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. You can also apply setting lotion to damp dreads and then loosely braid them, leaving them to dry. The Viking TV show also had characters like Lagertha, who wore a hybrid of dreadlocks and braids. Did Vikings have dreads? Here are some of the leading theories behind why Vikings may have worn dreadlocks. So, if you are a fan of Devil and want to be a badass girl then, you can make this hairstyle with your dreadlocks. Hairstyles among the Vikings may have been an indicator of the social status of individuals. They wore their hair in many ways, though braids and dreads were likely the most popular hairstyles among Viking men and women. This style would have been convenient and practical while moving through daily tasks, exactly like it is today. The Celts and Vikings shared several cultural similarities, including hairstyles. Long hair was common among the Vikings, as short hair was associated with enslavement. 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. As such, many hairstyles women wore in Viking communities were similar in style to masculine hairdos. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Some Viking men preferred to wear their hair in a reverse mullet style. Such occasions where young women wore their hair up probably included religious observances and special events. Roman writers described the appearance of the Vikings, including their hair. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. In ancient India, the god Shiva is depicted with dreadlocks, while illustrations show the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun with braids in around 1300 BC. Young Viking women wore this band to secure the loose hair and keep it away from the face. This means they kept the top portion long (typically braided) but cut the sides and back very short. Just roll and clip them as you would with regular hair. 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. These dreadlocks look amazing on every woman . You need to roll and moisture the dreads every day. Vikings were fighters, adventurers, and explorers! Instead, they use the term locs to describe the style. Get the Facts. Vikings women wore their female Viking dreadlocks differently before and after marriage. Also see Why Do Scandinavians Have Asian Eyes? This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out of their face. This doesnt imply that caring for their hair was only about appearance; they probably have managed it out of necessity. Ponytail is one of the most commonly used hairstyles by many girls and women. And if thats not enough, this clip shows you how to replicate the hair styles of all five of Ragnars sons in The Vikings! Dreads also became associated with Shamanism and symbolized a connection to the divine. 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. No. References:[1] Source[2] Source[3] Source[4] Source[5] Source[6] Source[7] Source[8] Source. The Vikingshad diverse hair types, from thin blonde strands to thick black heads of hair. Known as fairy-locks or elflocks, this hairstyle seems to have been made from a combination of tangles and knots. These protective coverings would have made married and unmarried Viking women easily identifiable. We dont take freebies or discounts, so you can always trust what you read on the site. Did Celtic dreadlocks influence Viking dreads? 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. Ancient Egypt: Several artifacts show Egyptians with braided hair and wigs. Human slave trade was practiced during the Viking era, so hairstyles were used to differentiate between enslaved people and the general population. 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. Long Dreadlock Ponytail. Over time, the tangled hair became matted. See What Did the Vikings Look Like? Spiral Wavy Dreadlocks. The site covers the whole region, from cool cities like Stockholm, Oslo,Gothenburg and Copenhagen, all the way north to the frozen reaches of Swedish Lapland. Todays dreads are often adorned with accessories like beads, feathers, and brightly colored hair dye. Leaving their hair loose or in braids could signify their unmarried status. In the Middle Ages, the Vikings occupied northern Europe, the region known today as Scandinavia. The Celts were the Vikings neighbors to the south, and being in close geographical proximity, they influenced each other in different ways. If you have dreadlocks and want to make ponytails then, you can make twin dreadlocks ponytails with your dreads. So did the Vikings wear dreadlocks? 3. Since the Vikings kept few historical records, they relied on the oral tradition to pass down their culture and stories. Viking Mohawk Ponytail for Long Dreadlock. As we mentioned before, dreadlocks have been worn on nearly every continent. Descriptions of elflocks are found in ancient Celtic folklore. Due to the lack of concrete evidence, its impossible to accurately state whether Vikings wore dreadlocks. Well show you all you need to know below. In Viking fiction movies, you may have seen Vikings in dreadlocks or dreads but it is still a myth whether they really wore dreadlocks? Besides being a symbol of religious and spiritual convictions, it also became an expression of ethnic pride and social standing. The majority of ancient people wore dreadlocks for religious purposes. Researchers believe that Vikings may have worn both braids and dreadlocks. Some Vikings likely wore dreads, though most likely sported thick plaits of braids or the reverse mullet hairstyle. But Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home. When children used to wake up with tangled hair, mothers would tell them about the tale. Thank you for visiting Scandinavia Facts. Women love to have dreadlocks for two reasons, it looks cooler and is easy to carry. Once the dreads were made, they did not require much maintenance. 