Men's Slavic hairstyles. Slavs have long hair. Why do men have long hair?

Content

The national Slavic style in men's hairstyles is very pronounced. Usually, when you first look at a photo, you can determine the national hairstyle. Eastern and Western traditions are harmoniously mixed in the Slavic style of haircuts. Many Slavic men's hairstyles have medium length. If your hair is shorter, it can be difficult to style. And longer hair is more difficult to maintain.

History of Slavic hairstyle

In Rus', long hair has long been worn, covering the back of the head and falling onto the shoulders. If such a length began to interfere, the strands were cut in a semicircle. A distinctive feature of this haircut is that all hair is the same length, starting from the top of the head. In addition, the Slavs also wore a beard and mustache.

In each era, the appearance of Russians changed. If men's Slavic hairstyles of ancient times were only practical, then the situation soon changed. During the spread of fashion to everything French, aesthetics came to the fore. Hair began to be cut shorter, and beards were completely eliminated. In addition, the mustache has become neater.

After the introduction of Christianity, men began to cut their hair “under the pot”. Beards began to be worn thickly, in the form of shovels.

Hair length

A careful study of the history of the issue shows that Slavic hairstyles were performed on medium-length hair. Hair was looked after, however, it was worn loose only at home. When leaving the gate, all strands or only the parietal ones were gathered into a ponytail.

Read also: Men's bob hairstyle

It was believed that very long hair was a woman's destiny. Therefore, men did not let their hair grow long.

Old Russian men's hairstyles also depended on their occupation. Warriors wore the same length as peasants. However, they wore their locks in a low ponytail. This was done to ensure that the helmet fit well.

The hair itself had a sacred meaning at that time. Therefore, short haircuts were not common. Long hair personified the strength of a person and his beauty. And short hair spoke of a lack of spiritual qualities.

Hair decorations

The Slavs used amulets and amulets to decorate their hair. They were made from leather, strips of fabric and thread. Metal parts could be attached to them. In addition to their aesthetic function, such amulets secured hair. They did not get into your eyes while working, which was very convenient.

Modern fashion

If the hair is medium length and the owner has a beard, it can be called a Slavic style. The bowl haircut is also very popular.

If the hair is light brown and tied with a leather cord, its shape is very recognizable.

Interpretations of an ancient hairstyle may include the following elements:

In addition, modern styling significantly improves the appearance of the haircut. Coloring is allowed, but it should not be too bright. The optimal color would be one tone lighter than yours.

The Slavs were sure that male strength lies in hair. Therefore, they were not cut short, preferring medium length. Excessively long hair was considered feminine, however, shoulder length was optimal.

Modern haircuts that imitate the Slavic style can have different lengths. However, the most expressive length remains no lower than the shoulders.

If you want to express your respect to your ancestors, choose an ancient Russian men's hairstyle. Its shape is very recognizable and suits most clothing styles. This especially applies to sports and casual styles. A strict dress code may not allow longer strands.

Slavic hairstyles were simple and practical. Girls wore long braids, decorated with ribbons and original head sets. A long thick braid was considered a symbol of beauty; Russian folk hairstyles were based on three-strand braiding. Modern fashionistas also use traditional styling, adding a touch of individuality.

Style Description

The hairstyles of ancient Rus' were not original. The common people and the nobility wore the same models, differing only in the decoration of their head sets and clothing. Women's hairstyles were regulated by church laws, girls wore one braid, and married women braided two. Traditional three-strand weaving symbolized beauty, health, and vitality. The thicker and longer the braid was, the more beautiful the girl was considered.

Ribbons woven into a spikelet meant engagement and imminent marriage. After marriage, a woman could not appear in public with her head uncovered, and two braids were considered a traditional hairstyle. One filled the keeper of the hearth with vital energy, the second protected her children. Hair had a special meaning; during illnesses it was let down and carefully combed for a quick recovery. It was a real shame for a girl to have her hair cut off, just as it was for a married woman to appear in public without a headscarf or kokoshnik.

