23 Regency Era Updo Ideas for Period Drama Fans
Are you captivated by the elegant ringlets and sophisticated updos of Bridgerton, Sanditon, or Jane Austen adaptations? You’re not alone. The Regency Era (circa 1811-1820) was a time of remarkable fashion and beauty, where hairstyles became a powerful symbol of status, romance, and personality. Far from being mere background detail, these hairstyles tell a story of their own—of simplicity moving away from Georgian extravagance, yet retaining an undeniable allure.
The Essence of Regency Beauty: Hair Fundamentals
Before we dive into the styles, understanding the core principles of Regency hair is key. The era favored a classical, Greco-Roman influence. Think goddess-like elegance: hair piled high on the crown, with soft tendrils framing the face. The focus was on the natural texture—soft curls and waves were paramount. Women often used rag curlers or curling irons heated over a flame to achieve these looks. Accessories were subtle but significant: ribbons, pearls, jeweled combs, feathers (for evening), and bandeaux (headbands) were all essential for adding a touch of refinement.
It’s also important to note the shift from the previous century. Out were the towering, powdered wigs of the Georgian period. In were more natural-looking styles that emphasized youth and a certain romantic innocence—though sophistication was never far behind. Ready to find your signature look? Let’s explore our 23 updo ideas.
Classic & Everyday Styles
These styles represent the everyday elegance of a Regency lady, perfect for morning calls, walks in the garden, or quieter moments at home.
1. The Simple Chignon: A low bun positioned at the nape of the neck, often with a center part. It’s the foundation of many Regency styles and exudes understated grace.
2. The Psyche Knot: Inspired by the classical knot of the goddess Psyche, this is a bun high on the crown, created by loosely twisting the hair and securing it elegantly.
3. The Tumbled Curls: Hair is gathered loosely at the back, allowing a cascade of defined, bouncy curls to fall freely. Effortlessly romantic.
4. The Half-Up Crown: The front sections of hair are pulled back and pinned atop the head, forming a small, regal crown, while the rest flows down in curls.
5. The Banded Braid: A single braid starting at the crown, often tied with a ribbon at the end. Simple, practical, and charming.
Elegant & Formal Coiffures
When it was time for a dinner party or an evening at the theatre, Regency women elevated their hairstyles with more intricate designs.
6. The Apollo Knot: A dramatic, high-placed bun with curls artfully arranged to resemble a topknot, sometimes with tendrils left out at the temples.
7. The Braided Coronet: Two braids are woven from the temples back, then crossed and pinned over the crown like a woven crown, perfect for showcasing delicate features.
8. The Curly Topknot with Side Braids: Hair is piled into a high, curly bun, with two thin braids starting at the temples and incorporated into the base of the knot.
9. The Twisted Rope Updo: Hair is separated into two large sections, twisted around each other, and then coiled into a bun at the back. It creates beautiful texture.
10. The Layered Bun with Curls: Multiple small buns or knots are stacked vertically at the back of the head, surrounded by a halo of perfect ringlets.
Bridgerton-Inspired & Extravagant Looks
Thanks to the Netflix sensation, these styles embrace a more lavish, creative, and sometimes anachronistically modern twist on Regency fashion.
11. The Daphne Bridgerton Debutante: Characterized by soft, face-framing curls, a high, tight bun, and often adorned with delicate baby’s breath flowers or pearls.
12. The Feather-Adorned Empire Updo: A high, full bun with an elegant ostrich feather artfully placed to the side. The epitome of bold, ton-style fashion.
13. The Eloise Braided Bun: Messier and more intellectual. A slightly disheveled low bun with two braids wrapping around it, capturing a studious yet stylish spirit.
14. The Queen Charlotte Jeweled Spectacle: An extravaganza of volume, pearls, gems, and ribbons piled high. It’s more Georgian in its grandeur but a must for drama.
15. The Kate Sharma Half-Up: Sleek, smooth, and powerful. Deep side-parted hair is swept back into a low, tight bun, with perhaps a single, stunning hairpiece.
Accessorized & Themed Ideas
No Regency hairstyle is complete without the perfect adornment. These ideas center around the accessories that define the look.
16. The Ribbon-Wrapped Chignon: A wide silk ribbon is woven through the hair before being tied in a large bow over a low chignon.
17. The Pearl-Encrusted Coiffure: Strings of pearls or individual pearl pins are woven through an updo, creating a look of understated wealth and elegance.
18. The Floral Wreath Crown: For a garden party or spring ball, fresh or silk flowers are woven into a crown that sits atop a loose, curly updo.
19. The Bandeau Headband Style: A decorative bandeau (fabric or metal) is worn over the hair, which is styled in soft curls tucked behind it, leading into a bun.
20. The Cameo & Comb Accent: A beautiful ornamental comb is placed at the back of a simple updo, often accompanied by a cameo brooch pinned at the front.
For the Truly Adventurous
These styles push the boundaries and are perfect for cosplay, balls, or when you simply want to make a grand entrance.
21. The Waterfall of Curls: Hair is pinned up in sections to create a cascading effect down the back, resembling a waterfall of ringlets.
22. The Multi-Braided Masterpiece: Several small braids are intricately woven together across the scalp, converging into one or more elegant buns.
23. The Regency Punk Fusion: A modern twist! A classic Regency topknot paired with subtle, face-framing shaved sections (or cleverly pinned hair) and dark, romantic accessories.
Tips for Creating Your Regency Updo
Start with Texture: Your foundation is curls, curls, curls. Use foam rollers, a curling wand, or rag curls on dry or slightly damp hair for authentic, soft waves.
Backcomb Gently: To achieve the height at the crown seen in many styles, gently backcomb the hair at the roots before smoothing the top layer over it.
Pin Securely (But Invisibly): Use plenty of bobby pins and hairpins that match your hair color. Criss-cross them for maximum hold.
Embrace Face-Framers: Never pin all your hair back perfectly. Allow 2-3 tendrils to escape at the temples and neck for that soft, romantic effect.
Accessorize Strategically: Choose one or two key accessories. A simple style can be transformed with a beautiful comb or ribbon.
Finish with Hold: A light mist of hairspray will help your masterpiece survive a quadrille or a long afternoon of tea.
Step Into Your Period Drama Moment
The beauty of Regency hairstyles lies in their blend of romantic softness and structured elegance. They allow you to embody the intelligence of an Elizabeth Bennet, the grace of a Daphne Bridgerton, or the boldness of a Lady Danbury. With these 23 updo ideas as your inspiration, you have a veritable wardrobe of historical looks to choose from.
Remember, authenticity is wonderful, but adaptation is key to making these styles work for modern hair and occasions. Don’t be afraid to mix elements, simplify a complex style, or add your own personal flourish. The goal is to capture the spirit of the era and, most importantly, to have fun. So, put on your favorite period drama soundtrack, gather your pins and ribbons, and start practicing. Your debut into the world of Regency beauty awaits.