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. Allowing their hair to naturally mat into ropy dreadlocks may have made it easier to manage, and to keep away from the face during combat. The style begins with two low-set braids, one on each side of the head. How Long Does It Take? The Scandinavian day for saturday (Lrdag, laugardag) means washing day. While many of the men and women living in Scandinavia duringthe Viking Agedid participate in Viking activities, many also stayed at home to tend to farming, construction, and child-rearing duties. The Vikings who were focused on warfare may have worn their hair short in the back to make it easier to wear protective helmets. Locs have been mentioned and depicted in the records of countless civilizations from different places around the world. This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out of their face. Her well-preserved remains indicate that she was hanged in her mid-20s. Dreadlocks Were Practical So, if you also love to have dreadlocks but havent tried them before then, you can go with a simple Viking dreadlocks hairstyle for females. Suitable for braid, ponytails and wedding, cosplay and daily use. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isnt clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. 50 pcs, voluminous, ombre shaman boho dreadlock with dready waves. Many Viking men and women had dreadlocks. On the below side, we are sharing the picture of this hairstyle so that you can easily make a similar look. This section will cover some cultures known to have dreads. (Also see Heres How the Vikings Proposed and Got Married). How did Vikings celebrate the winter solstice? 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. This was a formidable sight to people who grew up hearing stories of mythical snake-haired monsters like Medusa. [3] She seems to have died sometime around the second century B.C., well before the Viking Age, but her hairstyle was likely a traditional one that many Viking women wore in the centuries to come. 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? They have been documented on nearly every continent, from Asia and the Middle East to North America and Aboriginal Australia. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care. We do know, however, that the Vikings had combs, since they have been discovered in Viking burial sites, so keeping their hair combed and neat was obviously important to the Vikings. Using a fine-toothed comb, backcomb your hair wrapping them around your finger in sections. Based on written records, like the writings mentioned above, as well as some hair care artifacts, like combs, that Scandinavian archaeologists have discovered, there is reason to believe that the Vikings valued managing their hair. Female Vikings wore protective hairstyles such as ponytails and braids. To ensure that we maintain our editorial integrity, our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our sponsors and advertisers. The Celts passed down their folklore in songs, arts and stories, which included tales of elves creeping up and tying the Celts hair into knots at night. The more ornate this covering, the greater the wealth of her husband. 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! This suggests that regular hygiene included cleaning and grooming hair. Get the Facts. to learn more. The ancient Greeks are also known to have worn their hair in dreads, as the Akrotiri Boxer Fresco found on the Greek island of Santorini shows two young boxers wearing braids. Those who are looking for the Female Viking dreads or locs can check some of the coolest dreadlock hairstyles from this website. 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. The badass and sassy look can be obtained with this side-shaved Viking dreadlocks hairstyle. Other married women secured their hair in a bun using a hair stick. In many cases, they were merely a sign of neglected strands. Its possible that some Vikings shaved most of their hair off or went entirely bald. The Vikings having dreadlocks might have been an intentional part of creating a lasting impression as they traveled far and wide. Some historians make a distinction between braids and dreadlocks. [9] If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Dreadlocks, commonly known as locs or dreads are ropelike hairs. Numerous native populations around Africa, New Guinea and the Aboriginal communities have been wearing dreads for centuries. But were they all white, as often depicted in popular culture? Creating dreads is a long process as they take time to form. There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. No spam. 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). Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. 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 long glossy flowing locks intermingled with a few neat braids that you often see Viking women wearing on TV series and in films are unlikely to have been realistic. Another part of the controversy surrounding dreads stems from how theyre perceived in some cultures. Archeologists have uncovered mummies that still have their dreads intact! Fierce Viking warrior female walking through the battlefield wielding duel bearded axe's . These unmarried Viking women traditionally wore a Kransen, similar to a hairband, passed down from mother to daughter. Some women are shown wearing braided hair on top of their head and the rest left loose. Viking women who were married tended to wear their braids in a knot on top of their head to show their status as a wife, while unmarried girls often wore long braids or dreadlocks decorated with a circlet of flowers on festive occasions. Caring for their hair was part of their hygiene routine. We may never know for sure, but plenty of evidence suggests that both Viking men and women sported this popular ancient hairstyle. If you have sleek straight hair and you want to make dreadlocks then, you can make this side-swept with a dreadlock hairstyle. 