Everything changed in the 18th century, peasants continued to wear traditional weaves. High society was influenced by French fashion, and bulky wig designs were popular. Worn by both men and women, they preferred the voluminous “Poodle” and “Mane” versions. Such products were very expensive and only representatives of high society could decorate their heads with lush wigs. The barbers were replaced by hairdressers who not only created artificial hairpieces, but also applied makeup. Appearance was given great importance, entire images were created, hairdressers were considered people close to art.

In the 19th century, bulky wigs were replaced by antique hairstyles. Men no longer wore complex designs, but cut their hair short. For beauties, models were offered for medium length; the strands were curled into various curls, which were placed on the crown, crown, and temples. Symmetrical styling, which was decorated with lace, beads, and ribbons, came into fashion.

In the twentieth century, under the influence of historical events, practical haircuts and androgenic forms appeared. The new time was also reflected in hairdressing; fashionistas chose pageboys, bobs, bobs, “Garson”, “Sesson”, “Pixie”. Long hair was no longer associated with femininity and beauty; traditional braids were only braided by schoolgirls. In the 21st century, long hair has returned to fashion, and thanks to the influence of many cultures, new variations of weaving have appeared. Only the Russian braid has remained unchanged, on the basis of which today complex, modern hairstyles are created.

Characteristics of Russian style:

• the main features of the hairstyle are symmetry, braided hair neatly arranged in a tight braid, bangs were rarely used in folk hairstyles, which made it possible to emphasize facial features;
• the makeup was distinguished by bright colors, the girls highlighted their eyes and eyebrows with black coals, they used beetroot juice for their lips and cheeks, the more blush the beauty, the more beautiful she was considered;
• in clothing, the quality of fabric, embroidery, painting, colorful, floral designs was valued; the national costume included a white shirt and a floor-length sundress with thin straps; a headdress - a kokoshnik or a scarf - was a mandatory attribute.

Characteristic features of hairstyles

Slavic traditions made it possible to grow long braids, and in Rus' they looked after their curls no less carefully than today. Girls could spend hours combing their locks with wooden combs, charming their hair to add beauty. The first rinses were infusions of herbs, and to prevent the braid from becoming frizzy and maintaining a neat shape, the mop was moistened with salt water.

Distinctive features of hairstyles in the Russian style:

• hair is not cut, maximum length is valued;
• curls are not dyed, natural shine and shine are achieved through careful care;
• differ in symmetry, are performed mainly without bangs, options with straight bangs are possible;
• the main hairstyle is a three-strand braid, spikelets were also worn around the head, and the hair was collected in a bun;
• hair was tied tightly, a hairstyle with stray strands or protruding “roosters” was considered unsuccessful;
• headdresses and multi-colored ribbons were often used.

Who suits Russian style hairstyles:

• the hairstyle will decorate not only those with Slavic appearance, it will suit young ladies of contrasting types with expressive facial features, curly and curly locks;
• recommended for young girls, traditional weaving will emphasize the tenderness and beauty of youth;
• mature women should choose hairstyles with correction properties, a voluminous crown, and face-framing strands;
• Vintage hairstyles emphasize a graceful silhouette; collected hair suits slender, tall and petite young ladies.

Important point! Traditional styling should be combined with modern stylistic trends: boho, grunge, casual, romantic, pajama style.

Hairstyles in the Russian style can be done at any length. An ethnic image is created not only thanks to special styling. It is worth paying attention to details and accessories. For many, a braid will be an excellent option for every day. It is recommended to choose for a special event, complementing with the appropriate outfit:

• It is better to create assembled models on the second day after washing your hair or use styling products so that the strands do not get out of the overall head;
• to add volume to a sparse braid, it is recommended to twist the main part of the hair; you can also use extension tresses to increase the length, the material is selected to match the color of the curls;
• there are no backcombs or strands around the face, straight bangs are allowed, the hairstyle is quite simple, notes of originality are created with the help of details;
• A vertical central parting and three-strand weaving add symmetry to the styling; you can also collect the curls in a spikelet or bun, combing the curls smoothly back.

