Did Viking Women Dye Their Hair?

In the complex tapestry of history, Vikings stand out with their distinct culture and image. Among the different aspects of Viking society that have fascinated historians and laypeople alike, one stands out – the hair of Viking women. The discussion often hovers around two central questions: what was the Viking hair color, and did Viking women dye their hair? To comprehensively answer these questions, we’ll delve into archaeological evidence, historical records, and contemporary research.

Hair in Viking Society

Before focusing solely on women, it’s important to understand the significance of hair in Viking society. Hair was viewed as a symbol of health, strength, and attractiveness for both genders. Viking men often wore their hair long, with various accounts suggesting the use of different hairstyles based on status and location. Long hair was also a symbol of femininity and beauty for Viking women. It was usually worn loose or intricately braided, sometimes decorated with ornate hairpins and beads.

Natural Viking Hair Color: Fact and Fiction

When we think of Vikings, the image often comes to mind is towering warriors with flowing blonde hair. There’s a pervasive stereotype that the majority, if not all, Vikings had blonde hair. This belief is not entirely baseless, as Scandinavian countries, where Vikings originated, are known for high percentages of natural blondes. However, not all Vikings were blonde. Genetic diversity was common, leading to a mix of hair colors, including red, brown, and black.

Did Vikings Have Black Hair? 

The Vikings, hailing from Scandinavian regions, are often depicted with the stereotypical image of robust individuals with flowing blonde hair. While blonde hair held significant cultural importance in Viking society, suggesting all Vikings, men and women alike, possessed this hair color would be a misrepresentation.

Genetically, the Scandinavian population is known for a high prevalence of light hair colors, predominantly blonde and golden brown. Yet, the Viking Age was characterized by extensive exploration, trade, and sometimes intermarriage with other cultures. This intermingling resulted in a degree of genetic diversity within Viking populations.

Archaeological and genetic evidence supports the presence of varying hair colors among Vikings, including dark brown and black. The distribution of these colors was likely influenced by genetics and geographical location, with darker hair being more common in certain regions than others.

The myth of the uniformly blonde Viking has more to do with popular culture than historical reality. Historians believe that while many Vikings might have tried to lighten their hair in their pursuit of ideal beauty, not all of them could. Some likely retained their natural hair color regardless of societal norms.

So, although blonde hair was common and admired among the Vikings, it wasn’t the only hair color. Darker hues, including black, were also part of the Viking genetic and cultural tapestry, reflecting a more diverse and nuanced picture of Viking society than was often portrayed.

The Quest for Viking Blonde Hair

The admiration for blonde hair in Norse society has roots in their mythology and beauty ideals. Blonde hair was often associated with the divine and the heroic. Gods like Thor and Freya were often depicted with golden locks, making blonde hair a symbol of power and desirability.

Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that Vikings might have gone to considerable lengths to achieve this coveted hair color. Several sources, such as Régis Boyer’s “The Everyday Life of the Vikings” and Else Roesdahl’s “The Vikings,” describe the use of a strong soap with a high lye content, which could lighten the hair. This soap was used for general cleaning purposes but also had the bonus effect of fading the hair to a lighter shade, giving the appearance of Viking blonde hair.

How Did Female Vikings Do Their Hair?

Hair was essential in Viking society, embodying status, attractiveness, and identity. For Viking women, their hair was not only a personal expression but also a reflection of cultural norms and beauty standards.

Archaeological discoveries and historical texts offer insights into the hairstyling practices of Viking women. Contrary to the image often portrayed in popular culture, Viking women did not typically wear their hair loose. Instead, they favored intricate hairstyles that involved braiding and knotting.

Evidence from burial sites and Viking artwork indicates a preference for long hair in women. This long hair was often plaited into braids, a practical choice for women engaged in daily tasks, keeping their hair away from their faces and work. Braiding patterns could be simple or complex, depending on the occasion, the woman’s status, and regional customs.

In addition to braids, Viking women often used a variety of hair accessories to style and manage their hair. Combs were common tools used for detangling and grooming. They also used hairpins and beads for decoration and to secure their hairstyles. These adornments were usually crafted from bone, metal, or glass, and their ornateness could indicate the women’s social status.

