A Weekend Workshop with
The Historical Hairdresser

October 6 & 7, 2012

Seattle, WA

The Historical Hairdresser (THH) has designed for TV, film, museums, and re-enactors worldwide for more than 20 years. She is a licensed hairdresser, wig master, and costumer. Her  focus is on period hairstyling from 1500-1969.
THH is an award-winning hairstylist and costumer (SASS’s National 2010 Best Dressed).

The Historical Hairdresser spent two days in Seattle teaching historical hairstyling
and how to use hairpieces to create period hair-styles. 

This was an exceptional opportunity to take classes in the Pacific Northwest from a nationally-recognized instructor.

Everyone was so excited!  Most participants had
pre-ordered packages of various hair pieces
from THH and would learn how to use
these pieces during the Workshop.

Traffic was a challenge this day.  Our instructor
and several other participants were running
late due to road closures.  Didn't matter
as we happily chatted with each other
and enjoyed fresh-baked cinnamon rolls!

I see some creative use for these ringlets
come December when SITU
is frequently asked to attend functions
in the community, dressed in
Victorian attire.

**Note:  if you have interest in Victorian dress,
whether a lady or a gentleman,
feel free to contact Lady Victoria
for more information.
(ladyvictoria "at" SITUSeattle.com)

THH shows us how to mount the head stand to the
table's edge.  Each participant could order & purchase
a canvas head & stand in advance of the class.

THH explained how to treat a wig or hairpiece.
She included how to wash, comb out, curl or straighten,
and Bobbie pin the piece to our own heads.

THH showed us how to add pieces
so that by the time a bun is added,
it will all look like it is her own hair!

**Note:  If you have interest in purchasing
any hairpieces or a wig,
you can contact the Historical Hairdresser
directly to discuss what you need.
She can direct you to her website as well.

TheHistoricalHairdresser "at" gmail.com

Someone asked if THH could show us how to create an Edwardian hairstyle.
"Of course!  I'll show you on someone with long hair... How about Miss Pippin as the volunteer?"

The first thing THH did was brush all hair in a perfectly circular way, away from the crown.
Next, she secured a hairpiece which was a long length of hair, approx. 30''
which she had twisted into a cord.  THH mentioned that the hairpiece
could just as easily have been braided instead of corded.

Now THH began "French Ratting" or "teasing" Miss Pippin's hair.  This meant that the hair would be
back combed on only one side of the bunch of hair, thus leaving the underside smooth.
This smooth side would be combed over the ratted hair.

Next THH began tucking the ratted hair over and then behind the coil.

Here was a quick example of how to accomplish this hairstyle.
You will be able to take your time and achieve perfection!

Miss Agnes (below) who has shorter hair than Miss Pippin,
achieved an Edwardian hairstyle by using various hairpieces instead.

Again, a hairstyle put together quickly and easily, provided you have the hairpieces!

We turned our attention next to a participant with shoulder-length hair.
We wanted to see how a hairstyle that was seen on
PBS's "Downton Abbey," could be replicated.

THH began by dividing the hair in three parts.
The hair over the ear was wrapped around two fingers in a loose roll.
This roll was then fastened onto the head with Bobby pins in an "x" fashion
on both openings of the roll.

THH intentionally made the rolls uneven on the head.
The idea is that a woman would wear her hat
"with attitude" and therefore, one side of the roll should be higher.

The back of head hair was divided in two parts;
an upper and a lower section.

On the back of the head, the hair was ratted, leaving the underside smooth.
Then, the hair was rolled over two fingers and secured to the head
fairly high, mid-head, leaving the very top hair loose temporarily.

This time, the UNDER side of the clump of hair is teased,
leaving the top of the clump to be smooth.
(See photo immediately above.)

The hair is secured to the head.  You'll note that the roll is
not as "fat" or "tall" as the lower roll.
Each of these rolls serve very specific functions to support a wide Edwardian hat!

Looks pretty darn good for being a 3-minute hairdo on the fly!

By the end of the class, we felt confident to tackle more styles on our own.

To learn more about this historical costuming group,
please visit our Homepage.  There, you can view more images from Prior Events,
check out what educational opportunities we offer,
and what costumed gatherings we are planning.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

For more information, you may email:
info "at" SITUSeattle.com