To create a hairstyle in the Russian style, you need to choose the right accessories. Scarves, ribbons, kokoshniks will look stylish, modern, combined not only with dresses a la lady, but also with current casual, grunge, and glamorous chic.

Is it possible to do the styling yourself?

Vintage hairstyles are easy to create with your own hands. To perform hairstyles based on the Russian braid, you can watch Lilith Moon’s video; the step-by-step technique will provide the desired result. The different arrangement of braids will allow you to choose a hairstyle for different types of appearance.

Tools for styling in the Russian style:

• a brush for combing the entire head, choose depending on the type of hair, so that the curls are well separated and do not frizz;
• a flat comb will be required for parting, creating a smooth styling, and straight combing of the weave;
• gel, wax, varnish or fondant are used to create neat styling;
• bobby pins, hairpins, elastic bands will allow you to fix the braid, maintaining its shape for as long as possible;
• hair accessories - kokoshnik, scarf, hoop, ribbons, lace.

Hairstyles with braids for every day are quick and easy.

Options for haircuts, hairstyles, styling for different hair lengths

The styling for folk dances is distinguished not by the complexity of its execution, but by the luxurious headdresses. Performed on long curls, a thick, thick braid is a mandatory element of the hairstyle. The curls are combed back, focusing attention on the face. Suitable for young girls with regular, expressive features, elongated, triangular oval shape.

The braid around the head is done at a medium length and below the shoulders. Suitable for young ladies with chiseled facial features and regular oval shape. A convenient, practical styling option, also used for special occasions. To add characteristic ethnic notes, you can weave ribbons or combine them with a Russian-style outfit.

For long curls, it is recommended to choose models with one or two braids. Simple styling emphasizes girlish beauty and tenderness. Suitable for young ladies who prefer natural beauty. Symmetrical hairstyles focus attention on the face, long braids emphasize a slender, fragile silhouette. A comfortable hairstyle for every day allows you to maintain a neat shape and prevent long locks from tangling. With the help of accessories, ribbons, wreaths, headbands, it is easy to create a festive look.

Hairstyles with kokoshniks look stylish and modern. They are combined with braids on medium and long locks, but can also be done on short locks. The headdress draws all the attention to itself and hides the absence of a luxurious head of hair. It is recommended to select an accessory to match your main outfit; you can create an image not only for photo shoots, but also for special events. Suitable for slender, tall girls, petite young ladies need to choose neat, small models of Russian attire.

Modern young ladies use collected hairstyles with a scarf, creating unique images. Suitable for the cold season, chosen by girls of a model type of appearance. Thanks to the headdress, you can create a Russian style with a modern interpretation. Hairstyles with a headscarf are recommended for young ladies with impeccable appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many fashionistas are abandoning ancient hairstyles, but the three-strand braid is the basis of many modern models. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of weaving, it is easy to create a bright, original image.

Pros:

• maintains neat shape throughout the day;
• simple weaving technology does not cause difficulty even for beginners;
• can be combined with modern stylistic trends;
• Russian braid corresponds to current hairdressing trends;
• performed on straight, curly, curly hair;
• original accessories allow you to create individual looks.

Minuses:

• not suitable for mature or overweight women;
• the hairstyle does not have anti-aging, corrective properties and focuses attention on imperfections;
• It won’t work on short strands.

Stellar examples

Ksenia Sobchak chooses traditional braids for social events.

Ulyana Sergeenko not only develops successful collections, inspired by the traditions of ancient Rus'. The designer herself uses stylish looks with collected curls for social events.

Gigi Hadid pairs a long waist-length braid with a red suit and wide choker.

