Hair: Difference between revisions
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Human '''hair''' can be cut and arranged in a variety of [[style]]s, and in [[modern]] times is done so almost exclusively for aesthetic |
Human '''hair''' can be cut and arranged in a variety of [[style]]s, and in [[modern]] times is done so almost exclusively for aesthetic the [[Renaissance]]. Most wigs are made from human hair, not [[animal]] hair as is popularly believed. |
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Some hairstyles were based on [[gender]], and in much of medieval [[Europe]] it was considered immodest for a woman to have her hair exposed or unbound. [[Troubadour]]s, for example, made much of a lady's unbound hair as an incitement to passion. Other hairstyles were influenced by [[religion]]. A [[monk]]'s ''tonsure'' (shaving only the top of the head) was a clearly identifiable mark of his vows. Under their wimples, [[nun]]s had extremely short hair as a sign of modesty, especially for the [[medieval]] period. |
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==Hair Health== |
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Hair itself can cause serious [[health]] concerns if not maintained properly, especially has it can harbour [[vermin]] such as [[lice]] or [[flea]]s. [[Disease]]d people sometimes had their heads shaved in an attempt to control sickness. Unwashed hair which is allowed to grow will often form thick matted coils known as dreadlocks (modern dreadlocks achieve this look through cosmetic effort rather than dirt and oil). |
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==False Hair== |
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False hair was used extensively in some [[mediterranean]] cultures, particularly [[medieval]] [[Byzantium|Byzantine]], at least among the upper classes, part of the elaborate [[cosmetic]]s worn at important events. The common use of wigs was not a feature of western European culture until the [[Renaissance]]. Most wigs are made from human hair, not [[animal]] hair as is popularly believed. |
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==Animal Hair== |
==Animal Hair== |
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Revision as of 13:43, 25 April 2007
Human hair can be cut and arranged in a variety of styles, and in modern times is done so almost exclusively for aesthetic the Renaissance. Most wigs are made from human hair, not animal hair as is popularly believed.
Animal Hair
Animal hair, was however, commonly used in many things. Horsehair was often collected and turned into fabric, string, or used as decoration, particularly on helmets, as was [camel]] hair in warmer climes.
Fur
Animal hair which grows short and dense is called fur,and a whole skin with the fur still on his called a pelt. A skin with little hair was usually called a hide. In heraldry, various background patterns are linked to animal furs, e.g. ermine. These are regarded as tinctures.
Hairstyles in the SCA
In the SCA, hairstyles are generally modern, since the re-enactors have to go back to their mundane lives after an event. If you see a person in an authentic medieval hairstyle (especially something extreme like the semi-skinhead Norman forelock or a braided viking beard), be impressed.
