Queen Nefertiti's Ancient Egyptian Hairstyles: Timeless Beauty

Welcome to Barbersets.com, your number one source for high-quality barber supplies! While we offer a wide range of modern tools and products, we also appreciate the rich history of barbering and hair styling. In this blog series, we will explore various ancient hairstyles that have stood the test of time and continue to be a source of inspiration for barbers and stylists around the world. Today, let's journey back to ancient Egypt and discover the timeless beauty of Queen Nefertiti's hairstyles.

The Reign of Queen Nefertiti

Queen Nefertiti was an Egyptian queen who lived during the 14th century BC, often referred to as the "Golden Age" of the New Kingdom Period in ancient Egyptian history. She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten and together they ruled over Egypt from 1353 to 1336 BC. Queen Nefertiti was known for her remarkable beauty, and her iconic bust, discovered in 1912, has become a symbol of aesthetic perfection.

As a powerful and influential queen, Nefertiti set trends in fashion, including her extravagant hairstyles that became the epitome of elegance and style for ancient Egyptians. Let's take a closer look at some of the most renowned hairstyles that Queen Nefertiti popularized.

The Nefertiti Crown

The Nefertiti Crown is perhaps one of the most recognizable and iconic hairstyles associated with Queen Nefertiti. It is characterized by a tall, flat-topped headdress with a signature blue striped pattern and a vulture headdress at the front. The crown represents Nefertiti's status as a queen and her divine connections.

Although this hairstyle may seem complex, it actually consisted of a wig made from human hair, animal hair, or plant fibers. The wig was meticulously styled and adorned with various accessories, such as gold diadems and beads, to achieve the desired regal effect.

Interestingly, the Nefertiti Crown was not only a fashionable choice but also served a practical purpose. The headdress provided protection from the scorching Egyptian sun, keeping the queen cool and shielded from its harsh rays.

The Cone-Shaped Hairstyle

Another popular hairstyle attributed to Queen Nefertiti is the cone-shaped hairstyle. This distinctive style features a cone-like structure on top of the head, with neatly arranged curls or locks cascading down the sides.

To create this hairstyle, a base of netting, clay, or beeswax was used to shape the cone structure, which was then adorned with braided or twisted locks. The hair was often scented with perfumed oils and adorned with jeweled hairpins to enhance its beauty further.

This cone-shaped hairstyle was not only a fashion statement but also had symbolic meanings. The cone represented stability and order, while the flowing curls symbolized femininity and sensuality. It was a perfect balance of structure and softness, reflecting the queen's grace and power.

The Nubian-Style Natural Hair

While the royal court of ancient Egypt embraced elaborate wigs and intricate hairstyles, Queen Nefertiti was also known for celebrating her natural hair. She often sported a simple yet striking hairstyle that showcased her natural curls.

This natural hair look was influenced by the Nubian culture, an ancient civilization located in what is now modern-day Sudan. The Nubian-Style Natural Hair was characterized by tightly coiled curls that framed the face, creating a bold and regal aura.

Queen Nefertiti's choice to embrace her natural hair was revolutionary during a time when wigs and elaborate hairstyles were the norm among the elite. Her embrace of her natural beauty set a precedent for future beauty standards, highlighting the versatility and beauty of natural hair.

Conclusion

Queen Nefertiti's ancient Egyptian hairstyles continue to inspire and captivate us to this day. The Nefertiti Crown, cone-shaped hairstyle, and Nubian-Style Natural Hair showcase the creativity, elegance, and innovation of ancient Egyptian beauty practices.

As barbers and stylists, we can draw inspiration from these ancient hairstyles and incorporate elements into our modern haircuts and styling techniques. Whether it's playing with different textures, creating intricate updos, or celebrating natural hair, the legacy of Queen Nefertiti and her hairstyles remind us that beauty truly transcends time.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Ancient Hairstyles series, where we will explore another fascinating chapter in the history of hair and barbering!

