Since Greece was the oldest civilization, the Greeks were the trendsetters of a number of things, the ancient Greek hairstyles inclusive! In the simplest of terminology, hairstyle is a style in which an individual’s hair is cut and set. The hairstyles of Greeks were an indispensable part of their personalities, aptly reflecting the social, political and cultural history of the Greek period. These hairstyles were also a revelation of the customs, uniqueness and characteristic persona of the ancient Greeks.
Ever since the beginning of civilization, men and particularly women have been paying a lot of attention to the way their hair is done. Women obviously have been always more overprotective about their hair, because well-kept hair are a part of the concept of good looks, adornment and pleasant appearance. Even in the times as far back in history as the Greek civilization, people have paid attention to beauty and personal hygiene.
The most ancient of hairstyles were a result of the use of knives, hairpins and combs. As time passed, women started using hair additions and artistic wigs. In fact, ancient women were all considered more attractive if their hair were long as well as thick. It was believed that the length and thickness of hair lent it greater beauty and added on to a woman’s appearance.
The hairstyles of ancient Greeks were unique in more ways than one. The most popular hairstyle was the ‘Green Knot’. For this particular style, the ancient Greek women used to hold their hair together and formed a knot at the neck. Ever since those times, buns and knots have always been in fashion, with novel variations. Ancient Greeks also made use of saffron to lighten the color of their hair, so as to further enhance the style.
It was not that only Greek women had a fascination for hairstyles, the Greek men were not too far behind either; the most common hairstyle that most Greek men in ancient times sported was - short and curly. As newer fashion trends came up, these people added a variety of embellishments to their hairstyles. Most of these decorations were made of gold, silver and ivory.
During one of the ancient Greek periods, there is a record of the hair being short, chin-length as well as curly. With the advent of fashion and a consciousness towards looking fashionable, hairstyling trends started becoming increasingly imaginative. The hairstyles that gained popularity were those ornamented with ribbons, gold, precious stones and pearls.
There was also a period in Greek history, when the focus from the hairstyles went into hibernation. Even the use of wigs became less common. Later, however, with the advancement in technology an ever-increasing number of men and women started going to the hairdressers, in order to bring an absolutely new look to their personality, via the hairstyle route. The ‘comparatively modern’ of the ancient Greek hairstyles included ‘crimping’ – a style in which waves were produced in the hair, using a hot iron. Such a style was in vogue for a long time in ancient Greece. Even in the present times, crimping is the most chosen hairstyle for young girls, especially if they desire a unique look of Greek hairstyles!
