A Young Lady’s Guide to Dressing the Hair

Clara would like me to start by telling you she strongly opposes the production of publications such as this, as doing so resulted in not only I forgetting to feed her dessert last night but also second breakfast this morning. Such lapses in responsibility can not be tolerated.

That said….

These little booklets are all Malinda’s fault.

Once upon a time, a group of then young interpreters and reenactors in Western New York got together occasionally to learn and create new items for their impressions. With the discovery of a supply of small boxes, the practice of maintaining a hair kit began.

Some two decades later, I still use the same hair kit when at home.

Being said once young interpreters and reenactors are now less young and some have young of their own, the next generation is now building their own hair kits.

A hair kit is essentially a portion of the toilet, often meant to be mobile to meet the modern needs of interpreters and reenactors. The container, selected to meet the needs of user, houses the necessities used in dressing the hair.

These small booklets are meant to accompany the hair kit with the beginner or novice in mind. I arranged one for teens and one for adult women. Each gives very brief tips for the beginner and an assortment of photographs & illustrations for inspiration. The contents focus on the hair of everyday, working- and middle-class women.

A Young Lady’s Guide to Dressing the Hair, 1850s-1860s

A Lady’s Guide to Dressing the Hair, 1850s-1860s

To create the booklet, print the PDF in black & white or color. Select double sided, flipping along the long side. Stack the three sheets of paper on top of each other. Cut across the center horizontally at 5.25″. Place the top three sheets on top of the bottom three sheets. Fold in half. Stitch in the fold with strong thread or string if you choose.

Part of me thinks I should be placing these with the option to purchase (Etsy or Patreon) due to the number of private collection photographs included. But, I feel this type of resource should be easily accessible. If you wish to say thank you for publications such as this or the many free projects I offer, I invite you to join my Patreon.