Easy 1830s Hair! (Plus Instructions)

Last week I went to a PEERS ball set in the 1830s/1840s: the Dances of Mystery and Imagination, hosted by Edgar Allen Poe.

The Hopeless Romantics had a mini-reunion there. Last time I wore my 1830s gown I had a full wig, which looked nice, but was very warm.

This time, I decided to make a new hairpiece and incorporate a raven, in honor of Mr. Poe. I built everything on a headband, so it was very easy to put on and take off. (I also got a lot of amused cackling when I took my hair off at the ball to show everyone what looked like fancy earmuffs!)  The headband made it much easier to get dressed, and to get in and out of a car.

As you can see, the raven has the stylish 1830s Apollo knots!

I did not take any photos of the construction process, but I hope it’s easy to visualize.

1. I wrapped a headband with black velvet ribbon, and sewed the ends in place.

2. I wired the feet of a dollar store Halloween decoration raven to the middle of the headband.

3. I made 2 fake hair buns. Each one consisted of a long braid that was coiled into a cinnamon bun shape, sewn into place, then covered with a chignon hairnet for security. (I used “Sassy Collection” brand fake braid hair from Sally Beauty Supply because it is cheap and decently realistic for the price).

4. I hotglued (yes glued) the buns onto each side of the hairband.

5. I hotglued some flowers to cover the rest of the hairband.

6. I did some more squiggles of hot glue on the inside of the hairband and buns. Once dry, the rubbery texture provides a little more grip.

7. I gave the raven a little hairstyle by pinning 2 loops of velvet ribbon and a fake flower into his foam head.

Fast, easy, and pretty.

I think Mr. Poe approves, sort of.

Plus it’s shareable hair! Here is Sam, from Overattired.com, looking like a pretty pretty princess.