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. 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. The relationship between Norway and the Euro. One of the coolest hairstyles with dreadlocks is side swept with dreadlocks. Sadly, slavery was a common practice throughout ancient civilizations. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. This is often interpreted as meaning dreads, and many early Christians adopted the hairstyle as tribute. They noticed the locs on the warriors and called them dreadful, thus creating the term dreadlocks. After all, short hair had some pretty negative associations in Viking culture. A popular male Viking dreadlocks style was a shaved head with a long plait of dreads that ran from the top of their head down to the back. 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? They are largely associated with the Jamaican Rastafari movement and counterculture groups, although thats changing as dreads move into the mainstream. Although both locs and dreads dont look very different to the untrained eye, as both are made by braiding hair, they are quite different. Wise Geek: What is the Difference Between Dreads and Braids? 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! Women's Clothing and Accessories. 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. You can make your dreadlocks wavy using silk or satin-covered hair rollers. All you need to choose your favorite side to shave your head and then make dreadlocks with your long or medium-length hair. Stay tuned and well bring the essence of Scandinavia to you. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get the Routes North newsletter delivered once a month. Keep reading to discover what hairstyles the Vikings had and how hairstyle affected a Vikings standing in their local community. Sort by: Most popular. These rope-like strands, created by locking or braiding hair, were worn for practical, spiritual and aesthetic reasons. Vikings wore dreads for some of these reasons but also had reasons specific to their traditions. These unfortunate individuals would have their hair shorn short to differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings. It was considered bad luck to try and brush out the elflocks. The Celts were neighbors of the Viking people who lived in Scandinavia, the Northern region of Europe. Jewish priests in ancient Jerusalem were not permitted to shave or pass combs through their hair. 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 These caps were square-shaped with a rounded corner to hug the crown of the head. Once the dreads are well-established, you can begin experimenting with different Viking braid patterns. Viking dreadlocks beard beads for men and women. Consequently, they took great pride in their hairstyles. Check out our vikings dreads selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our hair extensions shops. AWNL Stockholm: The meteoric rise of Swedish jewellery design, VEJRHJ Watches wood, steel & Nordic minimalism, Meet Larsen and Eriksen: The watch designers from Denmark, Urbanista audio: Scandi designs to suit your lifestyle, Triwa watches: Transforming the watch industry forever. Vikings woman hair. Many people know that the Vikings lived in ancient Scandinavia. For more details, you can check the below-given picture. Many historians believe this caused their hair to become matted and form dreads. Also see Did the Vikings Share Their Wives? Contrary to certain modern stereotypes, historical evidence shows that physical hygiene was important to the Vikings in the Middle Ages. See 15 Facts About Viking Women to learn more. Was Hairstyle Important in Viking Culture? SerenityWireWrap. Men and women alike adorned themselves in lavish hairdos, likely including dreads. Enslaved people were made to wear their hair cropped short to show their loyalty and subjection to their owners. For those who need a quick refresher, Zendaya chose to rock faux locs on. While braids can be taken out quite easily, it is not the same with dreadlocks, which are for all practical purposes, permanent. Get the Facts. Women's Men's Kids' & Baby Bags & Purses Women's Clothing . All Home & Living. On the below side, we are sharing some of the Viking dreadlocks for women that you will surely love to adopt. [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. We are sharing some of the Female Viking Dreadlocks but we are not sure whether either ancient Vikings wore dreadlocks or not. 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. Wavy dreadlocks are a simple way to change up your style, with a playful and romantic result. 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. Get the Facts, link to Were the Vikings Black? Both Western and Eastern traditions believed the mental, bodily and spiritual energies exit the body via the top of the head and if the hair was knotted, the energy would remain in the head and body, keeping the wearer prosperous and healthy. If you dont have long hair then you can buy dreadlock extensions from any supper store or can order from Amazon. 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]. Men and women wore different hairstyles to express their masculinity or femininity in their communities. People with dreadlocks are found in a variety of cultures and geographical locations. Also see What Color Eyes Did Vikings Have? Celtic folklore talks about fairy-locks developed when fairies visited sleeping Celts to tie knots within their hair. Were dreadlocks important to the Vikings? Avoid creamy and thick conditioners as this can cause build-up. Seline Shenoy is a journalist and podcaster. As their hair grew, it became tangled and formed knots. The tale goes on to say that Odin was so distraught after the death that he refused to comb or wash his hair for many days. 