8 Timeless Renaissance Hairstyles For Every Occasion

Create a fashion statement with a classic Renaissance hairstyle and mesmerize everyone.

Reviewed by Jessica Shults, Licensed Hairstylist Jessica Shults Jessica ShultsLicensed Hairstylist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA Gracia Odile MA linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

During the renaissance age – hairstyling was a big thing. Flowy tresses embellished with intricate braids were the signature looks of the time. Renaissance hairstyles can be summed up in two words ‘elegant’ and ‘artistic’. The dignified hairstyles take you back to medieval times, and surround you with a princess aura. They are truly timeless and their ethereal beauty has captivated the hearts of women over the centuries. From elaborate braids to intricate buns decorated with dainty jewels or flowers, there are many styles that represent Renaissance fashion. Women don them today occasionally on proms, weddings, and even at Renaissance events. We have listed 8 sophisticated yet glamorous hairstyles in this article. Check out the styles and pick your favorite.

Top 8 Renaissance Hairstyles

From messy braided buns and twisted updos to loose curls with head accessories – we have curated a wide variety of Renaissance styles. Scroll down to learn more about the styles and how to enhance them.

1. Renaissance Faire Hairstyle

A woman with a milkmaid braid hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This elaborate hairstyle, paired with a heavy gown, looks ethereal and can make you stand out at a Renaissance-themed party or Faire. The style features an intricate milkmaid braid done around the head. It looks classy and elegant at the same time. It would also be practical for running errands during the Renaissance period. Knot the braids tightly to create a clean look and spray some hairspray at the end to keep the flyaways in place.

2. Short Hair Renaissance Hairstyle

Short Hair Renaissance Hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This chic Renaissance hairstyle is easy to create. The messy puff at the top, accented with a regular braid around looks delicate yet stunning. It almost acts like a crown and adds a royal vibe to the look. The uneven bangs look modern and keep the hairstyle from looking too ancient. This hairstyle best complements a soft makeup look and brings out a cutesy aura.

3. Renaissance Festival Hairstyle

A woman with a wavy hairstyle and side braids
Image: Shutterstock

This one is a blend of a few styles. The thick side fishtail braids from both sides encircle a beautiful hair puff at the crown. The long, wavy hair falling below looks luscious. This hairstyle is for indoor events, like a ball or even a fairytale-themed event. The best way to accessorize this hairdo is with flowers at the back near the meeting points of the two braids.

4. Renaissance Peasant Hairstyle

Renaissance Peasant Hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

If you are reclaiming the simple, perceived ‘mundane’ lifestyle of the olden days while embracing your natural beauty, this hairdo can be ideal for your everyday looks. This long hairstyle, adorned with two delicate Dutch braids merging at the center, is sure to titillate even an onlooker to grab a wicker basket and set out to forage. To create this look, start loosely braiding your hair on either side from the front. Secure both the braids at the back with an elastic band. Accessorize with wildflowers when you feel fancy.

5. Historical Renaissance Hairstyle

Historical Renaissance Hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

This polished hair look combined two styles – a milkmaid braid and a bun. The braids sit atop the crown creating the illusion of a tiara, while the messy bun at the back offers a refined look. This style is perfect if you want to give a stylish twist to your formal attire. Glam up the look with a silver flower pin or a sparkly bow pin at the back center of the bun.

6. Renaissance Hairstyles For Medium Hair

Renaissance Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Image: Shutterstock

If you wanna feel like a lady from the Renaissance period but don’t want it becoming your identifying feature, try this minimalistic bubble braid. It shows that you are a modern woman who also admires the fashion of the past. You can easily get this look with your natural hair color but if you want more focus on your braid, try highlights of lighter shades for the braid.

7. Renaissance Hairstyle For Long Hair

Renaissance Hairstyle For Long Hair
Image: Shutterstock

This long hairstyle with three braided patterns at the back has pure medieval aesthetics. The wide fishtail braid at the center, along with two messy twists on the sides looks breathtakingly beautiful. This leisurely hairdo will look the best on wavy hair. Leave the puff at the crown messy for a street look or polished if you are going for princessy looks.

8. Easy Renaissance Hairstyle For Short Hair

Easy Renaissance Hairstyle For Short Hair
Image: Shutterstock

For a quick and effortless Renaissance look, check out this hairstyle. It has loose hair adorned with nothing but a wreath, reminiscent of Greek gods and goddesses. It exudes power and romance. Plain flowy dresses, preferably in the shade of white will look amazing with this hairstyle. You may keep your hair on the crown area slightly messy to achieve a free-spirited look.

Jessica Shults, a licensed hairstylist with 20 years of experience, suggests, “Recreate these Renaissance looks with a modern twist. Start by prepping the hair with volumizing products to add body and texture, creating a solid base for styling. For intricate braids or buns, use a light-hold hairspray to keep strands in place while allowing for movement and natural finish. Use hair accessories like pearl pins, floral clips, or jeweled headbands to bring an authentic touch. Apply setting sprays and shine serum to achieve a polished look. These simple steps can transform an everyday hairstyle into a modern day princess look.”

If you want to embrace the princess in you, put on a Renaissance hairstyle and you will be good to go. These delicate-looking styles were a common fashion during the 14th to 17th centuries. Women either braided their hair intricately or embraced complex updos to look sophisticated back in the day. They were also a symbol of their social standings. Today, even amidst so many hairstyles and fashions, these traditional styles have not lost their charm. So, when you are feeling like dressing up or attending a traditional wedding, these timeless hairstyles will help you pull a striking look. Scroll up and gain inspiration.

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Jessica Shults
Jessica ShultsLicensed Hairstylist
Jessica is an expert hairstylist with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in all areas of hair color and is exceptionally skilled at balayage and best-in-class gray blending techniques. After two decades of hairstyling, she launched Twisted Scissors Salon, a full-service hair salon.

Read full bio of Jessica Shults
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Gracia Odile
Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

Read full bio of Gracia Odile
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