Booking an appointment with your favourite hairstylist means you’re sure to walk out feeling refreshed and confident, but have you ever stopped to think about how hairdressing has evolved here in Bristol? For what seems like thousands of years now, hairstyles have helped to shape that particular moment in terms of aesthetics. But when did these trends start?
Let’s take a deep dive into hairdressing in Bristol and embark on a journey through time.
Look to Ancient Egyptians as the Initial Trendsetters
The word ‘trendsetter’ is tossed around quite freely nowadays, but when it comes to the original trendsetters in terms of hairstyles, look no further than the ancient Egyptians. It wasn't just about looking stylish; a person's hairstyle said something about their role and status in society as a whole. The more intricate and eye-catching the style, the higher up in society they were.
Braided wigs in particular were common among noblewomen and Egyptian pharaohs, and could even be classified as a work of art in their own right. It's impossible not to conjure up an image of Cleopatra without also envisioning her signature dark locks and thick bangs that defined and framed her face.
The Middle Ages Saw a Shift in Hairstyles
You can then hit the fast-forward button and stop in the Middle Ages to see another defining moment in terms of hairstyles. Suddenly men were getting shorter cuts, and women were wearing long, flowing styles. Much of the style was influenced by the Christian church.
During the Renaissance ages, it was a step back in time to Roman and Greek hairstyles, going right back to the beautiful braids and flowing curls that were once popular.
The Victorian Era to Present Day
A time of great change in hairdressing here in Bristol and the UK as a whole was the Victorian era to World War II. So many different styles came and went, from elegant simple styles to more practical options that allowed women to work in the factories during World War II without fear of their hair getting caught in the heavy machinery.
After World War II, trends started coming and going much faster, and you could pinpoint a particular style, cut and colour that was stylish in that particular decade. Thanks to social media and the speed of information in the present day, trends seem to occur at breakneck speeds nowadays. Bristol area hairdressers are tasked with staying on top of it all.
Feeling Inspired to Get a New Hairstyle?
If all this talk of changing hairdressing techniques and styles has left you inspired to make a change yourself, it’s well worth looking into our experienced and creative hairdressers in Bristol. Just remember, when it comes to what’s trending, you also want to factor in your hair type, length and how much maintenance you want to deal with moving forward. Your hairdresser can work with you to create the perfect look, meeting all your expectations.
The one thing to remember about hairdressing in Bristol is that it’s truly a journey through time. The trends here have been heavily influenced by other areas of the world and what’s happening during those times, and this is something that won’t change.