Clara Barton's hairstyle was a quintessential example of 19th-century women's fashion, characterized by its neatness, simplicity, and practicality. To achieve her look, the hair was typically parted in the middle and pulled back away from the face into a low bun.
Understanding Clara Barton's Signature Hairstyle
Clara Barton's hair reflected the common aesthetic for women of her time, emphasizing a pulled-back, conservative style that kept hair neatly secured and away from the face. This classic look was functional yet elegant, suitable for both daily activities and more formal occasions.
Key Characteristics of the Hairstyle
The style Clara Barton wore adhered to several distinct features popular during the mid-to-late 19th century:
- Middle Part: The hair was consistently parted directly in the center of the head, creating a symmetrical look.
- Pulled Back from the Face: All hair, without exception, was drawn smoothly away from the face. There were no loose strands or framing pieces.
- Absence of Bangs: Women of this period generally did not wear bangs. The forehead remained clear, and the hair was entirely pulled back.
- Low Bun Placement: The collected hair was fashioned into a bun positioned low at the back of the neck, often at the nape.
- Volume Below Ears: The overall style was designed so that the fullest part of the hair's volume rested at or below the ears, contributing to the era's silhouette.
Steps to Recreate Clara Barton's Hairstyle
While specific styling products or tools might not have been available as they are today, the method to achieve Clara Barton's hair was straightforward:
- Part Your Hair: Using a comb, create a clean and precise part directly down the center of your head, from your hairline to the crown.
- Smooth Back All Hair: Gather all your hair and comb it smoothly back from your face, ensuring no loose strands or bangs remain.
- Form a Low Ponytail: Collect all the hair at the nape of your neck, creating a low ponytail.
- Create the Low Bun: Twist or coil the ponytail into a neat bun, securing it firmly with pins. The bun should sit low at the very back of your neck.
- Adjust for Volume: Ensure the overall shape of the hairstyle maintains its fullest volume at or below your ears, as was customary for the period.
Elements of the Style
To summarize the components of Clara Barton's historical hairstyle:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hair Part | Defined middle part. |
| Front Hair | All hair pulled completely back from the face; no bangs. |
| Hair Gathering | Secured into a low bun at the back of the neck. |
| Volume Placement | Fullest part of the hair at or below the ears. |
