1700s Women: Unveiling the hairstyles of a Revolutionary Era

For a time, hairstyling in the 18th century was all about class and etiquette. Women in the 1700s paid careful attention to their hair, shaping and styling it to perfection, so as to comply with expectations of beauty, elegance and grace. For women seeking to adorn themselves, hairstyling held deep significance. Whether up or down, long or short, there were a variety of ways to style the hair to achieve a polished aesthetic. Throughout this revolutionary era, women experimented with unique and creative styles, creating strands of beauty along the way.

At the beginning of the century, baroque influences served as the foundation for an array of hairstyles in the 1700s. From towering buns with teetering curls to cascading ringlets and exaggerated bouffants, fashion trends guided women’s hairstyling choices. As the century drew to a close, the trend shifted to smaller curls, luster and shine, taking on a more minimalist approach. Though the styles and techniques varied, pearls, headpieces, flowers, bows and ribbons were all staples in the various looks throughout the 1700s.

Coiffures à la Belle Poule

At the start of the century, one of the most popular hairstyles was ‘la Belle Poule’, French for “the beautiful hen”. The hairstyle was shaped like a chic cockerel, featuring a center part and two wings that curl forward and back out at the sides in perfect symmetry. The style had iterations of curls, either on the side of the face or at the neckline. La Belle Poule was also called coiffures en africaine and coiffures à la Bissex, which both refer to a similar look. As its name implies, the style features several tight coils designed to resemble that of a rooster’s feathers. This hairstyle was typically arranged using curling tongs and worn with a wig.

Gibson Tuck

In the last few decades of the century, women began to wear their hair in an updo known as a Gibson Tuck. To create the tuck, women would section their hair into three parts. The top two sections were pulled tightly behind the side of the head and secured by metal catgut pins. This two-pronged method tucked the hair completely around the head to frame the face with a neat arrangement. It was a popular style among ladies of upper-class because its execution required professional help, or most experience in pinning the hair up oneself. The Gibson Tuck is one of the most iconic hairstyles from the 1700’s, representing the height of fashion from the time.

Style Challenges

With women struggling to find time for elaborate hairstyling, wigs became a common choice. Because large parts of Europe experienced famine throughout the 1700's, many women opted for powdered and perfumed wigs. These wigs also created warmth and protection against the cold. By mid-century, the trend for wigs had blossomed; it was no longer a necessity, but an expression of luxury and creativity.

Hairstyling in the 1700s was meticulously planned and organized. Women who wanted to partake in the latest hairstyles had to adhere to rigid standards that were predetermined by societal standards. Despite this, women persevered in finding their gorgeous looks, staying true to the spirit of the revolutionary era.

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