(The Historical Truth). Dreads UK: The Concise History of Dreadlocks. If you have sleek straight hair and you want to make dreadlocks then, you can make this side-swept with a dreadlock hairstyle. Your email address will not be published. Laghertas dreads. The Vikings are one group that wore dreadlocks, but ancient Egyptians, Pacific Island cultures, and several indigenous African tribes also commonly wear dreadlocks. The Viking TV show also had characters like Lagertha, who wore a hybrid of dreadlocks and braids. Mix dish soap with boiling water in a pot. Young Viking women wore this band to secure the loose hair and keep it away from the face. As a group, they share cultural and linguistic similarities. Dreadlocks can be just what you need if you're looking to avoid the hassle of styling your hair. Theres also the common-sense presumption that the cavemen likely were not paying close attention to their hair, and that matted hair was a style long before hair was intentionally styled at all. 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. If youd like to adopt an authentic Viking hairstyle, youll want to know whether these people sported dreadlocks. 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. 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. People from all over the globe experienced hair matting, so its impossible to attribute the style to any one group. For other Viking Hairstyles for females, you can check the below side or can visit the main page of this website. Many Viking men and women had dreadlocks. A less well-known aspect of Norse culture is their relatively Did Vikings Have Piercings? Men and women wore different hairstyles to express their masculinity or femininity in their communities. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. Married women wore their hair in a knot at the top of their heads. The term was coined centuries after the Vikings wore dreads, indicating that there was a different word used for Norse dreadlocks. The texture, length, and thickness of hair, as well as other attributes, can vary from culture to culture based on the genetic makeup of certain people groups or environmental conditions, which impact hair differently. The Celts version of dreads was called fairy locks or elflocks. According to Celtic folklore, elves and faerie liked to knot the hairs of sleeping children while they were playing at night. Get the Facts. However, the evidence to support this idea is scant. It should also be noted that the look and feel of dreadlocks is not standard among all cultures. These braids are then secured using a long length of suede or wool cord. Traditional locs Dreadlocks that range in size from thin to thick. This section will cover some cultures known to have dreads. Foreign people likely found the unfamiliar hairstyle intimidating. Some tribes, like the Kenyan Maasai, colored their dreads with red pigments to differentiate themselves from others. 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. Viking women may have worn braids, buns, the Irish ribbon knot, or other styles underneath these hoods to secure and cover their hair. For those who need a quick refresher, Zendaya chose to rock faux locs on. Although Vikings and Celts wore their hair in dreads, historians agree that neither group invented them. But if you fancy having a go at doing it yourself there are plenty of online tutorials to help you get your favourite look. Starter locs take time to transform as they mat and develop into mature dreadlocks. 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. These braids were likely then pinned in place using a stick or comb while the woman secured the braids with more cord. 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. Other descriptions sound more like braids than dreadlocks, and mention accessories worn in the hair along with the special style. To ensure that we maintain our editorial integrity, our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our sponsors and advertisers. So, the style either features a long, trailing braid or a braided bun. How did Vikings celebrate the winter solstice? He is a serial hair blogger that has been writing about hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric and Natural Hair Box. Cultural Significance of Dreadlocks Among the Vikings It is believed that unmarried Viking girls sometimes wore dreadlocks and heavily braided to mark a festival or formal occasion. In this article, we will do a deep dive into the significance, history, methods and meaning of Viking dreadlocks. Certainly, many Viking women are depicted as wearing their hair in pretty little braids, which are often worn wound around their heads or intermingled with long flowing locks. When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (alsocalled thralls). 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. So, if you are a fan of Devil and want to be a badass girl then, you can make this hairstyle with your dreadlocks. Although both locs and dreads dont look very different to the untrained eye, as both are made by braiding hair, they are quite different. Hair was important to the Vikings, but so were their clothes? Such occasions where young women wore their hair up probably included religious observances and special events. Sadly, slavery was a common practice throughout ancient civilizations. This hairstyle looks perfect on long hair women and can be worn at any event. The Vikings' neighbors were known as The Celts. Portrait of viking woman in a traditional warrior clothes. It was considered bad luck to try and brush out the elflocks. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. One of the coolest hairstyles with dreadlocks is side swept with dreadlocks. Viking women typically had long hair that may have been braided or tied in buns while daily tasks were being performed. Written records from cultures that encountered the Vikings do mention snake-like, roped hair and coiled hair, but there is no specific name mentioned. Some historians believe that unmarried Viking girls may have worn dreadlocks for special formal occasions or festivals. 