Natalya Vodyanova often appears with collected hair, emphasizing the supermodel's unique appearance.

Useful video

Weaving a Russian braid.

But I was always interested in history. And she is very interested to know what hairstyles warriors wore in ancient times.

It is quite difficult to answer this question, since neither skin nor hair survives in the ground for a long time. Sometimes it is possible to detect their remains, but for this they had to, for example, come into contact with metal. However, such cases are very rare, so we will catch information about hairstyles not in graves, but in images or in the texts of chronicles or chronicles.

Let's start from the depths - that is, from Ancient Rome.

Long hair and a beard were the style favored by patricians during the time when Rome was a Republic. Then, towards the end of the Republic, beards began to be shaved off and the hair on the head was cut as short as possible.

Then began the era of soldier emperors. These were warriors who became the head of Rome with the help of legions loyal to them. And although they thought like soldiers, they brought beards back into fashion. Then beards began to be shaved again - and already in the ruins of Western Rome, when its greatness was concentrated in Byzantium, shaving again became fashionable.

Well, during the Crusades, shaving became the lot of palace eunuchs. As they say, they shaved it clean...

Dark Ages

By the way, about the smoking ruins of Great Rome. The barbarians who defeated the Empire of the Eternal City were representatives of a variety of tribes.

The Goths cut all the hair on their heads short except for bangs. It is interesting that the fashion for such a hairstyle spread to Byzantium, where it became incredibly popular at the court of the emperor.

In 1998, the author of these lines encountered such “Gothic” hairstyles in the valiant Russian army. For example, junior sergeant M. grew a forelock of incredible length and hid it under an “Afghan” cap, while the back of his head and sideburns were trimmed to three millimeters.

The Franks came up with the formula “the longer the hair, the higher the status.” It’s not for nothing that the kings are called “long-haired”. Even after accepting Christianity, the Franks continued to believe that hair contains the power that gives its owners all the most useful things - health, luck, strength.

In a word, complete agreement with the Old Testament story about the strongman Samson, who lost all his power after his wife cut off his long hair in a dream. Apparently this is why the Franks remained unconvinced about hair. Whenever the Franks deposed their next king, the first thing they did was shave his head.

Scandinavia

Since Scandinavia was located on the very edge of Europe, the fashion for long hair and beards lingered there for a long time. Sagas often talk about long, well-groomed hair as a sign of a rich and noble Scandinavian.

For example, we talked about King Harald the Shaggy, who vowed not to cut his hair until he achieved his goal. We wrote about him and his goals in the article. The ruler turned out to be very purposeful.

A similar incident, only from much more recent times, was sung by “Chizhom and Company” in the song “Partisan Beard.” And, by the way, it has real roots.

Meet Grigory Ivanovich Penezhko. Hero of the Soviet Union - his tank destroyed five German Tigers in one battle, three of them after the Germans decided that the Thirty-Four and its crew were dead. As a result, the 31st Tank Brigade was able to escape from the encirclement.

When the Great Patriotic War began, he swore off shaving until Germany was completely defeated, and very soon became the owner of a huge beard. Only on June 24, after the Victory Parade, did he shave it off and give it to friends as souvenirs.

Hairstyle of Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich

This is a sore subject, perfect for debate. There is a description by the Greek historian Leo the Deacon, who described the appearance of Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich this way: “(...) His head was completely naked, but a tuft of hair hung from one side of it - a sign of the nobility of the family.”

The Byzantine did not include a picture, and what was meant by the tuft of hair is unclear. Now this gives rise to a lot of versions. Some say it’s the hair on the shaved top of the head, the so-called “oseledets”, others say it’s a tuft of hair on the side of the head, above the ear.

Still others put forward an equally interesting version. They say that the entire squad, including Svyatoslav Igorevich, shaved their heads before the campaign. And since long hair was a sign of his noble family, the prince left a tuft of his old hairstyle.

