Medieval knights were members of the warrior class in European society during the Middle Ages and were expected to adhere to a code of conduct called chivalry.
There is evidence to suggest that long hair was common among knights in certain parts of Europe during the medieval period. Long hair was seen as a symbol of strength and virility, and may have served as a practical form of protection in combat. It was also seen as a mark of nobility and high social status.
While the specifics of these standards varied somewhat over time and across different cultures, there were some general trends in how knights dressed and groomed themselves. In this article, we will explore the question of whether medieval knights typically had long hair.
To begin with, it is important to note that the medieval period was a time of significant cultural and artistic diversity. Knights in different regions of Europe might have adopted different styles and fashions, and there was considerable variation within each region as well. With that said, there is evidence to suggest that long hair was relatively common among knights in certain parts of Europe during the medieval period.
The Symbolism of Long Hair: Masculinity and Strength
One reason for this may have been that long hair was seen as a symbol of strength and virility. In many cultures throughout history, men have grown their hair long as a way of demonstrating their masculinity and physical prowess.
This may have been especially true for knights, who were expected to embody the ideal of manly strength and courage.
Long hair may have been seen as a way for knights to demonstrate their commitment to this ideal and to show off their physical attractiveness to potential mates.
The Practical Benefits of Long Hair: Protection in Combat
Another possible reason for the popularity of long hair among knights was that it could serve as a practical form of protection.
In combat, long hair might have provided some additional padding for the head and neck, helping to absorb the force of blows and reduce the risk of injury.
This may have been especially useful for knights who fought without helmets or other head protection, as was often the case in the early medieval period.
The Role of Social Status: Long Hair as a Mark of Nobility
There is also some evidence to suggest that long hair was seen as a mark of nobility or high social status.
In many medieval societies, the upper classes were expected to maintain a certain level of personal grooming and appearance, and this often included growing their hair long.
Knights, as members of the aristocracy, would likely have been expected to follow this trend.
The Variation of Hairstyles: Not All Knights Had Long Hair
Of course, it is important to note that not all knights in the medieval period had long hair. Some knights may have preferred shorter hairstyles for practical reasons, such as to keep their hair out of their eyes while fighting.
Others may have chosen shorter hairstyles for personal or cultural reasons. In addition, the fashion trends of the time may have influenced the way that knights styled their hair, just as they do today.
Medieval knight haircuts
In general, knights tended to wear their hair short and neat, with the sides and back trimmed close to the head and the top left slightly longer. Some knights also wore their hair in a cropped, military-style cut, with the sides and back shaved close to the scalp and the top left slightly longer.
Source: Armstreet
Other common hairstyles for knights included the “bowl cut,” in which the hair was cut straight across the forehead and down to the nape of the neck, and the “mullet,” in which the hair was long in the back and short in the front.
Knights also sometimes wore their hair in braids or ponytails, or tied it back with a band or ribbon. Some knights even shaved their heads completely as a sign of their devotion to the warrior lifestyle.
Here is an extensive video on the topic of different haircuts in medieval times:
Conclusion
In conclusion, it seems that medieval knights did indeed have long hair, at least to some extent. While the specifics of knights’ hairstyles varied over time and across different regions, long hair was a common and perhaps even expected feature of the knightly appearance.
Whether for practical, symbolic, or fashionable reasons, many knights in the medieval period wore their hair long as a sign of their strength, masculinity, and social status.