Hairstyles took a dramatic turn in the late 1700s when the large powdered constructions fell out of fashion, and smaller styles became all the rage. Ancient Greek and Roman artworks showing elegant chignons, braids and curls were now the blueprint for fashion and defined women’s Regency hairstyles. During the late Regency period, hairstyles became tall and fancy again, with elaborate bows and loops.
The Regency Era
The Regency in the United Kingdom ran from 1811 to 1820 and was a sub-period of the Georgian era (1714-1830).
In 1811, when King George III was deemed unfit to rule due to illness, his son (the Prince Regent) took over. When his father died in 1820, the Prince became King George IV, and the Regency ended.
However, when referencing fashion, the term Regency represents a longer time. Therefore, we consider the Regency era to be 1790-1837.
Influences on Women’s Regency Hairstyles
Greek, Roman & Egyptian Art
Neoclassicism was a key influence on fashion during the early Regency, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman statues and works of art. As a result, women’s Regency hairstyles featured soft chignons, ringlets and curls decorated with headbands and fillets.
There was also a great deal of fascination for ancient Egypt, inspired by the discoveries that accompanied Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt and Syria (1798–1801).
Around 1820, women’s fashion started to change. For example, the Empire Line disappeared as waists moved to a more natural position and skirts widened. Hairstyles also moved with the times, becoming more elaborate with the Apollo Knot and other hairstyles influenced by central Europe via Paris.
French Revolution
Women’s hairstyles had been slowly gravitating towards the more natural styles seen on ancient Greek and Roman statues before the French Revolution (1789–1799) happened.
However, the French Revolution changed things dramatically in Europe. As a result, the fashion for elaborate and complicated hairstyles and wigs was gone. In short, no one wanted to be mistaken for the French aristocracy anymore.
Merveilleuses of Paris
The Merveilleuses were members of a fashionable youth subculture that scandalised Paris during the French Directorate (1795-1799) with flimsy muslin clothing and outlandish behaviour.
Perhaps their socialising, affected mannerisms and risqué clothing were a reaction to the severe and repressed atmosphere of the Revolution. Whatever their motive, they did have a tremendous influence on women’s fashion and were instrumental in popularising the Neoclassical style. It was also an easy look for women of all classes to copy and replicate.
Overall, France continued to be the leader in European fashion during the Regency. For example, British publications such as Ackermann’s Repository and La Belle Assemblée relayed the latest trends, fabrics, colours and styles from France (Paris, in particular).
