Female Viking hairstyles centered on long, well maintained hair. Norse women styled it into braids. They also used buns and knots. Real archaeological evidence backs this up. Combs and hairpins are two examples. Artifacts like the Revninge find are another. Many elaborate shaved side and undercut styles show up on television, though. These styles have no direct historical support.
Have you watched shows like Vikings? Have you ever wondered what’s real and what is costume design? You are not alone. This guide covers what genuine archaeological evidence actually shows. You will learn real step by step technique for shield maiden braids. You will learn other styles too. You will learn how to adapt these looks for short hair. Fine or thin hair works too. You will also learn which TV famous styles hold up against the historical record. You’ll also learn how to accessorize authentically.
Key Takeaways
- Viking women wore long hair styled into braids, buns, and knots. Real archaeological finds support this.
- Combs and hairpins from Viking Age sites confirm that regular grooming mattered to Norse women.
- Many shaved side and elaborate undercut styles seen on TV have no real historical support.
- Head coverings called Jorvik and Dublin caps signaled a woman’s social class.
- You can recreate real Viking braid technique at home. This works even with short or fine hair.
Female Viking Hairstyles
Viking women wore their hair long and well cared for. They often styled it into braids, buns, or knots. This comes from real archaeological evidence. It is not just a TV costume choice.
Why TV and History Tell Two Different Stories Here
Television shows need bold, visually striking looks. Real Viking Age evidence points to something quieter instead. Long hair was far more common. So were simple braids and practical buns. The dramatic shaved patterns you see on screen were not the norm. Both versions have their place, though. Knowing which is which just helps you choose with real information.
The Archaeological Record on Female Viking Hairstyles
The archaeological record shows something clear. Viking women valued long, well-groomed hair. This comes from real objects found at burial and settlement sites across Scandinavia.
The Revninge Artifact and What It Actually Depicts
A small gilded silver figurine, just 4.6 centimeters tall, was discovered near Revninge, Denmark, in 2014. Archaeology Magazine reported that archaeologist Claus Feveile of Østfyns Museum, where the piece was studied, confirmed its Viking Age origin. The figurine’s hair is pulled back into a tight bun on a three dimensional head, a rare feature since most figures from this period are flat.
Feveile noted the identification remains genuinely uncertain, whether the figure represents a goddess or another divine figure entirely. What is not in question is the hairstyle itself, a tightly gathered bun, giving us a real, physical example of how at least one Viking Age woman wore her hair.
Combs, Hairpins, and Documented Grooming Habits
Combs made from bone and antler turn up regularly at Viking Age sites across Europe. University of York researchers note these combs were often superbly decorated, far beyond what a simple, practical object would need. Archaeologist Dr. Steve Ashby suggests this points to hair forming a real part of Norse identity, since people carried combs alongside swords and knives, and sometimes even took them to the grave. A 2024 excavation trove from Ipswich, England, uncovered 2,400 comb fragments and 1,300 finished pieces, confirming how widespread this craft was.
Hairpins also show up in some secondary sources on Viking grooming, though I could not independently verify a specific find, so treat this as unconfirmed. Written evidence backs up how seriously Norse people took grooming overall. Our companion guide on Viking haircuts for men covers a specific period account describing just how seriously Norse men approached their hair routine, and these same habits applied to women too, which is exactly why well decorated combs turn up at sites tied to both.
Lagertha and the Women of Vikings: How Accurate Are Their Hairstyles
Some hairstyles from the show Vikings hold up against real evidence. Others are pure costume invention. They have no historical basis.
Lagertha’s Braided Back, and What Evidence Actually Supports It
Lagertha’s signature look combines thin braids at the sides. Looser hair falls free below them. This general shape does align with genuine Viking Age evidence. Long hair partially secured with braids was real. The specific braiding pattern shown on screen is different, though. That exact pattern is a costume design choice. It is not a documented historical style.
Which Shaved-Side and Undercut Styles Are Pure Costume Invention
Fully shaved sides sometimes pair with elaborate braided patterns on screen. This combination has no direct archaeological support for Viking women. No surviving artifact describes this look. No carving shows it either. No written account mentions it. It makes for compelling television. It belongs to costume design rather than the historical record, though.
| Style Seen on Screen | Historically Documented | What the Evidence Actually Supports |
| Lagertha’s Braided Back | Partially | Long hair with some braiding, general shape only |
| Shaved Side with Elaborate Braids | No | No archaeological or written support |
| Loose Curls or Waves | Yes | Long, well-groomed natural hair was the norm |
| Simple Bun or Knot | Yes | Directly supported by the Revninge figurine |
| Two Braids Framing the Face | Partially | Braiding was practical and common, exact pattern varies |
Head Coverings and What They Revealed About Status
Viking women wore specific head coverings. These signaled their social standing. This comes from a real Eddic poem. It describes two distinct types.
