The first half of the XIX century gave the world the empire style, it was also called imperial. Empire began to develop in parallel with the formation and development of the French Empire since the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and he disappeared after the fiasco of the great commander and his oblivion. Empire style hairstyles are a real symbol of lightness and elegance.
What is imperial style?
Empire style got its name for a reason. First of all, the imperial style was based on imitation of ancient Roman art. This style has penetrated into all areas, from architecture to hairstyles. So, in France under Napoleon built the famous triumphal arch, reminiscent of those that were built by the ancient Romans in honor of the victory of the emperor.
What was before
Empire style replaced the classicism, which was based on the imitation of the art of ancient Greece. If we compare the classics with other fashionable trends, then we can consider it quite simple, without unnecessary pretentiousness and decorations. The rapid development of classicism fell on the Great French Revolution, which left in the past the power of the kings and their inherent luxury and sophistication. In the past, high hairstyles, puffy and layered skirts, elaborate wigs and huge jewelry were left. And the word "wig" became a household word and gained a new meaning: that is how the conservatives began to be called. Fashion has changed its direction. The revolution broke into every sphere of life, fashion now did not go "from top to bottom" (from emperors to ordinary people), but quite the opposite. In the era of classicism, the "savage" hairstyle, now better known as the "cute sloppy" hairstyle, was in fashion — it was disheveled hair, with strands released and always without unnecessary jewelry. Napoleon came to power in the country, proclaiming himself emperor. Now classicism was again inappropriate, because the fashion of the empire cannot be simple and straightforward. It starts to get complicated, it is diluted with bright elements. During this period, the Empire style was born - a truly imperial one.
Men's hairstyles in imperial style
Fashion, of course, affected both female and male styles. At the beginning of the XIX century, men's hairstyles did not have any frills. The usual short haircuts with curled hair were in fashion. In this case, the influence of classicism affected, in general, male haircuts to some extent repeated the style of Ancient Rome. And they were named after the emperors. The most popular hairstyles were à la Caracalla and à la Titus. The main feature of hairstyles is different partings: straight, side, through. There were no restrictions as such. Whiskers and whiskers were fashionable at that time, but the beard lost its popularity. If someone decided to leave her, then mainly in the form of the so-called "goatee".
Women's hairstyles
And if for men everything is simple and clear, then with women's hairstyles things are more complicated, there were several options in fashion. Of course, the trends of antiquity did not pass by women's fashion. Girls began to pay attention to hairstyles with a light curl. The Egyptian trend in hairstyles also gained popularity, especially after the Egyptian campaign of Napoleon. The most popular haircut was "a la Cleopatra." Empire style hairstyles of the 19th century - simplicity and elegance.
Who influenced the Empire style
If the trends of classicism were set by the masses, then at the head of the empire style were secular lionesses. First of all, we should talk about Madame Teresa Talien. She became famous thanks to her many marriages. One of her chosen ones was a participant in the coup against one of the leaders of the French Revolution - Jean-Lambert Talley. There is an opinion that he took part in the coup because of a letter from his wife Teresa, in which it was written: "I am dying from the fact that I belong to a coward." Madame Teresa dressed in antique style. These were dresses with pleats gathered on the shoulder and an obligatory element - cameo. The most popular fabric of the time was Indian muslin. Antiquity was reflected in hairstyles. Madame Teresa cut her short black hair and curled at the ends.
The second significant figure and adherent of the Empire style is Madame Julie Recamier. The woman was the owner of the literary and political salon. This was the case with Madame Teresa. All the intelligentsia of France of those times gathered in them. It was in such salons that they talked about art and politics, which were accompanied by pleasant entertainment. And if Teresa supported Napoleon, since she was a friend of the emperor’s wife, Josephine, then Madame Recamier was an ardent opponent of Bonaparte’s actions, which is why she was expelled from Paris.
It is also worth mentioning about Mademoiselle Lange (a famous actress, who was painted by many popular artists of that time), as well as Bonaparte's wife. Josephine was six years older than Napoleon, for her the emperor became the second husband.
How did hairstyle fashion develop?
At the beginning of the 19th century, antiquity was in fashion. After a very short period of time, there is a tendency to wear longer hair. Short haircuts with curls at the roots go by the wayside. The hairstyle "a la Ninon" became popular, which fashionistas borrowed from the portrait of the 18th-century courtesan Ninon de Lanclo. Forehead hair curled into a light bang. A horizontal parting was made above him, while the temple should have had large curls to the shoulders, and a hairpiece with an ostrich feather on the back of the head.
This was the most popular hairstyle of the time. The year 1810 was marked by the appearance of a fashion for hairstyles in the form of a pyramid. Fashionistas of those times made bunches for themselves or used artificial hairpieces - this was an indispensable element of hairstyles of that time. Take a look at the photo: Empire style in hairstyles was manifested by femininity, lightness. Girls made such hairstyles for themselves in the 19th century and in the 21st, because fashion has the property of repeating itself.
Rules for creating hairstyles era Empire
Imperial hairstyles have their own characteristics that distinguish them from other styles. The main feature is the maximum number of curls of various lengths and thicknesses.
All curls should be stacked in such a way as to create such a famous and today creative mess. Most often, large curls and small curls were combined in hairstyles.
If you are doing a hair style in the Empire style, then you definitely need to open your forehead and fix the curls near the temples. The classic variation of the hairstyle in the imperial style involves a high twisted bangs, which should be collected above the forehead, curls should be raised at the back of the head. The remaining curls are collected upstairs or left so that they fall on the back.
Now you can find a version of hairstyles with braids braided in the form of a hoop.
Fashion is repeated, and some elements of the Empire style are popular in our time. Photos of hairstyles in the Empire style are presented below.
How to make a hairstyle yourself
To date, empire-style hairstyles are popular with modern fashionistas. They are often made for special occasions, such as weddings. But it is not necessary to run into the salon, such a hairstyle can be done at home with your own hands. However, for a start you will have to practice. The masters in the salons use hairpieces and various improvised tools to create a beam so that the styling looks as voluminous as possible. How to make an empire hairstyle?
- Curl your hair in curlers, preferably slightly damp. The thickness of the curlers depends on the desired result - both large and small, and spiral will do.
- When the hair curls, they need to be collected on the crown. It is best to do this by tilting your head forward. Wrap the tail in a light bun. But do not forget that a little hair should remain in front.
- Now the hair that remains in front must be braided and wrapped in a bun.
You can decorate the hairstyle with pearls or a delicate rim with flowers. Empire style is tenderness, lightness and sophistication in the spirit of France of Napoleonic times.