Lessons in Hairdressing -- A Vintage Guide to ...

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Lessons in Hairdressing -- A Vintage Guide to Creating Victorian Hairstyles
by Edwin Creer

{softcover, 129 pages, 5.5x8.5, 2010, ISBN: 1936049430}

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Originally published in 1886, this rare book contains detailed instructions for recreating the twisted, coiled and plaited coiffures of the late Victorian era. The book begins with discussion intended for apprentice hairdressers and then moves into illustrations and instructions for styling the:

- Apollo Bow
- Single Grecian Knot
- Double Grecian Knot
- Greek Bandeaux
- Russian Bandeaux
- French Twist
- Endless Coil

The book focuses heavily on "plaiting" (braiding) the hair which was the base for so many of the intricate hairstyles of the era. The author takes complex-looking hairstyles and unravels their difficulty by describing in detail the over/under technique to use for each plaited style. He assumes the reader knows how to braid, so describes each hairstyle in text form only (no illustrations). 46 different hairstyles using this technique are detailed including:

- Plait of 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13
- Swiss Plait
- Double Grecian
- Grecian
- Circassian
- Victoria
- Russian
- Tyroleun
- Basket Plait
- Open Double Grecian
- Open Swiss Pattern
- Fancy Basket Pattern
- Handsome Double Grecian
- Zephyr
- Fantasie
- Unique
- La Sylphide

(SEE MORE DETAILS BELOW ...)

Details
After learning a number of the plaiting styles, the author gives instruction for making five beautiful coiffures -- Fantasie, Berthe, Maintenon, Fantasie de Soiree, Mariee -- each style includes text instruction with an illustration of the completed style from both the front and back view of the head. Recommended hair ornaments (flowers, foliage, beads, jewels) are described and illustrated with completed hairstyles providing authentic representations of how hair ornaments were worn/placed in the Victorian era. Long hair can be worked in the styles, but guidance is also provided for adding hair pieces and frizzettes (hair combs with false hair pieces) to create fullness and the length needed for the styles.

Although almost all hairstyles during the Victorian era were worn long, the author does describe the rare Titus Coiffure which was a short, curled hairstyle that became popular among some women. He also devotes many pages to describing mens hairstyle fashions of the time.

Bramcost Publications

independent publisher of restored and reissued vintage lifestyle books and patterns

Lessons in Hairdressing -- A Vintage Guide to ...

Details