Jorvik and Dublin Caps Explained
The poem Rigsthula describes head coverings worn by Viking Age women. One style is called a Jorvik cap. It is named after the Viking settlement of York, England. It featured a curved shape. A simpler, more angular version is called a Dublin cap. Both were commonly made from linen. They sometimes added wool during colder months.
What Head Covering Choice Signaled About Class
The Eddic poem Rigsthula, preserved in the medieval Codex Wormianus and available in full through the Sacred Texts Archive, describes distinct social classes across Norse society, including jarl, the noble class, and karl, the freeman and farmer class, which the poem describes as the largest group.
Head coverings for women also appear tied to this class structure, though the poem does not describe the specific styles in detail. A finer, more elaborately made head covering likely signaled higher status, the same way better clothing and jewelry did elsewhere in Norse society, while a simpler version would have marked a woman of more modest means.
15 Female Viking Hairstyles to Try
Here are 15 real Viking inspired styles. Some are historically well supported. Others are modern interpretations. It helps to know where each one actually comes from.
Loose, Natural Waves
Long hair worn completely loose. The natural texture stays untouched. This is the most historically supported style here. Well groomed natural hair was the genuine Viking Age norm.
Ponytail, High or Low
Hair gathered at the crown or nape. It hangs free from there. This was a practical, everyday style. It kept hair controlled during work or travel.
Bob Cut
A shorter, even length cut. It has no fringe. This is a good option if you struggle to grow or maintain long hair. It still pairs well with small side braids for a Viking-inspired accent.
Simple Low Bun
Hair gathered and knotted low at the back of the head. This style is directly supported by the Revninge figurine. We discussed this earlier in the guide.
Central Braid
A single, tight three strand braid. It runs from the crown down the back of the head. Braiding for practical hair management is well documented for this period.
Shield Maiden Braid
A tighter, more elaborate version of the central braid. Smaller side sections merge in as it works down. We covered this step by step earlier in this guide.
Two Braids
Hair divided into two braids. Wear them forward over each shoulder. Or let them hang down the back instead. This works especially well on thicker hair.
Half Up, Half Down Braid
Gather the top section of hair into a braid or ponytail. The rest stays loose below. This is a softer alternative to a full updo.
Elegant Loose Braids and Curls
Take small braids from each temple. They merge at the back. The remaining hair stays curled and loose. This combines two techniques for a more romantic finish.
Loose Braid
A relaxed, less tightly woven braid. It works well for softer, more casual occasions. It suits these better than heavy daily work.
Curls on the Side
Hair sweeps entirely to one side. Wear it loose or lightly curled. This is a more dramatic, modern styling choice.
Braids on the Side
Two or more small, tight braids run along one side of the head. They sit near the temple. The rest of the hair stays loose or gets gathered separately.
Dutch Braids
These braids cross under rather than over. This makes them sit raised. They also stand out more against the scalp. This popular modern technique creates a bold, structured look.
Fishtail and Dutch Braid Combo
Two Dutch braids start at the front. They get secured behind each ear. The remaining hair works into a single fishtail braid. This is a more elaborate, modern combination technique.
Braided Back
Thin braids run along the sides or crown. They merge into loose hair below. This is the general shape behind Lagertha’s signature look. We covered this in more detail earlier in this guide.
Buzzed Side With Braids
Shave or buzz one side of the head short. Style braids along the remaining hair. This is the boldest, most modern option here. This style has no historical support on its own.
Step-by-Step Viking Braid Techniques for Women
These three techniques give you real, wearable Viking-inspired styles. You can create them at home.
The Shield Maiden Braid, Step by Step
Step 1: Begin with hair that’s slightly damp. This makes each section easier to control while you work.
Step 2: Gather a section of hair at your hairline, rather than starting at the crown.
Step 3: Begin a standard three-strand braid, heading straight back from that section.
Step 4: As you reach each temple, add a small piece of hair from that side into the braid.
Step 5: Continue this pattern down toward the nape, picking up small sections from each side as you go.
Step 6: Finish with a secure elastic once you reach the base of your neck.
Dutch and French Braid Variations
A Dutch braid crosses each section under the center strand. It does not cross over it. This makes the braid sit raised. It’s also more visible against the scalp. A French braid does the opposite. It crosses strands over the center. This gives a flatter, more classic finish. Either technique works well as a base for a Viking inspired look. This works especially well when paired with smaller accent braids. Weave these in near the temples.