Ancient Egyptian Barber Supplies: Tools of the Trade

Now that we’ve learned about the stunning hairstyles of Queen Nefertiti, let’s dive deeper into the world of ancient Egyptian barber supplies. While we may take modern barber tools and products for granted, the barbers of ancient Egypt relied on a variety of unique and innovative tools to create their intricate and elaborate hairstyles. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian barber supplies!

Hair Combs

Hair combs were essential tools for ancient Egyptian barbers. These combs were typically made from materials like bone, ivory, or wood and varied in size and shape. Barbers used combs with wide-spaced teeth to detangle and smooth the hair before styling or cutting. The narrow-spaced teeth were used for creating intricate and precise designs in the hair.

Interestingly, hair combs were not only practical tools but also symbols of status and wealth. Elaborately decorated and jeweled hair combs were often used by the wealthy and elite, showcasing their social standing and taste for luxury.

Clay and Beeswax

Ancient Egyptian barbers used clay or beeswax to shape and create the cone-shaped hairstyles that were popular during the time of Queen Nefertiti. They would mold the clay or beeswax into a cone-like structure and attach it to the hair using pins or other fasteners.

Clay was readily available and easily malleable, making it a versatile material for hairstyling. Beeswax, on the other hand, provided a more pliable and flexible option, allowing barbers to create more intricate and detailed hairstyles.

Perfumed Oils

Ancient Egyptians were known for their love of fragrances, and this included their hairstyling practices. Barbers would often scent the hair with perfumed oils to enhance its beauty and leave a pleasant aroma.

The perfumed oils were made from a variety of natural materials, including flowers, herbs, and spices. These oils not only provided a pleasing scent but also had moisturizing properties, leaving the hair soft and shiny.

Hairpins and Accessories

Just like today, ancient Egyptian barbers used various accessories to embellish and adorn the hair. Hairpins made from materials like bone, ivory, or metal were used to secure the hair in place and add decorative elements.

Barbers would also incorporate beads, jewels, and gold diadems into the hairstyles to add a touch of extravagance and luxury. These accessories not only enhanced the overall look but also served as symbols of wealth and status.

Wigs and Hair Extensions

Wigs were an essential part of ancient Egyptian hairstyling, both for men and women. Wigs were made from human hair, animal hair, or plant fibers and were used to create elaborate and voluminous hairstyles that were impossible to achieve with natural hair alone.

Ancient Egyptians also used hair extensions to add length and fullness to the hair. Hair extensions were created by attaching additional strands of hair to the existing natural hair using various methods such as braiding, weaving, or gluing.

Red Ochre

Red ochre, a natural clay pigment, was commonly used by ancient Egyptian barbers to dye the hair and create different shades and colors. The hair would be treated with red ochre paste, which would give it a vibrant red or orange hue.

Dyeing the hair was not only a fashion statement but also had cultural and religious significance. Red was associated with vitality, life, and protection against evil spirits, making it a popular choice among ancient Egyptians.

Conclusion

The barbers of ancient Egypt were true artists, using a variety of barber supplies to create stunning and intricate hairstyles that symbolized beauty, status, and cultural significance. Hair combs, clay, beeswax, perfumed oils, hairpins, wigs, hair extensions, and red ochre were just a few of the tools and materials they used to bring their creative visions to life.

While modern barber supplies have evolved and become more advanced, it's fascinating to learn about the ingenuity and artistry of our ancient predecessors. These ancient Egyptian barber supplies remind us that hairstyling is not just about cutting and shaping hair; it's a form of self-expression, cultural identity, and an art form that has transcended time.

At Barbersets.com, we are proud to carry on the rich legacy of barbering and provide high-quality barber supplies to barbers and stylists around the world. Whether you're creating trendy and modern hairstyles or drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian traditions, we have the tools and products you need to bring your creative visions to life.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Ancient Hairstyles series, where we will explore another fascinating chapter in the history of hair and barbering!