Whether the Vikings had dreadlocks or braids is a matter of some discussion. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, many civilizations in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, the Near East and the Caucasus have been shown to wear locs. In this article, well dive into Viking hairstyles and answer once and for all if Vikings had dreadlocks. Other descriptions sound more like braids than dreadlocks, and mention accessories worn in the hair along with the special style. Vikings are known to have lived in the area of Northern Europe we now call Scandinavia. See 15 Facts About Viking Women to learn more. But Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home. In recent years there has been an ongoing conversation about whether wearing ones hair in dreadlocks is a form of cultural appropriation. Another part of the controversy surrounding dreads stems from how theyre perceived in some cultures. Even early Christians were believed to have worn their hair in dreadlocks as a tribute to Samson, who had seven locks of hair. But are they the same thing? Historians think dreads served as a status symbol for ancient Vikings. From religious writings in India to depictions in art from ancient Greece, dreadlocks are clearly evident in ancient civilizations. This means that while there may not be a completely certain answer to the question of whether Viking dreadlocks were really a thing or not, there are some solid suggestions that they were and, surprisingly, perhaps even more than the over the top braids we often see Vikings wear on screen today. Historians believe that some Vikings wore dreadlocks. You can also apply setting lotion to damp dreads and then loosely braid them, leaving them to dry. Since there is so much evidence that multiple cultures embraced some form of dreadlocks, and no way to determine the exact origins of this style, many people believe that wearing dreads is perfectly acceptable for people of a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Viking Dreadlocks For Women: It is a huge confusion that either Vikings have braids or dreadlocks. The importance that they placed in these matters can, in part, be seen in the story about Odin, when the Norse god was distraught after the death of his son and refused to wash or comb his hair for days. Did Vikings have dreads? According to experts, they may have called them elflocks, which they borrowed from their neighbors, the Celts. Female styles tend to be portrayed as long and flowing though, of course, the reality may have been wilder and less neat! People from all over the globe experienced hair matting, so its impossible to attribute the style to any one group. link to What Did the Vikings Look Like? After all, short hair had some pretty negative associations in Viking culture. Many people know that the Vikings lived in ancient Scandinavia. 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. Bring the water to a boil, as the dreads will need hot water to bind together tightly. This party Viking hairstyle is best for high school girls and office-going women. Polish plaits were often associated with witchcraft. 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. Then she wrapped the hair around the back of the hand to secure her ponytail, creating a loose loop. See also:The coolest, craziest Viking hairstyles Nordic and Viking tattoosAll you need to know about Viking weddings. 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. Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We are going to tell you that some of the Vikings have dreadlocks while others have braids. Other descriptions sound more like braids than dreadlocks, and mention accessories worn in the hair along with the special style. Dreadlocks were not invented by the Vikings. When did Vikings start wearing dreadlocks? It was a practical hairstyle Dreadlocks were seen as both fashionable and functional by the Vikings. Slaves mostly wore their hair cropped, which was a sign of servitude and loyalty to their master. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Routes North was started to help people discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of their travel budget. The Netherlands and Vikings. Viking men led a life of constant travel and combat. There are different hairstyles that you can make with your short dreads but one of the best hairstyles given below. This hairstyle looks perfect on long hair women and can be worn at any event. We exists to inform people about the people, culture, and history of Northern Europe. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. Danish shoe brands: Fall head over heels for these Danish shoes, The best Scandinavian Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, Animals in Norse mythology: A guide to Nordic animals, Norse tattoos to avoid: Problematic Norse symbol tattoos, An exhaustive list of Viking god names and their meanings, Did Vikings have beards? Some people still believe that Vikings invented dreadlocks but the truth is totally opposite. 