Bust of a Roman woman with a fashionable hairstyle during the rule of the Flavian dynasty
In ancient Rome, bird’s nest hairstyles were especially popular during the reign of the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE) and the late empire. Roman women, especially those from the aristocracy, experimented with their hair, creating impressive structures with numerous weaves and curls.
The bird’s nest hairstyle comprised impressive buns, often on top of the head, with loose curls and ringlets that created an impression of controlled chaos. Special fillings, pads, and natural oils and waxes were used to give the hair volume and durability.
One of the popular tools for creating this type of hairstyle was fibulas and clips which were used to attach the updos. In some cases, the hairstyles were decorated with pearls, gold threads and other decorations, which gave them expressiveness and made them look like real works of art.