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. What Did the Vikings Look Like? | Yes, But Not Always, Written by: Author Olivia Moore |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Ancient Greece has some of the earliest depictions of dreads in its artwork. 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. Another part of the controversy surrounding dreads stems from how theyre perceived in some cultures. Scandinavian watches: What are the best Scandinavian watch brands? Read on to find out all you need to know about Viking dreadlocks and braids. While married Viking women usually tucked their long hair into a high bun, unmarried Viking women wore their hair loose, in braids, or in dreads. But were they all white, as often depicted in popular culture? Home Bath & Beauty Pet Supplies . While the Vikings didnt keep written historical records, the people they encountered often did. Its possible that some Vikings shaved most of their hair off or went entirely bald. Fierce Viking warrior female walking through the battlefield wielding duel bearded axe's . 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. Sometimes their hair was further accessorized with a decorative circlet that matched their clothing. However, the simplicity of the Irish ribbon knot would make it an easy-to-achieve style that took little effort and no cord, sticks, or needles to complete. This was a formidable sight to people who grew up hearing stories of mythical snake-haired monsters like Medusa. Women love to have dreadlocks for two reasons, it looks cooler and is easy to carry. The Scandinavian warriors known as Vikings were known to take to the seas to conquer, pillage, and plunder. The relationship between Norway and the Euro. However, Medieval female Vikings had limited hairstyles. Ancient Egypt: Several artifacts show Egyptians with braided hair and wigs. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. [9] It is also believed that the hairstyles were also indicative of the persons designation and that they may have also carried religious and other culturally symbolic meanings. All Rights Reserved. Recent depictions of Viking women often portray them with elaborately braided hair, mohawks, dreadlocks, and partially shaved heads. Coil like and curly hair tends to naturally tangle and twirl around other hair strands, a key component of the Viking dreadlock hairstyle. 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. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Besides Norse dreadlocks, there were plenty of unisex styles that enhanced the appearance of both men and women, such as Viking mohawk dreads, an undercut with dreads, braids, reverse mullets, ponytails, buns, crisscross dreadlocks. Dreadlocks were not invented by the Vikings. However, historical evidence supports the idea that Celts likely wore their hair long or in braids rather than having dreadlocks. Viking dreads start in much the same way as any other dreadlock. In some cultures, male hair was connected to manliness, while female hair was connected to femininity. The Vikings who were focused on warfare may have worn their hair short in the back to make it easier to wear protective helmets. 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). Some sources suggest they kept a long fringe in the front. Here are some of the leading theories behind why Vikings may have worn dreadlocks. 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. While the Vikings themselves havent shed a lot of light on this subject, we can thank those who encountered the Vikings even if they werent thrilled about it at the time, Im sure, given the Vikings less-than-welcoming reputation for discussing the topic, at least to a point. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. So, depending on your hair length, you can choose any of the below given Viking hairstyles. Click on our logo above to see the most recent hair styling and care guides! Get the Facts. A sassy and badass look can be obtained with twin bun Viking dreadlocks. In general, softer hair can take longer than a year, and coarse hair can lock in within a few months. Polish plaits are a matted formation of hair that was common in Europe. While many of the men and women living in Scandinavia during. Scandification 2023. But what about people from the Nordic countries? Dreadlocks may have also served practical purposes within every culture in which this style is documented. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on theSarcophagus of Kawit) or Ancient Greece. To morph longer locks, youll need to create a coil pattern. Many people know that the Vikings lived in ancient Scandinavia. Vikings were heavily into the human slave trade, so slaves were common. Did Vikings have dreads? 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. Other hairstyles worn by Vikings include: Due to their proximity, Vikings often interacted with Celtic peoples. Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the areainside-outand speak the local lingo. Ponytail is one of the most commonly used hairstyles by many girls and women. In Aztec society, priests allowed their hair to grow completely unmanipulated. 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. Historians believe the word dreadlocks was first used when the British army fought Kenyan warriors during the 19th-century colonial battles. Viking women were just as integral to Viking raids are their male counterparts. As a result, long and ornate hairstyles became associated with a higher status. Unfortunately, its impossible to pin down the exact origin of dreads. Some women are shown wearing braided hair on top of their head and the rest left loose. 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 Celts were well documented to wear their hair in dreads and may have inspired the Vikings to follow suit. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. These knots were known as elflocks or fairy locks, and it was considered bad luck to try and brush them out! So did the Vikings wear dreadlocks? Norse men believed that male Viking dreadlocks gave them a more fierce appearance that could intimidate foreign people. 