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. Other styles show a looser pony tail of dreads from the top of the head, shaved sides with a dreadlock man bun, or simply cornrows all over the head. Next, she placed her free hand through the loop and pulled the ends of the ponytail through the hair loop, forming a knot. Unmarried women wore their hair loose in dreads or braids. 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. On the below side, we have shared different dreadlocks for small hair, medium hair, and long hair women. Egyptians were experts at preserving corpses through a process called mummification. The Vikings did not have access to the advanced hair care products, synthetic extensions, and teams of professionals it takes to create the Viking dreads we see in dramatic productions. 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. To differentiate the slaves from the general population, they were likely forced to keep their hair cropped short. Others believe the hairstyle was practical and served to keep their long hair out of their faces when raiding. So, if you are interested in Female dreadlocks then, you can check the below side to find a perfect hairstyle for you. Many female Viking hairstyles are untraceable through art since most married Viking women kept their hair covered or tightly wound in a bun. In three archaeological examples, these hoods were made of undyed silk and likely had linen ties. Slaves mostly wore their hair cropped, which was a sign of servitude and loyalty to their master. Did Vikings Have Dreads? This party Viking hairstyle is best for high school girls and office-going women. Apply a dread wax to the hair and roll the hair between your palms. Most Vikings (men and women) wore their hair in braids. It is also reasonable to assume that dreadlock-type styles may have developed simultaneously due to the relative ease of allowing hair to become matted over time. [8]. Here are a couple of theories behind why dreadlocks were important to Vikings: Vikings wore dreads to show their position in their clans. Ancient Greece has some of the earliest depictions of dreads in its artwork. However, others have interpreted the Roman writings as meaning that the Vikings had long flowing hair, such as Chris Hemsworths Thor in the earlier Thor films. 4.5 out of 5 stars (293) Curl Centric has an affiliate relationship for some of the products that we recommend. Some people still believe that Vikings invented dreadlocks but the truth is totally opposite. The Vikings are one group that wore dreadlocks, but ancient Egyptians, Pacific Island cultures, and several indigenous African tribes also commonly wear dreadlocks. Thanks to the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism . 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. We may receive compensation if purchases are made using our links, at no extra cost to you. According to Roman records, the Celtic people, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings wore their hair in rope-like strands. When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (alsocalled thralls). While it may not have looked as put together as the dreads that people wear today, they kept it looking neat. Both Viking men and women are thought to have worn dreads. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Or you can keep your dreadlocks the way those are and color the shaved regions for added effects. It was a symbol of integrity and strength in chief and warriors. In addition, it would have protected the wearers hair and kept her warm in the colder months. Use clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up or oil from your hair strands. Years ago, during the onset of the industrial revolution, dreadlocks were primarily confined to India. There is no irrefutable evidence to suggest that Celtic hairstyles influenced Scandinavian hairstyles. 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. 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. Norse men believed that male Viking dreadlocks gave them a more fierce appearance that could intimidate foreign people. The Celts were a collection of Indo-European tribes who originated from central Europe. We hope this article has given you some insight into the rich history behind dreadlocks and answered your questions about Vikings and their dreads. Mix dish soap with boiling water in a pot. While the hair is wrapped around your finger, use braids to secure the ends of the hair. Vikings women wore their female Viking dreadlocks differently before and after marriage. These braids are then secured using a long length of suede or wool cord. The Vikings were known to place great importance on personal hygiene, and that even extended to their hairstyles. Viking men had the most options in terms of acceptable hairstyles. Men and women have worn their hair in rope-like strands for centuries, and people all around the world still wear them today. 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. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. When many folks think of dreadlocks, the drama that unfolded between Zendaya and Giuliana Rancic probably comes to mind. When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (also. Despite the stereotypes, Vikings valued hygiene and were surprisingly well-groomed. Female styles tend to be portrayed as long and flowing though, of course, the reality may have been wilder and less neat!