25 Coolest Medieval Hairstyles for the Modern Era
#1: Faux Crown Braid with Flowers
Try a faux crown braid decorated with flowers. If your hair is short or thin, you might wonder which braids work for you. No worries. You can use ready-made faux braids. Shape them into a crown, and they will blend well with your hair color. Another idea is to buy extra hair, braid it, and form it into a circle. You can also wrap it around a wire shape. Finally, secure it with bobby pins to make your hair look fuller and longer.
#2: Inverted Loose Braid Updo
An updo with a loose, upside-down braid adds texture and makes your hair look thicker. The bubble-style braid keeps your hair tidy all day. For even more volume, you can use a small crimper on the braid.
#3: Braided Headband Updo
A braided headband updo is a lovely and detailed hairstyle. It keeps your hair off your neck, making it great for warm weather. Plus, it helps you stay cool while looking stylish.
#4: Easy Half Updo with Three Strand Braid
This simple half-up hairstyle with a three-strand braid is easy to do yourself. All you need is some hairspray, a few bobby pins, and a bit of patience.
#5: Half Pull-Through Braid for Long Hair
A half pull-through braid adds a stylish touch to long hair. While many long-haired updos can feel heavy, a braid offers a lighter, comfortable option.
#6: Halo Braid with Face-Framing Layers
Want an updo that pairs well with tendrils? Go for a halo braid and add some layers around your face!
#7: Coiled Low Pony with Braid
A braided coiled low ponytail is a beautiful way to upgrade your daily ponytail.
#8: Low Bun and Side Braids with Hair Comb
Feel like a queen by styling a low bun with side braids and a hair comb. The pretty details on the comb make this hairstyle even more special.
#9: Half-Up Triple Braids with Beach Waves
Half-up triple braids paired with beach waves create a beautiful style that adds a touch of medieval charm to your appearance.
#10: Halo-Style Jumbo French Braids
Large, halo-like French braids create a sweet, angelic look that’s great for a day at the fair.
#11: Bronde Low Bun with Side Braid
A bronde low bun paired with a side braid creates a beautiful look for special events. This neat hairstyle combines the classy feel of a low bun with the relaxed charm of a side braid. Having hair with different shades helps the braid stand out. Adding tiny flowers or hair accessories gives the style a perfect final touch, making it ideal for important occasions.
#12: Sleek Low Bun and Braid
A smooth low bun with braids is a neat hairstyle that uses several woven braids. It works well for people with thick or coarse hair. The braids help hide or tuck away long hair easily. If you have trouble keeping your hair tidy all day, the sleek low bun and braid is a great option. Adding braids to any style can help manage thick hair better.
#13: Blonde Twisted Bun with Hair Accessory
For a stylish medieval look, choose a blonde twisted bun decorated with a pretty hair accessory. This elegant style combines simple beauty with detailed touches. Adding special hair pieces can make your hairstyle stand out even more. Try to balance smoothness and fullness to suit your face shape. Leave a few loose strands around your face to create a softer look.
#14: Braid Updo with Rhinestone Leaves
This braided updo has a relaxed, boho style with a touch of sparkle from rhinestone leaves. Soft braids run along the side and join into a loose bun, giving it a natural look. Adding rhinestone leaf hairpieces makes the hairstyle feel playful and charming.
#15: Low Boho Ponytail Braid
A low braid styled into a boho ponytail gives you a relaxed, Bohemian look. It suits women with long hair and minimal layers. The ponytail sits neatly at the neck with little volume, making it comfortable to wear all day. To add a soft and romantic touch, leave some loose curls around your face. This easy style works well for any wedding guest or bridesmaid.
#16: Textured Twist Bun with Floral Pins
A textured twist bun decorated with flower pins is a beautiful and detailed hairstyle. For smooth, full hair that highlights the twists, use hot rollers to set your hair before styling.