Something similar can be found on a dish made by Bulgarian craftsmen. Here it is:

However, the hairstyle of Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich is the hairstyle of Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich. His namesake, Svyatoslav Yaroslavich, preferred a different image.

Here is a miniature of the 11th century, decorating one of the most ancient Russian books - Izbornik Svyatoslav.

As we see, Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavich and his sons, as well as his nephew Yaropolk, are depicted with fairly short hair.

Hairstyle of Prince Yaropolk Izyaslavich

And here is a miniature of the same times from the Trier Psalter, which is also called the “Gertrude Code”. On it we see the Grand Duke of Kyiv Izyaslav Yaroslavich, grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. It looks very much like the prince has a bowl cut haircut.

Hairstyle of Prince Vsevolod the Big Nest

The northern facade of the Dmitrievsky Cathedral in the city of Vladimir is decorated with a bas-relief. It depicts Prince Vsevolod Yurievich, nicknamed the Big Nest.

The nickname stuck to him thanks to the large number of children. He (the tenth son of Yuri Dolgoruky) was the father of eight sons and daddy of four daughters. The sons (though not all) are depicted in the bas-relief around the father. Let's call them by name.

• Konstantin "the Good", the first prince of the newly formed Rostov principality,
• Yuri is the founder of Nizhny Novgorod,
• Yaroslav - father of Alexander Nevsky,
• Svyatoslav - destroyed the Bulgarian city of Oshel in 1220
• Gleb.

As we can see, none of them wears anything similar to the hairstyle of Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich. Moreover, hair styled in this way will not seem like an extreme style even today, that is, eight hundred years later.

Now let's move to the West.

Hairstyles of European warriors of the 11th-12th centuries

For example, take the famous Bayo Carpet. It depicts the confrontation between the Anglo-Saxons and Norman warriors.

The Normans generally shave their faces, although a couple of warriors wear mustaches. But their hairstyles were very colorful - they shaved their heads to the back and sides. However, this fashion did not last long.

The Anglo-Saxons, on the contrary, wore long mustaches. And since we’re talking about mustaches, it’s time to return to Mother Rus', but at a later time.

Hairstyles of Novgorodians of the XIV-XV centuries

Carved panels from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in the city of Stralsund depict Novgorod hunters with long braids. The carving dates back to 1400 or so.

This is one of the most unusual images of Russian people of that time. Whether they really walked around Novgorod like this or is it the author’s fantasy is still unclear.

But the description of the traveler Gilbert de Lannoy, who visited Novgorod around 1415, is very apropos, at about the same time at which the above panels were made. So here it is. De Lannoy writes that in Novgorod women wear two braids, and men wear one.

And here is a fragment of the famous icon “Praying Novgorodians”, on which we see the Novgorod boyars:

Here is a more familiar image of Novgorod townspeople: everything is as it should be and beards without fanaticism.

The most versatile hairstyle

Well, the most universal, timeless hairstyle is found in one of the miniatures of the Radziwill Chronicle. Look at the warrior on the left. He's completely bald!

On this positive note, we end today’s article and go to the hairdresser...

Sources:

• Materials from “Also Forum”
• Constable D. Beards in history. Symbols, fashions, perception // Odyssey. Man in history. 1994. M., 1994. P. 165-181.
• Photo from the archive of the historical club “Bear Yard” (Ufa)
• Fragment of Nikolai Ovechkin’s painting “The Last Battle of Svyatoslav”

If we talk about Slavic hairstyles, male or female, it doesn’t matter, then it is necessary to clarify what time period we are talking about. After all, male and female Slavic hairstyles have changed over time, and the closer to modern times, the more often. This is probably due to the fashion for borrowing from other cultures. Today, hairstyles in the Slavic style are stylizations for different eras; in today's beauty salons, no one can tell you exactly where this or that concept came from. However, there is a lot of literature describing Slavic hairstyles, dating back to the Late Middle Ages. Such developments are based largely on images that have come down to us - these are frescoes and drawings in books. There are also references to European and Asian chroniclers who met with the Slavs (for example, the famous diaries of Ibn Fadlan).

