Who were Anglo-Saxons?
The Anglo-Saxons were a group of tribes who settled in England between the 5th and 11th centuries. They were mainly made up of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who came from present-day Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. After the fall of Roman Britain, these tribes migrated and established several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, and North Umbria.
Anglo-Saxon society was based on farming, warfare, and strong community ties. They spoke Old English, which later evolved into modern English. Their culture was deeply influenced by both pagan traditions and, later, Christianity, which spread widely after St. Augustine’s mission in 597 AD.
They were skilled warriors, craftsmen, and poets, known for works like Beowulf. Their hairstyles, clothing, and jewelry reflected their status and role in society. The Anglo-Saxon period ended in 1066 after the Norman Conquest, but their influence remains in English culture, language, and traditions today.
Did Saxons have short hair?
Yes, Saxons typically had short hair, especially men, but styles varied based on status and time period. Early Anglo-Saxon men often wore their hair short at the back and sides, while noblemen and warriors sometimes grew their hair longer to showcase rank or strength. Some historical sources mention that Saxon warriors kept their hair trimmed and neat, possibly to avoid giving enemies an advantage in battle.
However, during later periods, some Anglo-Saxon men, particularly nobility, grew longer hair and beards as a sign of power and distinction. Women, on the other hand, usually had long hair, often braided or covered with headscarves.
Anglo-Saxon hairstyles for men
Anglo-Saxon men styled their hair based on social status, profession, and personal preference. While warriors and commoners kept their hair practical and tidy, nobles often had more elaborate styles. Here are the most common Anglo-Saxon hairstyles for men:
Short and Cropped
Many Anglo-Saxon men, especially warriors and laborers, wore their hair short at the back and sides, sometimes with a slightly longer top. This practical style kept hair out of the way during battle or work.
Shoulder-Length Hair
Some noblemen and high-ranking warriors let their hair grow to shoulder-length, often parted in the middle. This style symbolized power and was sometimes worn with braids or decorative bands.
Bowl Cut
A popular style among both commoners and clergy, the bowl cut featured hair trimmed evenly around the head. It was a simple, easy-to-maintain look that fit both practicality and religious customs.
Beards and Mustaches
Facial hair played a significant role in Anglo-Saxon men’s appearance. Many men had thick beards or long mustaches, which were seen as a sign of masculinity and status. Some warriors styled their mustaches long and curved, while others kept neatly trimmed beards.
Anglo-Saxon hairstyles for females
Anglo-Saxon women typically wore their hair long, as it was associated with femininity, beauty, and status. Their hairstyles were often practical yet elegant, reflecting their role in society. Here are some of the most common Anglo-Saxon hairstyles for females:
Long and Loose (For Unmarried Women)
Young, unmarried women often wore their hair loose or lightly waved, sometimes parted in the middle. This symbolized youth and purity, though it was mostly worn this way in private rather than in public.
Braided Styles
Braids were one of the most popular hairstyles among Anglo-Saxon women. Many wore single or double braids, either down their back or wrapped around their heads. More intricate braiding patterns were common among noblewomen.
Twisted or Knotted Updos
Married women and high-status ladies often styled their hair in twisted buns or knotted updos, usually secured with pins, ribbons, or decorative bands. This was both a practical and symbolic style, representing maturity and respectability.
Head Coverings and Veils
It was common for women, especially married ones, to cover their hair with veils, wimples, or headscarves. This was both a cultural and religious practice, showing modesty and status. The coverings were often decorated with embroidery or metalwork for noblewomen.
Most common Anglo-Saxon hair colors
The most common Anglo-Saxon hair colors were shades of blonde, light brown, and red, though darker hair tones also existed. Since the Anglo-Saxons descended from Germanic tribes, blonde and light brown hair were especially prevalent, particularly in areas with strong Angle and Saxon influence.
Red hair was less common but still present, especially among those with Celtic ancestry. Darker brown and black hair were rarer but not unheard of, particularly in regions with mixed heritage.
Historical sources and archaeological findings suggest that Anglo-Saxons valued lighter hair colors. Some may have even used natural methods, like washing hair with herbs or sun exposure, to lighten their hair.
What hairstyle did Vikings wear?
Vikings, like the Anglo-Saxons, had a variety of hairstyles that reflected their status, role in society, and personal preference. Their hairstyles were often practical for battle but could also be intricately styled to show wealth and power. Here are some of the most common Viking hairstyles:
Long Hair (For High-Status Men and Warriors)
Many Viking men, especially warriors and noblemen, wore their hair long and well-groomed. Long hair was seen as a sign of strength and was sometimes braided or tied back to keep it manageable during combat.
Shaved or Partially Shaved Styles
Some Viking warriors shaved parts of their heads, especially the sides or back, while leaving the top long. This style was both intimidating in battle and a sign of warrior status.
Braided Hair
Braiding was common among Viking men and women. Warriors often wore small braids in their beards or hair, sometimes combined with beads or leather straps for decoration.
Loose Waves and Shoulder-Length Cuts
Many Viking men, particularly farmers and traders, kept their hair shoulder-length and naturally wavy, a practical yet stylish choice for daily life.
How did the Viking invasion influence the hairstyles Anglo-Saxons used?
The Viking invasion of England (8th–11th centuries) not only shaped politics and culture but also influenced Anglo-Saxon hairstyles. As the two groups interacted—through trade, conflict, and settlement—Anglo-Saxon men and women adopted certain Viking hairstyling elements, blending them with their own traditions.
Influence on Anglo-Saxon Men’s Hairstyles
Longer Hair for Warriors – Before Viking influence, many Anglo-Saxon men kept their hair short for practicality. However, after exposure to Viking styles, some warriors and noblemen grew their hair longer, often tying it back or braiding it to reflect strength and prestige.
Shaved and Undercut Styles – While not widespread, some Anglo-Saxon men—especially those in Danelaw regions (Viking-controlled areas)—experimented with shaved sides or undercut styles, similar to Viking warriors.
Braided Beards and Hair – Inspired by Vikings, some Anglo-Saxon men started braiding sections of their hair and beards, sometimes incorporating beads or leather bands.
Influence on Anglo-Saxon Women’s Hairstyles
More Decorative Braiding – Anglo-Saxon women already favored braids, but Viking influence introduced more intricate, multi-strand braiding techniques, often seen in Norse women’s styles.
Use of Metal Hair Accessories – Inspired by Viking jewelry, Anglo-Saxon women in Viking-settled areas began using metal hairpins and brooches to secure their hairstyles.