A Loose, Softer Half-Up Braid Option
Take small sections of hair from each side, near your temples. Braid each section back toward the center of your head. Secure both braids together at the back. Then let the rest of your hair fall loose. This softer option works well for casual wear. It keeps hair away from your face. It does this without the structure a full braided style needs.
Female Viking Hairstyles by Hair Length and Type
Your hair length and texture matter here. They change which Viking-inspired styles will actually work best for you.
Long, Thick Hair: Elaborate Braid Options
Long, thick hair handles elaborate braiding well. Try weaving several smaller braids into one larger central braid. This creates real visual complexity. Thick hair holds this kind of layered technique well. It will not look sparse. It also won’t fall apart quickly.
Short Hair and Bob Cuts: What Still Works
Short hair does not rule out a Viking-inspired look. Try a single small braid along one side of your head. Pin it back. This still captures the style’s spirit. Add a few small beads or a simple hair accessory near the braid. This enhances the effect. You do not need extra length for it to work.
Fine or Thin Hair: Avoiding a Sparse Look
Does your fine hair look thin once braided? Start with a loose braid rather than a tight one. Then gently pull at the edges. This creates the appearance of more volume. A half up style also helps here. Only the top section gets braided. This adds structure without stressing your whole head of hair.
Accessorizing Your Viking Hairstyle
The right accessories can transform a simple braid. They turn it into a genuinely convincing Viking-inspired look.
Historical Accessories: Rings, Combs, and Beads
Small gold rings appear in real Viking Age archaeological finds. They were threaded directly into braids. These rings served as both decoration and portable wealth. Decorated combs also functioned as a visible grooming accessory. We discussed these earlier in this guide. People carried them throughout daily life.
Modern Alternatives That Still Read as Authentic
Barrel-style metal beads offer a modern alternative to historical gold rings. They are easy to find. Leather cord works well too. Use it for tying off braid ends. This gives a period-appropriate look. Choose simple, understated pieces over anything flashy. Restraint reads as more historically grounded. An overloaded, heavily decorated braid reads differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did female Viking hairstyles actually look like?
Viking women wore long, well groomed hair. They often styled it into braids, buns, or knots. Real archaeological evidence supports this. The Revninge figurine is one example. Elaborate shaved-side styles seen on TV are largely a costume invention. They are not documented history.
Did Viking women really wear their hair in braids?
Yes, braiding served a real practical purpose. It kept long hair secure during daily work and travel. Combs and hairpins found at Viking Age sites confirm this. Regular hair care was important to Norse women.
How do you do a shield maiden braid?
Start with damp hair. Section a central braid from your crown to your nape. Add smaller side braids. Merge them into the central one as you work down. Secure the finished braid at the nape of your neck.
What is Lagertha’s hairstyle from Vikings called?
Lagertha’s signature look combines thin side braids with looser hair left free below. The general shape aligns with real Viking Age evidence. The specific pattern shown on screen is different, though. That exact pattern is a costume design choice.
Can you do Viking hairstyles with short hair?
Yes, a single small braid along one side of your head still captures the look. Add a small bead or accessory near the braid. This enhances the effect. You do not need extra length for it to work.
Is the Viking hairstyle on TV historically accurate?
Some elements are, and some are not. Long hair and simple braiding are well supported by real evidence. Fully shaved sides paired with elaborate braided patterns are different, though. Those have no direct archaeological support.
I have really fine, thin hair and I want to try a Viking-inspired braided style for a festival, but I am worried it will look sparse or fall apart quickly. What styles actually work for my hair type?
Start with a loose braid rather than a tight one. Then gently pull at the edges. This creates the appearance of more volume. A half up style also works well here. Only the top section gets braided. This adds structure without stressing all of your hair at once.
I love Lagertha’s hairstyles from the Vikings show, but I am not sure which specific looks are based on real history versus just costume design. Which of her styles could I actually recreate with confidence that it is historically grounded?
Her general combination works well for this. Side braids paired with loose hair below align with genuine Viking Age evidence. The exact braided pattern shown on screen is costume design, though. A simple version using that same basic shape gives you a historically grounded style.
Conclusion
Female Viking hairstyles come down to a real, well documented pattern. Hair was long and well-groomed. They styled it into braids, buns, and knots. Genuine archaeological evidence backs this up. The Revninge figurine is one example. Centuries of decorated combs are another.
Remember three things. First, television shows invent plenty for visual drama. Check the real evidence before assuming a style is historically accurate. Second, real Viking braid technique works on nearly any hair length or texture. Small adjustments help it along. Third, simple, understated accessories read as more authentic. Heavily decorated pieces don’t read the same way.
Explore our companion guide on Viking haircuts for men to see how the same research and historical evidence applies across both styles.
