Early victorian hair research

In the early 1830's which was considered as 'early victorian era' hair styles were extremely different to what was considered 'ok' in society towards the end of the victorian era. As in most era's hairstyles change depending on the decade, because of events going on in the world, fashion of the time, what is considered to look appealing to others and role models of the time.

All victorian girls and women had extremely long hair as they never cut it and just let it grow as long as they could. The longer the hair the better because the longer the plaits could be meaning they could do more with their hair. Long, flowing hair was only acceptable in girlhood, long hair was not considered acceptable to wear when you were older. Long hair was sexualised and considered to 'set the male heart fluttering' and was considered sexy to watch a lady let their hair down or put their hair up.

Early victorian hair consisted of a lot of plaits, buns and ringlets. Pre civil war it was popular to have ringlets at the front of the head to frame the face with a bun at the back of the head and also to have the plaits at the front of the head, looping underneath the ear and pinning to the bun. This was a popular hairstyle to women as they wore a lot of bonnets and this was the hairstyle that fitted underneath the bonnet but you could also see either the ringlets, sausage curls or plaits at the front out of the bonnet. The neater the hair and the different kind of hair pieces added depended on your wealth and social class.

Victorian men:

There isn't much to comment on about men's hairstyles in the early victorian era. The more elaborate and interesting men's hairstyles came in the late victorian era.

In the 1830's it was popular for men to wear a top hat, so their hairstyle replicated the fashion at the time. It was still popular to have large waves/curls in the hair similar to hairstyles in the 18th century. Men had a lot of curls and volume on top of their head with very slick sides with some facial hair so that their top hat could sit on their head and not affect their hairstyle so when they removed it their hair was still in place.
Side partings were in fashion whether you were having a voluminous hairstyle for under a top hat or just slicking down the hair. Generally mens hair was fairly short which made a change from the 18th century hairstyles.

References:
1. Thomas, P. (2006) Early Victorian Hairstyles and hats 1840-70. Available at: http://www.fashion-era.com/hair_hats_184070.htm (Accessed: 13 February 2016).
2. Harris, K. (2015) Victorian Hairstyles: A short history, in photos. Available at: http://www.whizzpast.com/victorian-hairstyles-a-short-history-in-photos/ (Accessed: 13 February 2016).
3. Chertsey museum (no date) Available at: http://chertseymuseum.org/hair (Accessed: 13 February 2016).
4. Bryer, R. (2000) The history of hair: Fashion and fantasy down the ages. London: Distributed in the USA and Canada by Antique Collectors’ Club.
5. 1837-1865 Hairstyles, ladies (early Victorian/civil war) (2012) Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com/furrypetals/1837-1865-hairstyles-ladies-early-victoriancivil-w/ (Accessed: 13 February 2016).