Culture of Hairstyles

[MissToni 3487]

Courta Cometa

Published by the Office of the Palatiodora

7th of Horen’s Calling, year 1960

 

Culture of Hairstyles

 

Her Royal Majesty, 

Queen Sybille I donning her Sybilline braid

 

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Hair of Portoregne

 

Introduction
The hairstyling culture in Balian has evolved over several generations, forging its unique identity and cultivating a rich sense of heritage and tradition. This study produced by Lady Marjorie Vuiller, under the supervision of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Sybille I, has been written to showcase the most prominent hairstyles that one may come across upon entering the city of Portoregne

 

Long hair serves as the cultural standard in Balian, symbolizing femininity and fertility. The act of cutting off one's hair is regarded as a revelation, signifying societal perceptions of undesirability in women. There is one exception to this, however: is for the women enlisted in the Balianese Armada, or an active Dame, as short hair is a sign of strength. Shorter hair in the line of combat may help a woman in the long run. Longer hair is often prone to getting in one's eyes, snagging on armour, weapons, or even being pulled in battle. Shorter hair makes this much less inconvenient and allows the woman to move freely and offer her one less component to think about. This may also symbolize a woman’s comfortability in her own means of femininity along with 

her devotion to her kingdom as she exposes her neck to dirt, the harsh sun, and mud.

 

Hairstyles

Listed below are a few of the many different hairstyles that have been seen in Balian over the years. 
 

1.           Pigtails, Plaits & Ponytails

•  Often being viewed as the hairstyles of youth, children are seen to don these styles in their everyday life. A symbol of innocence. With pigtails, the hair is brought into two different strands at either the back, or top of the head and left loose. For plaits, they bear a similar symbolism of  innocence. The difference between a plain pigtail, and a plaited pigtail is simple. One, like noted before, is loose. Plaits, however, are often composed of three strands folded and twisted together to create something resembling a rope. 
• And last but not least, the ponytail.A ponytail holds, one again, the symbolism of innocence in children. Until pigtails, a ponytail is singular. Often tied at either the top, side, or back of the head. 

      II.            Buns

• A bun is a well known form of updo in which the wearer takes a singular, or even a plaited strand of hair and twists it around itself. Fastened with pins, or ribbon. Some are even accompanied by a veil which drapes down the wearer's back.

   III.            Balianese bun 

• The Balianese bun is a special type of bun or braid that may simply be tucked under or built around a central pin, tiara or other hair accessory. It is also fairly common to wear a veil attached to this bun that wraps around your shoulders. The hairstyle was popularized by the Princess Royal of Rosemoor, Elena Casimira. Who has been known for donning the hairstyle during her lifetime.   

   IV.            Crown Braid

• A crown braid is a form of braid that wraps around one's head like that of a crown, hence the name. It is encouraged to braid this hairstyle with a ribbon inside the hair as an accessory. Often seen in adult women or teenagers, though not so common in young girls or older ladies.

     V.            Farm Braid

• Balian's relentless sun, known for causing hair to cling to one's face amidst work-induced sweat and grease, spurred a timeless tradition. Farm women turned to the technique of weaving their hair into a single braid, a practice spanning generations. Today, this practical solution has moved from simple farm life, and is now embraced even by nobility and royalty. Paired with a shawl for sunburn protection, the farm braid remains a stylish and functional choice.

   VI.            Half Updo

• Many noblewomen love to showcase their long hair whilst also keeping it out of their face. And so a method was created by braiding one’s hair in a half crown braid or a bun whilst keeping the rest flowing freely down the back.

VII.            Sybilline Braid

• Before and after Sybille I’s reign began one could often see the woman donning a high and sophisticated braid from the top of her head that falls down to the shoulder and to one’s stomach. This braid would typically be decorated with a golden headpiece in order to hold the braid in place and keep its intended form. It has now become a symbol of the Queen Regnant herself, and if one is to visit Portoregne you are certain to see this braid in person.

 

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Signed,

 

DONA Marjorie Cecile Eirene Vuiller

 

OOC:

Spoiler

Thank you to @_yink_ for going over the grammar of this whole post and prettying the writing up <3

 

[Lirinya 2662]

The Palatiodora was proud- very proud of the young Vuiller ward.

[SethWasTaken 168]

Cassio had no idea how to fix his hair, yet nodded in approval of the flyer anyhow.

[Turbo_Dog 1434]

Chiyo brushed off his scissors as he finishes reading the culture missive “How curious. I should try these out.”