The Gilded Age: A Peek into Hairstyles of High Society
HBO’s “The Gilded Age” takes us back in time to late 19th-century New York City, transporting viewers into a world of opulence and social ambition. The show doesn’t just excel at capturing the intricate details of fashion and architecture; it also showcases the elaborate hairstyles that were so much a part of this era’s identity. Today we delve deeper into the history behind these extraordinary coiffures.
More Than Just Hair: A Status Symbol
During the Gilded Age, a woman’s hairstyle served as a powerful indicator of her social standing and wealth. Elaborate updos, adorned with jewels, ribbons, and feathers, were de rigueur for high-society ladies attending balls, dinners, and other prestigious events. These hairstyles weren’t simply thrown together; they required hours of meticulous styling by trained professionals known as hairdressers.
Masterpieces of Illusion: Hairdressing Techniques
Achieving the voluminous styles typical of the Gilded Age often involved techniques more akin to architecture than hairstyling. Hair was teased, padded, and shaped using a variety of tools.
- Ratting: Teasing the hair with a comb to create volume was commonplace.
- Pads and Switches: To achieve impressive height and size, false hairpieces called “switches” were often incorporated. Pads made from horsehair or cork were also used to support the weight of elaborate creations.
- Styling Products: Products like pomatum (a waxy pomade) were used for hold and shine, while scented powders helped to absorb oils and keep the hair fragrant.
The Influence of Fashion Plates and Salons
“Ladies’ magazines” of the era, such as Godey’s Lady’s Book, featured illustrations of the latest hairstyles, providing inspiration for women eager to imitate fashionable looks. These publications served as valuable guides for home hairstyling but also highlighted the importance of professional hairdressers. Exclusive salons staffed by skilled barbers and hairdressers sprang up in major cities, catering to wealthy clientele who wanted the most intricate and fashionable styles.
Looking Beyond the Glamour: A Closer Look
While these hairstyles may seem glamorous from a distance, it’s important to remember the time commitment and discomfort they entailed. Women often endured hours of styling, and heavy adornments could be quite uncomfortable.
The hairstyles of “The Gilded Age” were more than just fashion statements; they were testaments to societal norms, artistry, and the pursuit of beauty during a unique period in history. What other aspects ofGilded Age culture do you think deserve a closer look? Perhaps we can delve into fashion trends next!
