Is it time to style your hair like in the Middle Ages

Let's forget the dark times of feudalism, religious crusades, civil conflicts, and the Black Plague. The Middle Ages of 2025 prefers not to dwell on the negative aspects of the 14th century but instead focuses on a romantic world filled with courtly love, ladies and knights, kings and queens, dragons and magical swords, fairies and powerful witches, elves and minstrels. It is an alternative and fascinating universe born from the fusion of Weird Girl and Medieval, where real history does not matter much and blends with fantasy and the cinematic imagery of The Lord of the Rings, The House of the Dragon, and Ladyhawke, all seasoned with a touch of witchy and girlcore mood. Some call this aesthetic Medieval Weird Core, while others refer to it as Weirdeval, but it always translates into a renewed interest in shining armor, chainmail, cloaks, hoods, bonnets, tunics, corsets, tights, and earthy tones, alternated with metallic shades like gold and silver.

From the Runway to Pop Culture: The Revival of Medieval Fashion

Medieval fashion has always felt the allure of epic tales and armor, bringing young maidens reminiscent of Joan of Arc, warriors, and elegant ladies onto the runway multiple times. Some examples? The FW1998 Haute Couture by Dior, FW10 and FW13 by Alexander McQueen, Pre-Fall 2013 by Chanel, FW14 by Dolce & Gabbana, SS15 by Valentino, and FW20 by Vivienne Westwood. More recently, Balenciaga showcased its three-dimensional armor, Ann Demeulemeester brought gothic influences, while McQueen and Dior revived Scottish queens, Di Petsa created nymph-like designs, and Dilara Findikoglu imagined provocative rebels. Fashion calls, and celebrities like Zendaya (remember her Versace outfit at the 2018 Met Gala?) and Chappell Roan answer. The singer made an unforgettable appearance at the 2024 VMAs, opting for a medieval-style look from FW24 by Y/Project: a royal pistachio velvet coat, a sheer burgundy dress, thigh-high iron boots, and even a sword, which she later swapped for a chainmail ensemble from SS24 by Rabanne during her performance of Good Luck Babe.

Medieval Beauty: Between Historical Queens and Fantasy Icons

The beauty world also draws from the Middle Ages, borrowing hairstyles and accessories from queens and princesses. It looks to historical figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella of France, and Margaret of Anjou, blending them with fictional and cinematic characters like Rhaenyra Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and Lagertha. Another inspiration is Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu. Although the film is set in 1830s Germany (about 300 years after the end of the Middle Ages), thus at the dawn of the Victorian era, some of its looks and press tour aesthetics align with the medieval aesthetic. Think about it: gloomy castles, infernal demons, damsels in distress, headpieces, braided hair, melancholy, and darkness. Definitely a vibe from the dark ages.

Hair in the Middle Ages: A Symbol of Beauty, Status, and Modesty

What fascinates the most are hairstyles. In the Middle Ages, as in every era, hair was considered an expression of feminine beauty. The way it was styled was linked to social status and influenced by both practical reasons and the Church, which required women to cover their hair as a sign of modesty. Every proper and God-fearing woman in England, France, and much of Europe took great care to conceal her hair in public with veils, nets, and other headpieces. One of the most popular accessories was the hennin, a tall, pointed cone made of cardboard or starched fabric, from which a light and transparent veil flowed down the face and shoulders. Think of fairy tale fairies or Chappell Roan at the 2025 Grammys.

Medieval Haircare

Long, flowing hair was reserved for unmarried women and the lower classes. Noblewomen and married women would braid their long locks into elaborate hairstyles, adorned with jewelry and ribbons. Remember, shampoo was only invented in 1930, so before then, hair was not washed regularly, and when it was, only water or a mixture of ash and lye was used. To keep hair clean, people relied on combs, brushes, headpieces, and styling techniques. Long hair was braided and pinned up to prevent tangling or breakage. This is why braids and intricate chignons were so popular.

The Medieval Hairstyle Trending on TikTok

Medieval women often opted for double braids, one on each side of the head, twisted and pinned above the ears. Florence Rose explains how to recreate this style in a viral TikTok video, where medieval-inspired hairstyles are having a moment. Rose starts by dividing the hair into two evenly brushed sections, creating two reversed ponytails that she then braids tightly. Once finished, she wraps each braid backward and secures them to the sides of her head.

How to Create the Braided Crown and Other Weirdeval Ideas

Another beloved look is the braided crown. Florence Rose demonstrates how to achieve it, complete with a decorative mini braid, while Karissa Love incorporates a girly ribbon into the hairstyle. Simply divide the hair into two sections, braid them, and lift them, securing them at the top of the head with pins to form a crown-like frame. You can also opt to gather only some strands and leave others loose, slightly wavy, creating a half-up, half-down look.

Green light also for French braids, fishtail braids, free and wild hair with soft waves interwoven with ultra-thin braids. TikTok is full of content explaining how to create all kinds of medieval hair. Those who want to fully embrace the Weirdeval mood should also consider accessories like a spiral hair tie (great for adding a twist to a simple ponytail), ribbons, hair jewels, bonnets, crowns, chainmail headpieces, leaf- or sword-shaped clips. A bit queen, a bit warrior, a bit fairy, and a bit witch.