male or female. However, silk was a luxury and imported item, so most Viking women likely had hoods of linen or wool. But on the question of Viking dreads, historical sources have something to say about that. As we mentioned before, dreadlocks have been worn on nearly every continent. See 15 Facts About Viking Women to learn more. Dreadlocks, commonly known as locs or dreads are ropelike hairs. The answer is that there are a huge variety of dreadlocks that the Vikings could have worn. We may never know for sure, but plenty of evidence suggests that both Viking men and women sported this popular ancient hairstyle. In recent years there has been an ongoing conversation about whether wearing ones hair in dreadlocks is a form of cultural appropriation. If youd like to adopt an authentic Viking hairstyle, youll want to know whether these people sported dreadlocks. Viking women may have worn braids, buns, the Irish ribbon knot, or other styles underneath these hoods to secure and cover their hair. The badass and sassy look can be obtained with this side-shaved Viking dreadlocks hairstyle. Are you curious about what the Vikings looked like? They are celebrated as bringers of wealth and only their mothers are allowed to touch their hair. The Vikings did not have access to the advanced hair care products, synthetic extensions, and teams of professionals it takes to create the Viking dreads we see in dramatic productions. Click on our logo above to see the most recent hair styling and care guides! Despite their ancient association with power and spirituality, theyre often deemed unprofessional or unkempt, especially when worn by people of color. These unmarried Viking women traditionally wore a Kransen, similar to a hairband, passed down from mother to daughter. Dreadlocks have a long history, mainly because many cultures that lived generations before us adapted this 100% natural hairstyle. Also see What Are Norse Tattoos To Avoid? While modern pop culture depictions of Vikings would have you believe they were unkempt and rather rough around the edges in appearance, the evidence supports the use of combs and a preference for well-groomed beards and hair. On the below side, we are sharing the picture of this hairstyle so that you can easily make a similar look. Theres also the matter of the impressions various hairstyles made. 3.Exotic Design: Lykoow dreadlock beard beads made of alloy metal which is of high sturdiness and durability. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. Viking women typically had long hair that may have been braided or tied in buns while daily tasks were being performed. Other styles show a looser pony tail of dreads from the top of the head, shaved sides with a dreadlock man bun, or simply cornrows all over the head. These unfortunate individuals would have their hair shorn short to differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings. Despite the stereotypes, Vikings valued hygiene and were surprisingly well-groomed. Since they were close to the Vikings, they influenced them differently. From religious writings in India to depictions in art from ancient Greece, dreadlocks are clearly evident in ancient civilizations. So, if you are a fan of Devil and want to be a badass girl then, you can make this hairstyle with your dreadlocks. We are going to tell you that some of the Vikings have dreadlocks while others have braids. While it seems likely that some Vikings did indeed sport dreadlocks, they clearly werent the first race or culture to wear them. See How Vikings Got Tattoos and Why to learn more. No written records prove that Vikings called dreads elflocks, but because of the close proximity between the two cultures, theres a good chance that they did. Further complicating matters is the fact that bas relief sculpture from ancient Egypt also depicts pharaohs wearing a dreadlock-type hairstyle, well before the Viking dreadlocks would have made an appearance. Wealthy individuals adorned their hairstyles with brightly colored ribbons and embellished caps. (The Historical Truth). The other way they wore it was by creating a dreadlock man bun with shaved sides, a loose ponytail of dreads or cornrows on all parts of the head. All you need to know about Viking weddings, What is a cloudberry? The name dreadlocks is relatively new and used for black locks. Dreadlocks Were Practical As a result, long and ornate hairstyles became associated with a higher status. Scandification 2023. Popular culture sometimes depicts Vikings with dreadlocks, but modern portrayals arent always accurate. Did Viking Face Paint Exist? And if so, what would Viking dreadlocks have looked like? Christian started Scandinavia Facts to explore his family heritage, raise awareness of one of his academic interests as a professor, and civilly promote the region. So, if you also love to have dreadlocks but havent tried them before then, you can go with a simple Viking dreadlocks hairstyle for females. The primary difference between a Viking womans and a Viking mans hair was the state of the sides and back. Most Vikings (men and women) wore their hair in braids. Enslaved people were made to wear their hair cropped short to show their loyalty and subjection to their owners. Our content is for informational purposes only. An old Norse myth talks about the god Odin and his emotional distress after losing his son. Due to the lack of concrete evidence, its impossible to accurately state whether Vikings wore dreadlocks. Based on written records, like the writings mentioned above, as well as some hair care artifacts, like combs, that Scandinavian archaeologists have discovered, there is reason to believe that the Vikings valued managing their hair. Ancient Egypt: Several artifacts show Egyptians with braided hair and wigs. 4.Widely Application: Viking dreadlock beard beads for men and women. to learn what scientists believe about their faces, hairstyles, clothing, skin color, and more. to learn more. You can dye your hair in your favorite color and it will look really awesome on you. to learn more. For those who need a quick refresher, Zendaya chose to rock faux locs on. Please see Were the Vikings Black? After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. This means they kept the top portion long (typically braided) but cut the sides and back very short. Even early Christians were believed to have worn their hair in dreadlocks as a tribute to Samson, who had seven locks of hair. The Romans created many accounts of Viking encounters, and described their hair as being like snakes. Most of the information historians use to learn about Viking hairstyles comes from carvings, statues, and ancient texts. Dreads can differ based on numerous factors, including the texture and thickness of the persons hair, the humidity of the area, and many other personal and environmental factors. While there is no clear evidence that Norse dreadlocks were influenced by Celtic elflocks, they appear to look similar and seem to have been used for similar purposes. Read Next: Trending Viking Hairstyles for Women for 2023. A less well-known aspect of Norse culture is their relatively Did Vikings Have Piercings? Some historians believe that unmarried Viking girls may have worn dreadlocks for special formal occasions or festivals. Various ethnic groups in Southern, Northern, and Central America have worn dreadlocks. Celtic folklore talks about fairy-locks developed when fairies visited sleeping Celts to tie knots within their hair. Danish shoe brands: Fall head over heels for these Danish shoes, The best Scandinavian Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, Animals in Norse mythology: A guide to Nordic animals, Norse tattoos to avoid: Problematic Norse symbol tattoos, An exhaustive list of Viking god names and their meanings, Did Vikings have beards? Keep reading to discover what hairstyles the Vikings had and how hairstyle affected a Vikings standing in their local community. Viking men led a life of constant travel and combat. We think that youll be glad you did. In Aztec society, priests allowed their hair to grow completely unmanipulated. Your email address will not be published. Norse dreadlocks played a significant role in the Viking grooming rituals for several reasons. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isnt clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. Curl Centric follows a strict editorial policy that produces accurate, factual, and honest content to help you make the right hair care decisions. Viking Dreadlocks For Women: It is a huge confusion that either Vikings have braids or dreadlocks. In general, softer hair can take longer than a year, and coarse hair can lock in within a few months. For example, they could wear long, unbraided hair, hair braided into long rope-like locks, or long on top but short along the back and sides. English women loved us Norwegians, we cleaned ourselves and washed our clothes often;) Zhangar 10 yr. ago Also see What Color Eyes Did Vikings Have? Celts called the style elflocks or fairy-locks, as they believed the notoriously mischievous creatures tied knots and tangles in their hair as they slept. Then, she braided in the rest of her hair, forming one long braid.