Even though we have a general understanding of Viking women’s hairstyling practices, it’s important to remember that they likely varied across different regions and social classes. Also, personal preference would have played a significant role. Despite these differences, the overall emphasis on hair in Viking culture underscores its importance as a symbol of femininity, beauty, and status.

Viking women employed various hairstyling techniques and accessories to manage and adorn their hair. Their hair practices reflect a sophisticated understanding of personal grooming and an appreciation for aesthetic expression within their societal norms.

Viking Women and Hair Dye

Despite focusing on Viking men, women were not exempt from the societal fascination with blonde hair. Still, definitive archaeological evidence to suggest that Viking women used hair dye is scant. We rely mostly on sagas, historical texts, and indirect evidence to piece together this aspect of Viking life.

It’s plausible that Viking women would have used the same lye-based soap as Viking men to lighten their hair. Using this soap would serve not only hygiene purposes but also societal and aesthetic ones. As hair was an important indicator of beauty, status, and fertility, Viking women might have felt societal pressure to maintain light, clean, and well-groomed hair.

How Did Viking Women Care for Their Hair?

Hair care in the Viking Age was much more sophisticated than one might initially believe. Given the societal significance of hair for both beauty and status, Viking women dedicated considerable time and effort to maintaining and caring for their locks.

One of the primary tools in Viking hair care was the comb. Archaeological evidence has uncovered numerous combs in Viking burial sites, indicating their widespread use. Usually made from bone or antler, these combs were used for detangling and cleaning hair. Regular combing kept the hair free from knots and helped remove dirt and lice.

In addition to combs, Viking women likely used wooden brushes with boar bristles. The natural bristles would have helped distribute the hair’s oils, improving its shine and health. Similar tools are still used today for the same benefits.

Cleanliness was essential in Viking society, and this extended to hair care. It’s believed that Viking women, like their male counterparts, used lye-based soaps to clean their hair. Beyond its cleaning properties, the lye soap had a lightening effect on hair, possibly contributing to the prevalence of lighter hair shades.

Hair was often adorned with accessories like pins, beads, and brooches. While these items added aesthetic value, they also played a valuable role in securing hairstyles and keeping hair out of the face during daily tasks.

Natural remedies and treatments may have also played a role in Viking hair care. Various plants, herbs, and oils native to the Scandinavian region could have been used to improve hair health and manage issues like dryness and damage.

In the end, Viking women cared for their hair through regular cleaning, combing, accessorizing, and possibly using natural treatments. Their practices reflect a culture that deeply valued personal grooming and appearance, underscoring the significance of hair in Viking society.

Archaeological Evidence on Vikings Hair: Combs, Lice, and Lye

Archaeological finds like combs, soapstone vessels, and lice lend credence to the theory of Vikings lightening their hair. Combs were common personal items in Viking burial sites, often intricately carved from bone or antler. These combs were used not only for detangling but also for cleaning hair and removing lice.

The discovery of soapstone vessels near bathing areas has led historians to theorize their use in producing lye-based soaps. The connection between lice, combs, and lye soap might seem bizarre to the modern observer. Nevertheless, the lye soap would have been beneficial in killing lice, a common pest in that period, adding another reason for its regular use. 

Conclusion: The Allure of Blonde Hair in Viking Society

In summary, the evidence strongly suggests that Vikings, including women, took measures to lighten their hair. This practice reflects the societal and aesthetic importance of hair, specifically Viking blonde hair, in their culture.

But it’s crucial to remember that the Vikings were not a monolithic group. They inhabited different regions and interacted with numerous cultures, resulting in diverse practices and norms. Therefore, while blonde hair might have been coveted and pursued by many, not all Viking women would have necessarily dyed their hair.

The realm of Vikings’ hair practices, including the use of dye, is a fascinating area of study that offers insight into their societal norms, beauty standards, and everyday life. Despite the gaps in our understanding, the enduring fascination with Vikings and their hair continue to inspire scholars, historians, and the wider public, igniting the flame of historical inquiry.