But what were Slavic haircuts like originally, in the Early Middle Ages and in even more ancient eras? We do not have an exact answer to this question, because only scant references to the principles on the basis of which such hairstyles were formed have reached us through folklore. For example, the hairstyles of Slavic women, in all likelihood, always included a braid or even several braids. One powerful braid was worn by a married woman, the “spikelet” of the braid in this case personified the unity of the clan. The braid was supposed to be located behind the back along the spine, the main “energy guide” in the human body. The hairstyles of Slavic women who had not yet married could include several braids. Often they were placed not only on the back, but also in front along the shoulders. This is how the woman showed that she was free. At the same time, probably, “baskets” and other aesthetically harmonious figures could be assembled from hair. But the hairstyle of a Slavic woman definitely could not imply loose or short hair. After all, our ancestors believed that human strength lies in hair. Hair, like a kind of antenna-receiver, was saturated with the surrounding force and transmitted it to its owner. Loose hair, on the contrary, gives off energy. A woman could wear her hair down only in the house, among her closest people; even among friends, this option was unacceptable. Not to mention short hairstyles (like a bob). Such original Slavic hairstyles never existed, because a woman who needs to share her life force with her children will never deprive herself of an additional influx of energy, this is simply stupid and even dangerous (fraught with disease).

As for men's Slavic haircuts, they also did not imply loose curls, but for a different reason. Men are stronger than women in terms of energy; figuratively speaking, a man is a generator (while a woman is a receiver). But loose hair spoke of negligence, and was simply inconvenient, either in everyday life or in battle. Men wore their hair long enough, but not as long as women's. Judging by the already mentioned diaries of Ibn Fadlan, the men had hair approximately shoulder length. Men's Slavic hairstyles do not involve a braid; the hair is collected in a ponytail. In this case, part of the hair at the back could be located under the tail in a free form (such a haircut can be seen on Geralt of Rivia from the now popular computer game The Witcher 3). Presumably, men could braid several locks of hair into a thin braid, leaving it on the side. This aspect had a symbolic meaning, perhaps it was a symbol of a man going to war. However, such a braid was never left in front of the forehead; it could interfere with the fight. The hairstyles of Slavic warriors were not particularly different from everyday men's hairstyles. In any case, they climbed into the tail so as not to interfere with the view. There is also one practical aspect to consider here. Considering that the warrior had a helmet, the tail was located near the neck, otherwise the warrior simply could not wear a helmet with a balaclava. This is the only truly logical point that is worth taking into account; otherwise, if we are talking about ancient times, we do not know any special hairstyles of Slavic warriors. Thus, the Slavs' hair, having a special symbolic meaning, was allowed to bloom only in the house. Long hair among the Slavs was the norm; short hairstyles were considered abnormal, no matter whether it was for men or women. At the same time, in women they were, of course, longer, which was partly due to elementary physiology. Long hair among the Slavs is a symbol of beauty and strength; short hair could indicate the “baseness” of human nature, which, by the way, was true for many peoples of the ancient world (with rare exceptions, such as the Romans). Also, short hair could probably serve as an indication of a “slave” position. It is known that since ancient times the Slavs used bereginii - strips of leather or fabric that were tied around the forehead. So even disheveled curls did not interfere with the view, in addition, decorative and protective elements could be hung from the bank, for example, the well-known temple rings, common among the Eastern Slavs in the Middle Ages. The hair of the ancient Slavs had almost sacred meaning, so they probably approached their hairstyles with great care. Unfortunately, we do not have accurate information about ritual, priestly or military Slavic hairstyles. However, we know the basic principles, we know how our ancestors treated their hair. This is probably enough for a person who is trying to somehow touch his roots and honor past traditions.