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Most Popular Chinese Hairpin Hairstyles Through The Age

Most Popular Chinese Hairpin Hairstyles Through The Ages

Discover the beauty of Chinese hairpin hairstyles, from their traditional form in ancient dynasties to their meaning in culture and modern fashion.


The most dignified and culturally symbolic Chinese hairpin hairstyles, which have been indispensable parts of Chinese fashion for several thousand years, have gradually changed with time, influenced by various dynasties, regional preferences, and changing tastes in fashion. Thus, they signal not only beauty but also social status, personal identity, and even philosophical beliefs.

1. Historical significance of Chinese hairpin hairstyles

Hairpins, throughout Chinese history, served so much more than just ornaments. They represent deep cultural and symbolic meanings. Hairpins, commonly termed “zan”, signify womanhood, virtue, and social status. Each dynasty took its unique meanings and added them to the design and usage of hairpins. For instance:

  • During the Han Dynasty from 206 BC onwards to 220 AD, hairpins were small in size, simple, and functional, normally made from wood or bronze.
  • The Tang Dynasty was the time of lavishness, and women started to wear very intricate, heavily ornamented hairpins to symbolize their status and wealth.
  • The Song Dynasty emphasized restraint and grace by using minimalist designs, as well as giving ‘verified along with the contribution of the Song literati’.

Further, Chinese hairpin hairstyles carried the symbolic meaning of bringing a couple into matrimony, thus joining two families together.

Historical significance of Chinese hairpin hairstyles
Historical significance of Chinese hairpin hairstyles

2. Popular Chinese hairpin hairstyles

They are some of the most popular Chinese hairstyles done with hairpins, passed down through generations to continue influencing modern fashion and today’s cultural practices.

2.1. Ji Fa

Ji Fa is one of the oldest and most traditional Chinese hairpin hairstyles. All hair is bundled in a single high bun, fastened with one hairpin mostly placed behind the head. This predominated during the Han Dynasty when simplicity was an accent of the time. Notwithstanding its simplicity, Ji Fa is a dignified hairstyle, very often reproduced in paintings from classical literature nobility.

How to style Ji Fa:

  • First, comb your hair to clear it of tangles.
  • Pull your hair from the crown of your head into a high ponytail, and twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun.
  • Wrap the bun around and secure it with a hair tie.
  • Stick the hairpin horizontally into the middle of the bun to keep it in place.

These Chinese hairpin hairstyles can also be simple, casual, and given a formal touch with more sophisticated hairpins during formal occasions.

Ji Fa
Ji Fa

2.2. Luo Shen

Luo Shen was generally sported by the aristocracy during festivals or any other major cultural activity. The flowing strands of hair in this hairstyle, soft and with a romantic look, favored it amongst poets and artists of the Tang Dynasty period because beauty during this era was deeply intertwined with the world of art.

How to style Luo Shen:

  • Begin with clean, dry hair. Ensure that it is well-brushed, removing any tangles.
  • Take a curling iron and set soft, loose waves for a more romantic feel.
  • Take a small section from the crown of the head, leaving the rest of the hair flowing down the back.
  • Gently tease the crown section for some extra volume.
  • Lightly twist the crown section, and secure it with a small hairpin or comb.
  • Brush loose waves framing your face for softness. If desired, gently spritz hairspray to hold it.

It is for this reason that this form of Chinese hairpin hairstyles still finds a liking in period dramas as it portrays the female protagonists better.

Luo Shen
Luo Shen

2.3. Man-Tou Ji

The Man-Tou Ji was popularly worn during the Tang Dynasty by ladies of high status during ceremonies, court appearances, or other special gatherings. This style features a large round bun positioned on either the top or the back of the head.

How to style Man-Tou Ji:

  • Comb your hair and make it into a high ponytail.
  • Place a hair donut over the ponytail for that extra volume boost.
  • Evenly spread the hair over the top of the donut to form a round shape. Tuck the ends of hair around under the donut, securing it with a hair tie.
  • To add an added touch of grace, place decorative hairpins around the bun. You could add a number of hairpins in a symmetrical or layered design.
  • Make sure the bun is tight and even, then spray lightly with hairspray if desired for hold.

Since the shape resembles that of traditional Chinese steamed buns, it is named as such.

Man-Tou Ji
Man-Tou Ji

2.4. Shuang Ji

In the Shuang Ji hairstyle, there are two symmetrical buns on both sides of the head. Originating during the Ming Dynasty, this Chinese hairpin hairstyles was most popular with young women and unmarried girls to symbolize youth and innocence. This is attained by first achieving a middle parting, after which each side is twisted into a bun, and then fastened using hairpins.

How to style Shuang Ji

  • Pull your hair down the middle and divide your hair into two even parts.
  • Gather each part into a ponytail on the left or right side of your head.
  • Twist both ponytails into buns and secure them at each end with hair ties. Place one hairpin diagonally into each of the buns.

With this Chinese hairpin hairstyles, youth, and playfulness can be attained on special occasions like festivals and events, which draws a kind of classic appeal from ancient Chinese fashion.

 Shuang Ji
Shuang Ji

2.5. Chui Ji

The Chui Ji represents another elegant Chinese hairpin hairstyles, especially in the Qing Dynasty. It stands for virtue, modesty, and femininity. The hair is fine and sophisticated, normally sporting ladies of status on very special occasions.

How to style Chui Ji:

  • Part your hair down the middle to create two equal sections.
  • Take each section and gather them low at the back of the head near the nape.
  • Twist each ponytail into a small, round bun. Secure each bun with a hair tie, making sure they are evenly positioned.
  • Insert a long, decorative hairpin horizontally through both buns, allowing any attached tassels or jewels to hang down with grace.
  • If needed, small hairpins may be added for additional security. Adjust the hairpin for balance and lightly spray with hairspray for setting if desired.

The tassels or jewels falling down from the hanging hairpin add an air of refinement to the whole attire.

See more:

Chui Ji
Chui Ji

Conclusion

Nowadays, traditional Chinese hairstyles female have gained popularity with the emergence of movements like the revival of the Hanfu and their inclusion in modern weddings and period dramas. Thus, these Chinese hairpin hairstyles are timeless heritage; they can be worn for cultural festivals or find their place in contemporary fashion.

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