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. Seline Shenoy is a journalist and podcaster. The frescos are thought to date from around 1700 BC some 2500 years before the Vikings! Starter locs take time to transform as they mat and develop into mature dreadlocks. But did Vikings have dreadlocks? If youd like to adopt an authentic Viking hairstyle, youll want to know whether these people sported dreadlocks. You may also be interested in: Did Viking Face Paint Exist? Keep reading to discover what hairstyles the Vikings had and how hairstyle affected a Vikings standing in their local community. References:[1] Source[2] Source[3] Source[4] Source[5] Source[6] Source[7] Source[8] Source. One of the most well-known examples of this is with the Polish plait. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. 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]. Widely Use: Dreadlocks beads in various styles, sufficient quantity can satisfy your daily decorative needs for different occasions. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did Vikings have dreadlocks: What did Viking dreadlocks look like and why were they special? Braids require much less maintenance compared to dreadlocks. Both Viking men and women are thought to have worn dreads. While the exact origins of dreadlocks may never be definitively proven, theres enough evidence in the historical and archeological record to determine that Vikings did not invent dreadlocks. The curls can be achieved with hair rollers, setting lotion and braids, etc. Your email address will not be published. As you now know, Vikings, Celts, and other Germanic tribes wore their hair in ropelike strands. The hair would wrap around itself and form dreads. Of all the cultures and people that make up the rich tapestry that is human history, the Vikings are in a class all by themselves in terms of recognition, popularity, and perhaps even infamy. The Celts were neighbors of the Viking people who lived in Scandinavia, the Northern region of Europe. 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. Numerous books and movies have centered on Vikings and their culture and many people wonder what these powerful seafaring warriors might have looked like, including the question of whether Vikings had dreadlocks. The more ornate this covering, the greater the wealth of her husband. Women's Men's Kids' & Baby Bags & Purses Women's Clothing . Length about 55-60 centimeters. The Irish ribbon knot is the most frequently depicted female hairstyle in Viking Age art and artifacts. Also see Did the Vikings Share Their Wives? Storytelling, art, and songs were common ways to transfer stories from one generation to the next. Those who are looking for the Female Viking dreads or locs can check some of the coolest dreadlock hairstyles from this website. We exists to inform people about the people, culture, and history of Northern Europe. 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. There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. The Arden Woman was buried in a bog, and the conditions there preserved most of her body, including her clothing, dark blonde hair, and stomach contents. Freeform locs Dreadlocks formed without intentional manipulation and allowed to form unpredictably. As per some historians, Vikings used to wore dreadlocks but they havent invented them like Celtic and Germans. Recent depictions of Viking women often portray them with elaborately braided hair, mohawks, dreadlocks, and partially shaved heads. She would have then wrapped each side of the cord in alternating directions around the braided hair and fastened the ends using a knot at the end. In modern times, dreadlocks are still a popular hairstyle for many people. If youve not done Viking dreadlocks or braids before, then youll probably want to go to a hairdresser or barber to get a professional look or at the very least enlist a friend to help! Suitable for braid, ponytails and wedding, cosplay and daily use. For more details, you can check the below-given picture. However, even unmarried Viking women likely wore the Irish ribbon knot, Arden braid, or Elling braid with their Kransen. But if you fancy having a go at doing it yourself there are plenty of online tutorials to help you get your favourite look. The vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks. Dreadlocks, also known as dreads or locs, is a hairstyle thats been around for ages. (The Historical Truth). are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? She then pulled the knot tightly against her head to secure her hair. What we can assume about Viking hairstyles is that they were likely far removed from the depictions we see today in movies and television shows. The other way they wore it was by creating a dreadlock man bun with shaved sides, a loose ponytail of dreads or cornrows on all parts of the head. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: When you keep your hair long and braided most days, theres a chance that it could naturally begin to form into dreadlocks. See What Kind of Clothes Did the Vikings Wear? Roman writers have described some Vikings as wearing long rope-like braids, while other accounts say that the Celts and Vikings had hair like snakes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Other hairstyles worn by Vikings include: Due to their proximity, Vikings often interacted with Celtic peoples. Well show you all you need to know below. The Vikings are one group that wore dreadlocks, but ancient Egyptians, Pacific Island cultures, and several indigenous African tribes also commonly wear dreadlocks. