Do you love old, romantic hairstyles? Victorian hairstyles still look amazing today. They feel soft, pretty, and full of charm. You don’t need thick hair or years of practice to try them. This guide shows you 20 easy Victorian hairstyles for every hair type. Pick one you like and give it a try today.
1. Gibson Girl Updo
The Gibson Girl updo looks soft and full. You pull the hair back loosely and roll it at the back. Women wore this style a lot in the 1890s.
This style suits medium or long hair. You can add a hair pad for extra volume. It looks great for weddings or any special day. Leave a few soft strands near your ears. This gives a romantic touch.
2. Marcel Waves
Marcel waves make smooth, deep waves close to your head. You often see this look in old photos. People used heated tools to create these waves years ago.
You can copy this look with a curling iron today. Curl small sections of hair, then comb through gently while it’s still warm. This helps the wave hold its shape. Marcel waves work best on medium or long hair. Try a side part for the full effect.
3. Victorian Ringlets
Ringlets are tight, bouncy curls. They hang down like little spirals. Victorian women wore this style for everyday looks and special events too.
To make ringlets, wrap small hair sections around a curling wand. Hold each curl for a few seconds. Let it cool before you touch it. This helps the curl last longer. Long hair shows off ringlets the best. Add a ribbon for extra charm.
4. The Pompadour
The pompadour lifts your hair high at the front. The sides stay smooth and neat. Victorian women often paired this look with a bun at the back.
To style it, backcomb the front section for volume. Then smooth the top layer over it and pin it in place. This style works well on thick or medium hair. If your hair is thin, add some dry shampoo at the roots first. It helps the style hold better.
5. The Chignon
A chignon is a low, neat bun. You place it right at the back of your neck. Women wore this style often since it kept hair tidy all day.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail first. Twist it into a coil, then pin it flat. You can leave a few loose strands for a softer look. This style works for fine, thick, straight, or wavy hair. It’s a quick pick when you want something classy fast.
6. The Psyche Knot
The Psyche Knot is a soft twisted bun. You place it slightly off-center at the back or top of your head. This style has a relaxed, artistic feel.
Twist a low ponytail loosely first. Wrap it around itself, then pin it gently. Keep it a little messy on purpose. This gives it that soft, natural look. Medium or long hair works best for this style. Wear it for daily looks or evening events.
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7. The Apollo Knot
The Apollo Knot sits high on your head. It has tall curls arranged like a crown. Victorian women wore this for special occasions and formal events.
Section the top of your hair first, then curl it. Pin each curl upward in a loop shape. Use strong pins to hold everything in place. This style works best on long hair with some layers. The layers make the loops easier to shape.
8. Waterfall Braids
Waterfall braids create a soft, falling look. The strands drop down instead of crossing all the way through. Victorian women often added this style to loose waves.
Start a simple braid on one side of your head. Drop one strand each time instead of crossing it fully. Keep going across the back of your head. This style looks best on long, wavy hair. Curl straight hair a little first for the same soft effect.
9. Half-Up, Half-Down Curls
This style mixes soft curls with a simple half-up section. It keeps hair off your face while still showing your length and curls.
Curl your hair first, then pull the top section back and pin it. Add a small bow or clip for extra charm. This works on almost any hair type, curly or straight. Try it for an easy everyday look with a touch of Victorian style.
10. The Low Ponytail
A low ponytail feels modern, but Victorian women wore it too. They often wrapped one strand of hair around the base for a neat finish.
Brush your hair back smoothly, then tie it low. Wrap a small piece of hair around the tie to hide it. This style works on any hair type, straight or curly. Add soft waves before you tie it for a more vintage feel.
11. Snood Covering
A snood is a soft, netted cover for your hair. It holds a bun neatly in place. Victorian women wore snoods often for daytime looks.
Gather your hair into a low bun first. Slip the snood over it and pin it in place. Snoods come in lace or crochet designs, so pick one you like. This works great for thick or long hair that needs extra hold.
12. Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid braids wrap around the top of your head like a crown. This style gives a fresh, cheerful look. Victorian women loved it for its neat, youthful feel.