#17: Low Brunette Braided Bun
A low braided bun at the nape of your neck is an elegant and classy hairstyle, perfect for special events like black tie parties. To make your bun look thicker, add clip-in hair extensions. Use as many extensions as needed to get the style you want. Finish by spraying a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
#18: Halo Crown Braid with Zig-Zag Part
A zig-zag part with a braid wrapped like a halo creates a beautiful boho style. Adding a special part to your updo makes it look more fun and stylish. Before you start, smooth your hair. This helps you section it easily for the braids.
#19: Soft and Low Twisted Ballerina Bun
This easy and trendy hairstyle uses a twist. Take hair from the opposite side of your head, twist it, and shape it into a low bun. It’s quick to do and stays neat all day. Use a little styling cream first to help it hold better and look smooth.
#20: Brunette Textured Bun
During medieval times, people wore many different hairstyles like braids, twists, and updos. To recreate this style for festivals, start by curling your hair with a one-inch curling iron. Next, gather your hair into a bun. Finally, twist some sections, pin them back, and tuck them into the bun.
#21: Modern Chignon with Face Frame and Braid
Try a modern Chignon with a braid and soft pieces that frame your face. Your stylist will choose the best spot for the Chignon based on your head shape. It can be styled like a horizontal French twist that curves up at the back. Add a crown braid and loose strands to highlight your face.
#22: Five-Strand Wrap-Around Braids
Make a five-strand braid and wrap it around your head. This helps you create a pretty low bun. Shape the braids to fit your head. This princess style is perfect for adding a crown on top.
#23: Loose French Braid Updo
Try an updo with a loose French braid. Make a simple pull-through braid on both sides of your head to create a French braid look. Wrap the braid’s tail around your crown and hold it in place with bobby pins. Add some hair accessories to dress up your style and match your outfit.
#24: Brown-Blonde Romantic Half Updo
During medieval times, royals wore lovely hairstyles that fit their crowns well. The half-updo style looks romantic and uses twists and braids to add texture and depth. The rest of the hair is left down and curled.
#25: Blonde Crown Braid and Low Bun
This lovely hairstyle combines a blonde crown braid with a low bun, perfect for medieval-themed events. Start by curling your hair to add soft waves. Then, part the hair in front of your ears straight down. Pull the rest of your hair back and make a low bun. Braid the front sections and wrap them around, securing with bobby pins into the bun. Finally, leave a few loose strands in front to gently frame your face.
Travel back in time to explore the beautiful braids and fancy styles of medieval hair. Expert hairstylist Brianna James will lead the way. In this article, we will share her best advice and helpful tips.
Meet The Expert
Brianna James
Brianna is a hairstylist with over 13 years of experience.
You can find her at Gypsy Rose Salon in Round Rock, TX
Medieval Styles for Your Unique Hair
Brianna’s first advice is to consider your hair type. Every hair type matches a different style. If your hair is thin or aging, small braids are a great choice. “A braided crown is a nice option,” Brianna suggests. This style helps your hair appear thicker and fuller.
Curly or wavy hair has a unique texture. You can leave it down and add a braid on top. Or, try pinning your curls up at the back of your head.
What if you have straight hair? “You can keep your hair straight and add braids on top,” she suggests. For a different look, try curling your hair and see how it turns out.
Considerations for Hair Length
Brianna shares how hair length matters. Short bobs look great with messy curls and a flower crown for a fairy-tale style. Longer bobs work well with a loose updo or half braids.
Long hair gives you many style options. You can wear it up or leave it down. However, Brianna notes that very long and thick hair may have trouble keeping curls when worn down.
Medieval Styling Tips
Brianna recommends a few tips for styling your hair. Start with hair that is a little dirty. This helps add texture so your style lasts longer. Before styling, apply dry shampoo or a dry texture spray to prepare your hair.
Before curling your hair, make sure to use heat protection. Pick a curling iron or wand with a medium or large barrel to get loose curls. If you plan to braid your hair, apply a small amount of light pomade or paste first. This helps control flyaway hairs.
For the finishing touch, lightly mist your hair with hairspray or shine spray. You can also wear a flower crown, weave ribbons into your hair, or add hair jewels inspired by medieval styles.