Edwardian Updo

There is something charming about a hairstyle that looks effortless while actually taking considerable skill to create. This early 1910s updo is a perfect example of that contradiction, and it is a style that rewards attention from every angle. At first glance, the hair appears to have been gathered loosely and pinned near the crown, but look a little closer and you will notice the care that went into each and every curl.

The warm brown hair has been divided into sections, each one carefully rolled into a rounded curl before being tucked and pinned into place. The overall shape is full and rounded at the top of the head, tapering softly toward the nape of the neck, which creates a silhouette that was considered the height of elegance during this period.

What makes this hairstyle particularly lovely is its texture. Rather than being smooth or overly controlled, the curls have a natural, lived-in appeal. They are full and catch the light in a way that gives the hair a beautiful depth. The natural chestnut highlights running through the darker base color add even more warmth and dimension.

The side view reveals just how neatly everything has been pinned into place. The hair sits close to the head at the back and sides, with the volume concentrated at the top. This was a deliberate design choice during the Edwardian era. Women wanted height at the crown, which was seen as both regal and fashionable.

The neckline is left clean and exposed, meant to pair with the high-collared lace blouses that were so popular at the time. The woman in the portrait is dressed in exactly such a blouse: a delicate cream garment with intricate lace detailing at the collar and chest. The simplicity of the hairstyle - despite its complexity in execution - allows the softness of the blouse to shine through.

This hairstyle is feminine and graceful, and yet there is something confident about it as well. It does not rely on any accessories or ornaments. The hair itself is the star, and it more than earns that spotlight.

For anyone looking to recreate this look, the key is in the setting of the curls. Whether done with rollers or a curling iron, each section needs to be thoroughly set and allowed to cool completely before being arranged. A light-hold finishing product will help keep everything in place without flattening the curl's shape.

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See also: Vintage Hair