Elizabethan Hairstyles

(A History of Women's Hairstyles, Jean Keyes - Page 10) 

This illustration dated 1589 is a less commonly seen style from the Elizabethan era. Unlike most hairstyles, the hair in this illustration is straight. I like how dramatic the shape created is, it's similar to the symmetrical heart shape seen in portraits of Elizabeth I. This style was probably achieved using the process of 'frizzing' and pulling the styled hair over structures to help shape the style. I also find the addition of rose buds to be a very nice touch, it's also a very poignant affect as the rose was traditional a symbol of the Tudor Monarchy. 

(A History of Women's Hairstyles, Jean Keyes - Page 6) 

This illustration dated mid 1500's features a large proportion of the hair comb in to an almost beehive like shape on the back of the head with plaits adorning the back of the hair style. I particularly like how in this example not all of the hair is included in the backcombed piece. the contrast between the straight hair which is pulled taught into position against the tight curls in the bangs at the front is interesting. This is a hairstyle that would be quite ideal for me as I have shorter bangs which could be curled tightly to emulate this style. 

(A History of Women's Hairstyles, Jean Keyes - Page 8)

In this example of the hair is again straight and shaped around the top of the head in to heart shape. Unlike the other styles Ive looked at this one features an attifet around the hairstyle. An Attifet heart shaped hood that covers the hair. For this style it is almost certain that wire or padding was used to structure the hair in place and achieve the desired look. 

(http://www.picpicx.com/elizabeth-i-of-england)

In this Portrait of Elizabeth I, unknown artist, her hair appears piled on top of the head in very tight curls like many of her portraits. What I like most about this example is how some of the hair is left down flowing on to the shoulders, slightly looser in curl. What Im not so keen on is the shape of the hair which piled on top of the head, it's almost a heart shape...but isn't defined enough to be sure. Another aspect of this elizabethan style i like is how the style is heavily adorned with jewels which adds a feel of luxury and wealth.