Women's Hairstyles

Women's hair during the 1860s took on a number of styles, ranging from playful and girlish to conservative.

During the early 1860s, younger women often styled their hair in long crimps and waves.

1860s Crimps and Waves: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa, Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900, 1995

More conservative styles were parted in the center and pulled back with combs and wrapped in a bun. Often a braid would circle the head or hair would curl or puff out at the sides.

1860s Conservative Hairstyles: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa

Eventually, hair nets were worn over the back of the head, and the bun was released to fall down the neck into the hairnet.

1860s Hair Net: Image courtesy of Joan L. Severa