Braid two sections of your hair first. Cross them over the top of your head, then pin the ends underneath. This style suits medium or long hair. Slightly textured hair holds the braids even better. Try it for outdoor events or garden parties.
13. The Bouffant
The bouffant adds soft height at the crown of your head. It gives a full, glamorous shape. Victorian women often wore this for evening looks.
Backcomb the crown section lightly first. Smooth the top layer over it for a neat finish. Pin the sides back or leave them loose. This style works best on thick or medium hair. A little teasing spray helps thin hair hold the shape too.
Read: 40 Best 90s Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out of Style
14. Curtain Bangs with Updo
Curtain bangs frame your face softly on both sides. Pair them with an updo for a nice mix of soft and structured looks.
Style your bangs with a round brush for a soft curve. Then pull the rest of your hair into any updo, like a bun or chignon. This works well on medium or long hair with layers. It blends Victorian charm with a modern feel.
15. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid has a pretty, woven pattern. It looks tricky, but it’s simple once you learn it. Victorian women wore this for casual days and special events.
Split your hair into two sections first. Take small pieces from the outer edges and cross them into the other section. Keep going until you reach the end. This braid works best on long, straight, or wavy hair. Loosen it a little at the end for a soft finish.
16. The Birdcage Veil
The birdcage veil isn’t a hairstyle on its own, but it pairs nicely with Victorian updos. It’s a short, netted veil that covers part of your face.
Style your hair into a neat updo first. Pin the veil comb near the crown so it stays secure. This look works great for weddings or vintage-themed parties. It suits any hair type since the veil becomes the main focus.
17. Tendril Curls
Tendril curls are small, soft curls left loose near your face and neck. You keep these loose even when the rest of your hair is pinned up.
Style your main updo first. Then take a few small strands near your face and curl them with a small wand. Leave them loose instead of pinning them back. This works on every hair type. It makes any updo feel more soft and finished.
18. The French Twist
The French twist is a smooth, rolled style. It runs straight up the back of your head. This look works for formal events and simple days out too.
Gather your hair to one side first. Twist it upward, then pin it in place and tuck the ends under. This style suits straight or wavy hair best. Add a few small pins with jewels for extra sparkle.
19. The Edwardian Updo
The Edwardian updo came just after the Victorian era, but it shares the same soft, romantic feel. It has loose waves gathered into a round shape at the back.
Curl your hair first. Gather it into a low bun and let some waves fall naturally around the edges. This style works beautifully on medium or long hair. It gives a vintage look without feeling too tight or stiff.
20. Braided Crown
The braided crown wraps one or two braids around your head like a soft halo. This look feels fresh and natural, and people still love it today.
Braid one or two sections of your hair first. Wrap them around your head, then pin the ends underneath. This style works on almost every hair type, thick, thin, curly, or straight. Add small flowers or pins for a sweet finishing touch.
Read: 50 Quick & Easy Half Up Half Down Hairstyles to Try Now
Final Thoughts
Victorian hairstyles bring soft, romantic charm that still looks great today. You’ll find a style here for every hair type and every occasion. You don’t need fancy tools or years of practice to try them. Just pick one you like, follow the steps, and give it a go. With a little patience, you can wear a piece of Victorian beauty any day you want.
FAQs
1. What makes a hairstyle “Victorian”? Victorian hairstyles usually have soft curls, buns, or braids close to the head. They often add romantic touches like ringlets or tendrils. The overall look feels neat and a bit formal.
2. Are Victorian hairstyles hard to make at home? Not at all. Styles like the chignon or low ponytail are quick and easy. Others, like the Apollo Knot, take more practice but you can still learn them.
3. What hair type works best for these styles? Most Victorian hairstyles suit every hair type, including straight, wavy, curly, and thick hair. Curly hair makes ringlets look fuller, while straight hair suits sleek styles like the French twist.
4. Can I still get a Victorian look with short hair? Yes, you can. Use soft curls, small braids, or a snood to copy the look. Combs or veils also help you get the style even with less length.
5. What products help me create these hairstyles? A curling iron, bobby pins, and a light-hold hairspray cover the basics. A hair pad can help add volume for styles like the Gibson Girl updo.
