These hairstyles were achieved with the use of a variety of tools to groom and style. Some common implements for combing and styling hair included:
Combs: Combs were typically made of various materials such as bone, wood or ivory. They had thin, closely spaced teeth for detangling and styling hair.
Hairpins: Women used hairpins which were often made of metal or bones to secure their hairstyles. These pins helped to hold braids, twists and other elaborate arrangements in place.
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Brushes: Brushes with bristles made from natural materials like boar hair or plant fibers were used for smoothing and styling hair.
Oils and Fragrances: Greeks applied oils and fragrances to their hair and these were often incorporated into the grooming routine. Aromatic oils could also be combed through the hair for both practical and cosmetic purposes.
Headbands and Ribbons: Headbands made of leather, fabric or metal were worn to keep hair in place. Ribbons and other decorative elements were used to adorn hairstyles.
These grooming tools were essential for maintaining hair hygiene and creating the intricate hairstyles that were often characteristic of ancient Greek fashion. The materials and designs of these objects varied according to factors such as social status and personal preferences. A lot of hair accessories and jewelry are preserved by archaeologists, often shown in museums all across the country, some can be observed in wall painting like the ones saved in the island of Crete while others are on statues that are still in a good state and whose heads, we are lucky enough were still there or have been found.
Nowadays there are a lot of factors that are causing damage and try to take away the flawlessness of the ideal of Mediterranean hair!
Chemical Treatments: Frequent use of chemical treatments such as bleaching, perming and coloring can damage the hair’s structure, leading to weakness and breakage.
Heat Styling: Excessive use of heated styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can strip the hair of its natural moisture, making it more prone to damage and breakage.
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Harsh Hair Care Products: Certain shampoos, conditioners and styling products may contain harsh chemicals that strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and susceptible to damage.
Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins can impact hair health. Hair needs proper nourishment to stay strong and resilient.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental elements such as pollution, UV rays but also harsh weather conditions can weaken the hair over time.
Tight Hairstyles: Wearing hairstyles that pull on the hair, like tight ponytails or braids, can cause stress and damage to the hair shaft.
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Lack of Moisture: Insufficient hydration can lead to dry and brittle hair. It’s essential to maintain proper moisture levels for hair health.
Overwashing: Washing the hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and more damage-prone.
Since we cannot avoid the exposure to these factors, we have a thing or two to learn from the “old”…so let’s see what they did in ancient Greece, when people didn’t have the modern hair care products we use today.
Ancient Greek women used only natural ingredients to moisturize their hair. Actually, the used a completely natural hair mask to keep them healthy, shiny and strong.
Do you want to know what they used to prepare it?
Do you want to do it at home and treat your hair like a real Greek goddess?
Well, it will come in the next article. Stay tuned!