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. See What Kind of Clothes Did the Vikings Wear? These protective coverings would have made married and unmarried Viking women easily identifiable. Their imposing looks reminded opponents of the mythical snake-haired creatures like Medusa, who was feared by many. So, the style either features a long, trailing braid or a braided bun. Posted on Published: March 27, 2022- Last updated: April 2, 2022. , from thin blonde strands to thick black heads of hair. Your email address will not be published. Curl Centric services, articles, content, and products are provided for informational purposes only. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. That is why many people who would like to stop wearing dreadlocks often opt to shave their heads. Browse 3,631 viking woman stock photos and images available, or search for viking woman warrior to find more great stock photos and pictures. Ancient Romans alluded to this when they described the Viking dreads as snake-like.. Are you curious about what the Vikings looked like? This section will cover some cultures known to have dreads. [1] However, modern historians and archaeologists identify most of the female figures depicted wearing this hairstyle as mythical beings and valkyries, so its unclear whether this hairstyle was a common one among typical Viking women. Did Vikings Have Dreads? 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. In some cultures, male hair was connected to manliness, while female hair was connected to femininity. Wealthy individuals adorned their hairstyles with brightly colored ribbons and embellished caps. One reason why this was so maybe so is that some cultures associated womens hair with femininity and mens hair with masculinity. However, they werent the only Europeans to do so. As such, many hairstyles women wore in Viking communities were similar in style to masculine hairdos. Curl Centric does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This changed in the Twentieth Century with the start of a socio-religious movement in New York in the . 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. Vikings are traditionally known for their superior sailing and fighting skills, but they were also attentive to their grooming. Some of the types of dreads seen today are: Due to the negative connotations surrounding the origin of the name, some people have stopped referring to the style as dreads. Most Vikings (men and women) wore their hair in braids. So, if you are interested in Female dreadlocks then, you can check the below side to find a perfect hairstyle for you. These are some of the ancient cultures that mention or showcase dreadlocks: Ancient Greece: Earliest depictions of dreadlocks were seen in frescoes in Crete and in Thera (modern-day Santorini) in 3600 BC. The woman contends that dreadlocks belong to "my culture," and the man says "it doesn't matter." Cory Goldstein responds to viral dreadlocks video: UPDATED Dreadlocks are essentially. Human slave trade was practiced during the Viking era, so hairstyles were used to differentiate between enslaved people and the general population. Traditional locs Dreadlocks that range in size from thin to thick. Women love to have dreadlocks for two reasons, it looks cooler and is easy to carry. Scandification 2023. viking woman warrior. There are depictions of Norse women wearing their hair in small braids around their heads, laced with long flowing flocks, a typical female Viking dreadlocks style. No spam. Historians have uncovered that the hairdo was common among the people in ancient Egypt, Pacific Islanders, the New Guineans, as well as the Somali and the Maasai, apart from many other tribes, including the Vikings. Hej, I'm Astrid and I'm here to show you everything that Scandinavia has to offer - based on my own experience living up here in the Nordics! Our content is for informational purposes only. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. The etymology, or word history, of the term dreadlocks, is uncertain. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. The issue of who wore dreadlocks first has become something of a controversial subject. Men and women alike adorned themselves in lavish hairdos, likely including dreads. You can make variations with dreadlocks and one of the best styles is the twin bun with dreads. It was said to be bad luck to comb these tangles and knots out. Dreadlocks are basically invented by the Minoan Civilization which has its footprints in Greece. If youre interested in trying Norse dreadlocks, these four steps will help: This will determine the dread style that best suits you and how long it will take you to create it. | Absolutely! These dreadlocks look amazing on every woman . 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. Mix dish soap with boiling water in a pot. Some people consider braids and locks as same but both are totally different. One of the strongest indicators of occasional shaving or baldness comesfrom Leo the Deacon(a Greek historian), who wrote that the prince of Kievan Rus shaved his head completely, except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side.. link to How Did Vikings Treat Their Wives? Viking men had the most options in terms of acceptable hairstyles. We dont take freebies or discounts, so you can always trust what you read on the site. 9. 