The medieval era, spanning from the 5th to the 15th century, was a time of cultural and social evolution. This period is often romanticized in popular culture, largely due to its association with knights, kings, and epic battles. One of the intriguing aspects of medieval life was the fashion, particularly hairstyles. Long hair was a symbol of status, power, and sometimes rebellion among men. In this article, we will explore 18 medieval hairstyles for men with long hair, offering a glimpse into how men of this era styled their locks.
18 Medieval Hairstyles for Men with Long Hair
1. The Norman Cut
The Norman cut was popular among warriors and nobility in the early medieval period. This style featured long hair on the top, often styled with a slight wave or curl, while the sides and back were shaved or closely cropped. The contrast between the long top and the shaved sides was a symbol of strength and masculinity.
2. The Celtic Warrior Look
Celtic warriors were known for their fierce appearance, and their hairstyles reflected this. The hair was typically long and wild, often left to flow naturally. Some warriors would braid sections of their hair or tie it back with leather cords to keep it out of their faces during battle.
3. The Viking Warrior Style
Vikings are iconic figures of the medieval period, known for their rugged and fearsome look. Their hairstyles varied, but one popular style involved long hair that was often braided or tied back. The sides of the head might be shaved or kept short, emphasizing the length and thickness of the hair on top. Viking men sometimes adorned their hair with beads or metal rings.
4. The Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut was a common hairstyle among young men and boys during the medieval period. It featured hair that was cut to chin-length or just above the shoulders, with straight, blunt edges. This style was often worn with a fringe or bangs that framed the face. It was a practical and clean look, suitable for young men serving as pages or squires.
5. The Shaggy Knight Look
Knights who spent much of their time in battlefields often adopted a practical yet rugged hairstyle. The shaggy knight look involved long, unkempt hair that was often tousled and dirty from the elements. This style was not carefully maintained, reflecting the harsh realities of medieval warfare.
6. The Nobleman’s Waves
Nobles in the medieval period took great care of their appearance, and their hairstyles were often more refined. The nobleman’s waves were a popular style, where long hair was gently curled or waved. This style exuded sophistication and was often enhanced with oils or perfumes. The hair was typically parted in the middle or to the side, and the waves were neatly arranged to frame the face.
7. The Monk’s Tonsure
Though not a long hairstyle, the monk’s tonsure is worth mentioning due to its significance. This style involved shaving the top of the head, leaving a ring of hair around the sides. While this was primarily a religious hairstyle worn by monks, some men in the later medieval period adopted a similar style with longer hair around the ring, often grown out and flowing down the back.
Monk’s Tonsure
8. The Plaited Style
Braiding was a common practice in medieval times, and men with long hair often plaited their locks to keep them manageable. The plaited style involved one or more braids, sometimes combined with loose hair. This style was practical for warriors and laborers alike, as it kept the hair out of the way during physical activities.
9. The Peasant’s Mane
The majority of men during the medieval period were peasants, who had little time or resources for elaborate hairstyles. The peasant’s mane was a simple, unstyled look, where long hair was left to grow naturally. It was often tied back with a piece of cloth or leather to keep it out of the way while working.
10. The Crusader’s Tail
During the Crusades, many men adopted the crusader’s tail, a hairstyle where the hair was grown long at the back and tied into a ponytail or braid. The front and sides were often kept shorter or tucked under a helmet. This style was practical for soldiers, as it kept the hair out of the face while allowing it to grow long as a sign of piety or devotion.
11. The Squire’s Curls
Young squires, who were training to become knights, often sported longer hair with soft curls. This style was seen as youthful and full of potential. The hair was typically shoulder-length, and the curls were either natural or created with rudimentary curling tools. The squire’s curls were often left loose or partially tied back.
SEE ALSO: How Long Is Too Long for Male Hair?
12. The Knight’s Helm Cut
This style was designed to accommodate the wearing of a helmet, a necessity for knights. The knight’s helm cut involved long hair that was trimmed evenly around the edges, with the length kept just above the shoulders. This allowed the helmet to fit snugly while still letting the hair flow freely when the helmet was removed.
13. The Pilgrim’s Hair
Pilgrimages were common in the medieval period, and men on these journeys often let their hair grow long and unruly as a sign of humility and devotion. The pilgrim’s hair was typically unstyled, with long, tangled locks that were often matted from travel. This style reflected the hardships of the journey and the pilgrim’s focus on spiritual rather than physical appearance.
Pilgrim’s Hair
14. The Lord’s Crown
High-ranking lords and nobles often wore their hair in a style known as the lord’s crown. This involved long hair that was curled or styled into soft waves, with the top section sometimes braided or twisted into a crown-like shape around the head. This style was a symbol of power and status, often adorned with jewelry or ornate headpieces.
15. The Scholar’s Locks
Medieval scholars and philosophers were often depicted with long, flowing hair. The scholar’s locks were typically grown to shoulder length or longer, with a natural, slightly wavy texture. This style was seen as intellectual and refined, reflecting the scholar’s focus on knowledge and study.
16. The Bard’s Flowing Hair
Bards and minstrels, who were traveling musicians and storytellers, often wore their hair long and flowing. The bard’s flowing hair was typically left loose, sometimes adorned with small braids or beads. This style was meant to convey a sense of creativity and freedom, befitting the bard’s role as a wandering artist.
17. The Outlaw’s Tresses
Outlaws and renegades in medieval times often had long, wild hair, reflecting their rebellious nature. The outlaw’s tresses were unkempt and often matted, with little attention paid to grooming. This style was a symbol of defiance against the societal norms and a life lived on the edge of the law.
18. The King’s Mane
Kings and high-ranking royalty often wore their hair long as a symbol of their divine right to rule. The king’s mane was typically styled with soft waves or curls, parted in the middle, and allowed to flow freely down the back. This style was often enhanced with crowns or other regal headpieces, signifying the wearer’s royal status.
Conclusion
The hairstyles of medieval men with long hair were as varied as the roles they played in society. From the nobleman’s waves to the outlaw’s tresses, each style conveyed a message about the wearer’s status, profession, or beliefs. In a time when social hierarchy was rigid and clearly defined, hair was more than just a personal choice—it was a statement of identity. These 18 hairstyles provide a glimpse into the past, offering inspiration and insight into the lives of medieval men.
The legacy of these styles can still be seen today, influencing modern fashion and popular culture. Whether you’re interested in recreating a historically accurate look or simply fascinated by the past, these medieval hairstyles for men with long hair offer a rich tapestry of history and style.