The Meaning and History of Viking Braids

The popular TV show Vikings has sparked a growing interest in Viking culture. People are eager to know if the show accurately portrays these fascinating individuals. One aspect that has grabbed attention is their unique hairstyle – the Viking braid. These intricate and stylish braids, often worn by warriors before going into battle, have become a trendy choice for both women and men.

But as more and more people embrace the allure of Viking braids, it raises the question: Are we truly capturing the essence of Viking culture? To find the answer, let’s take a journey through time. We’ll dive into the stories of the past and examine how Viking braids are interpreted today. By doing so, we can uncover the captivating tales behind these ancient hairstyles and gain a deeper understanding of their significance.

Viking Braids

Have you heard of Viking braids? These are trendy hairstyles that gained popularity thanks to the TV show Vikings. They are quite simple – two large braids on the sides of your head and a smaller French braid section. Unlike neat and tidy braids, Viking braids have a slightly messy and undone look. To achieve this style, it’s best to braid your hair a few days after washing it, when it’s not too clean.

But here’s the thing – there’s no single way to do Viking braids. It is difficult to create a standard Viking braid as everyone has different hair types and lengths. It also depends on your skill level in sectioning and braiding your hair. If you desire a more refined appearance, a hairstylist can provide professional styling services. Alternatively, Pinterest and YouTube offer numerous Viking braid ideas. Some incorporate fancy knotting techniques, while others use ancient-style pins and clips.

One important note is that most Viking braid styles leave the hair at the back of your head loose. So, only half of your hair will be braided while the rest flows freely. This style is perfect if you have thick hair, but you can also add products or extensions to create more volume.

Viking braids are not one-size-fits-all. You can choose to stick to the classic style or explore different variations. The key is to embrace the versatility of this unique hairstyle and find the Viking braid that suits your own style and personality. So go ahead, unleash your inner Viking, and experiment with these captivating braids!

The Meaning of Viking Braids

In Viking times, it’s hard to say what braids really meant. We don’t have much information about how Vikings styled their hair. Some think they didn’t often wear braids, and if they did, it was rare. Vikings were practical people, so if they did braid their hair, they had a good reason. But in the bigger picture, braids meant a lot to other cultures. For example, African tribes have been braiding their hair for thousands of years. Men and women wore braids to show things like how old they were, if they were married, how rich they were, what religion they followed, and even which tribe they came from. Africa has so many different braid styles.

In movies and shows about Vikings, braids are often shown as a sign that they’re strong and fierce. Many warriors in these depictions have braided hair because it helps keep their hair away from their faces during battle. Some braids are not simple at all, they have fancy knots and designs that have a special meaning. Vikings liked using symbols, just like the Celts did, even though they had different beliefs and gods. We have proof that both Vikings and Celts used knots in their art and tapestries. Since Vikings were religious, it’s likely they would include a special design, like Thor’s hammer, in their braids. Their braid styles would show not only strength but also wealth and high status.

A Simple Guide to Creating Viking Braids

Step 1: Prepare your hair without washing it

Contrary to popular belief, Vikings did bathe regularly. However, for the purpose of creating Viking braids, it’s better to style your hair a few days after washing. The natural oils in your hair will give it texture and hold, which is essential for this look.

Step 2: Add some texture

If you have fine, straight hair or have recently washed it, creating texture can help make braiding easier. Try a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair a grip. Apply the product all over and run your fingers through your hair.

Step 3: Section your hair

To create multiple braids, section your hair. Gather the hair on the top of your head and secure it with a hairpin. Divide the hair on both sides of your head into two sections each for a total of four sections to braid.

Step 4: Start braiding

Divide your hair into sections. Take one and separate it into three equal parts. Cross the left part over the middle, then do the same with the right part. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair.

For hair closer to your scalp, start with a small section at the front and add more hair as you go along. Cross the outer sections over the middle, adding more hair to each section every few crosses to move the braid down your head.

You can choose to cross the sections over the top or underneath, depending on the desired effect. Crossing underneath will make the braid stand out more.

Bottom Line

The way Viking braids are portrayed in the media has a big influence on how we perceive them today. Often, these braids are created by fictional characters in movies or TV shows, with the help of stylists who choose to incorporate braids into their looks. However, based on the limited evidence we have, it’s unlikely that Viking braids were widely used in ancient times. It’s also believed that these braids didn’t hold any specific meaning but were simply used for practical purposes. So, if you ever wondered, Vikings didn’t actually invent braiding.