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. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. The product recommendations and advertisers that appear on Curl Centric are from companies that compensate us through an exclusive, full-service ad management partner. Due to the lack of concrete evidence, its impossible to accurately state whether Vikings wore dreadlocks. What we do know mostly comes from the written accounts of foreign peoples that interacted with Vikings. They have been documented on nearly every continent, from Asia and the Middle East to North America and Aboriginal Australia. 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. Your guide to the uniquely Scandinavian fruit, Swedish girl names: The most popular Swedish girls names in one place, Scandinavian Christmas decor: the coolest decorations from the Nordic countries, The best canal tours and boat trips in Copenhagen, The Swedish nature house: living in a greenhouse. In three archaeological examples, these hoods were made of undyed silk and likely had linen ties. We have shared hundreds of Viking Hairstyles for Viking lovers. It was considered bad luck to try and brush out the elflocks. Also see What Are Norse Tattoos To Avoid? Also see Why Are Scandinavian Women So Beautiful? Vikings women wore their female Viking dreadlocks differently before and after marriage. While there is no clear evidence that Norse dreadlocks were influenced by Celtic elflocks, they appear to look similar and seem to have been used for similar purposes. Some Vikings even shaved their heads completely, though this practice was far less common than wearing their hair long. 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. Many of these people from those eras did not have the hair grooming tools and products we have today and most likely had matted hair, which looked thick, untidy and unkempt. Dreadlocks are mentioned in multiple ancient sources from a variety of places around the world. So, theres no excuse now not to get braiding and plaiting! Still, Viking women tended to wear complex plaits made of braids, while mens hairstyles were often more straightforward. In Aztec society, priests allowed their hair to grow completely unmanipulated. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. That said, many cultures Vikings interacted with did keep written records, which is how we know today that Vikings did indeed wear their hair in dreadlocks. Check out our vikings dreads selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our hair extensions shops. Your dreadlocks hairstyle is complete. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Archeologists have found artifacts like combs in Viking gravesites that point to their keenness in looking after themselves. One of the strongest indicators of occasional shaving or baldness comes, (a Greek historian), who wrote that the prince of Kievan Rus shaved his head completely, except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side.. 3. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. While the Vikings didnt keep written historical records, the people they encountered often did. At Curl Centric, we aim to help our readers take control of their hair care journey and make good decisions about products, hairstyles, and maintenance techniques. One of the best ways to determine whether Vikings had dreads is to explore the different types of hairstyles associated with Viking culture. The primary difference between a Viking womans and a Viking mans hair was the state of the sides and back. But on the question of Viking dreads, historical sources have something to say about that. Other accounts suggest they let their hair grow long because they would travel for lengthy periods of time. Can White People Get Waves? Vikings women wore their female Viking dreadlocks differently before and after marriage. Long hair was common among the Vikings, as short hair was associated with enslavement. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Viking hairstyles and dreadlocks. Some historians believe that unmarried Viking girls may have worn dreadlocks for special formal occasions or festivals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. Since they were close to the Vikings, they influenced them differently. Women's Clothing and Accessories. Since the Vikings kept few historical records, they relied on the oral tradition to pass down their culture and stories. 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 warriors usually wore long braids or dreadlocks to make them more intimidating to their enemies in battle or perhaps, more simply, for the practical purpose or keeping their hair out of their eyes while fighting! Just as we choose how to wear our hair based on the impression wed like to make on others, theres no reason to think that the Vikings, with dreads or otherwise, didnt also consider how their appearance would be perceived. These stories survived through oral transmission as opposed to written records. Were dreadlocks important to the Vikings? Ancient Roman accounts described dreads as a hairstyle that looked like snakes.