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. But are they the same thing? to learn more. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. Apart from money-saving tips and advice on planning a trip, youll find independent accommodation reviews, detailed guides to museums and other attractions, plus tips on where to eat and drink. The appearance of those dreads will differ based on how carefully they are groomed and how long they are allowed to grow. These protective coverings would have made married and unmarried Viking women easily identifiable. to learn more. Descriptions of elflocks are found in ancient Celtic folklore. Dreadlocks and braids are also different because of the impact they have on hair. These seafaring warriors were known to travel throughout Europe and beyond between the 9th and 11th century, and formed bands spurred on by strong leaders. Celtic dreadlocks are a bit different. Freeform locs Dreadlocks formed without intentional manipulation and allowed to form unpredictably. All you need to choose your favorite side to shave your head and then make dreadlocks with your long or medium-length hair. Dreadlocks are also worn by some Rastafarians, who believe they represent a biblical hair style worn as a symbol of devotion by the Nazirites, as described in Numbers 6:121. [2]. Ombre brown to blonde ponytail dreadlock wig, Viking hair extension, Bohemian braids on hairband, Medival customizable braids extension Ad vertisement by 27HairTreasures. 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. And if you want to channel your inner Ivar from Vikings, check out this video, which shows exactly how to do a long-haired Viking dreadlock style. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. As such, many hairstyles women wore in Viking communities were similar in style to masculine hairdos. Dreadlocks were seen as both fashionable and functional by the Vikings. Talented shipbuilders and sailors, Vikings colonized large swaths of Europe in the period between the 9th and 11th centuries. Historical records indicate that Vikings had permanent markings on their skin. 50 Viking Dread Bead Mega Pack with Jasper and Smokey Quartz Crystal Gemstones, mixed Beads and cuffs LionheartDreadlocks (152) $28.42 Blonde medival hair extensions on hairband, Boho dreadlock ponytail hair falls, Nordic dread wig green, Viking dread extension, Length 15" Weddinghaircombs (308) $48.00 FREE shipping Wavy dreadlocks are a simple way to change up your style, with a playful and romantic result. But many people have heard through the grapevine that Vikings wore dreads in ancient times. These rope-like strands, created by locking or braiding hair, were worn for practical, spiritual and aesthetic reasons. Dreadlocks were common among the Vikings and in other people who lived in ancient Egypt, Guinea, and Pacific Island. Thanks to the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism . You need to roll and moisture the dreads every day. Since the Elling woman died a rather violent death, her hair may have come loose as she was hanged and buried. Hairstyles were used a sign of status for men too slaves often had their hair tightly cropped or their heads shaved completely to show loyalty to their owner. After all, short hair had some pretty negative associations in Viking culture. Married women tucked their long hair in a high bun on top of their heads. See What Kind of Clothes Did the Vikings Wear? An old Norse myth talks about the god Odin and his emotional distress after losing his son. Dreads are easier to maintain and offer a complete and permanent look compared to braided hair. The Viking men who traveled to distant lands in order to fight and loot often wore their hair in long braids and sometimes dreadlocks. According to Roman records, the Celtic people, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings wore their hair in rope-like strands. As some women love to make buns with their hair and if they have dreadlocks then they can make Viking dreadlock buns. Vikings wore dreads for some of these reasons but also had reasons specific to their traditions. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Forest Vikings blond set of DE dreadlocks. 3. Before moving to the Viking dreadlocks, you have to know what dreadlocks are. Did Celtic dreadlocks influence Viking dreads? Female styles tend to be portrayed as long and flowing though, of course, the reality may have been wilder and less neat! Viking Mohawk Ponytail for Long Dreadlock. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: Long hair was the norm for most Viking communities, but it could also be a nuisance. Vikings are known to have lived in the area of Northern Europe we now call Scandinavia. The word Viking comes from a Scandinavian word that means pirate. They were known and feared for their habits of burning, plundering, and pillaging the areas where they landed. Like the rest of Africa, Egypt has some of the most well-documented evidence of ancient dreadlocks. Viking dreadlocks beard beads for men and women. Norse dreadlocks played a significant role in the Viking grooming rituals for several reasons. 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. Long hair was likely to fall into your face running into combat, reducing your field of vision and potentially opening you up to attack. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Shiva is a Hindu deity often depicted as having long, tidy dreads. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on the, Trending Viking Hairstyles for Women for 2023. Using a fine-toothed comb, backcomb your hair wrapping them around your finger in sections. The most crucial difference is the way that they are structured. CurlCentric.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher. 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. Since personal hygiene was known to be important to the Vikings, its likely that wearing braids and dreadlocks was a practical solution to keeping hair neat and in control. [2]. If youd like to adopt an authentic Viking hairstyle, youll want to know whether these people sported dreadlocks.