BUNS AND PLAITS- RESEARCH

After learning the basic techniques of plaits and buns I then wanted to research how these styles were used in both traditional and contemporary forms. At the end of the project we are to combine the two to be able to create an inspired modern version. Therefore I have researched them both separately to see the differences.


Historic plaits and buns 

Although these aren't all historic images they are images of hair that was deeply inspired by the Elizabethan Era. Portraits are really hard to see all the details therefore its great that people have recreated hairstyles so that you can see all of the tiny details and design work of the hair back then. In the actual portraits you can see she has small plaits entwining her bun at the back and her hair is rolled at the front to create a plait-like shape. In the other images you can see the work that really went into the plaits and twists, with jewels in between them and lace threaded through they are truly beautiful hairstyles that definitely represent royalty and wealth.

Modern Buns and Plaits 

Buns and Plaits are used all the time in the modern era. Intricate plaits are associated with bridal hair like the first pictures, they also include buns made up of curls and plaits weaved through. I think its really that plaits were created so long ago and are still used in this day. I love the form of plaiting used in the image on the right which is called weaving, I think this would have suited the Elizabethan hair. Braiding is used often in modern day use especially for African american people to keep their frizzy Afro hair tamed. I'm not sure if Elizabethans used braiding similar but it would of been a good idea to use it before put their large wigs on to keep their hair back and neat.