A Shift Towards Historical Accuracy
For years, historical dramas have enchanted audiences with their lavish costumes, intricate sets, and grand storytelling. However, one aspect often overlooked is the accuracy of children’s hairstyles. Many period dramas have traditionally styled young characters with adult-like hairdos, giving them a "miniature adult" appearance that lacks the playful authenticity of childhood. Recently, however, a shift has begun, and productions like Jia Ye (家业), Flourished Peony (国色芳华), and Joy of Life (庆余年) are finally embracing historically accurate child hairstyles, leading viewers to exclaim: "So this is what ancient children really looked like!"
The Evolution of Child Hairstyles in Ancient China
Ancient Chinese children's hairstyles were far from uniform; they evolved through different stages as the child grew. Similar to modern times, children in historical China had distinct hair grooming traditions, beginning with shaved heads in infancy, moving to partially grown and styled hair, and eventually progressing to more formal hairstyles in adolescence. The idea that children must wear miniature versions of adult hairstyles is a modern misconception that certain period dramas are now correcting.
Infancy: The Shaved or Minimal Hair Phase
In early childhood, many children had their heads shaved regularly to promote hair growth, a practice often depicted in classical paintings. Some styles featured a small tuft of hair left on the crown or the back of the head, commonly tied into a tiny ponytail. This look is reminiscent of the phrase from The Book of Songs, "Yellow hair hanging down, playing in peace," which describes the carefree nature of childhood.
Toddler Years: The ‘Total Horn’ Hairstyle
As a child's hair grew, it was typically gathered into small tufts or buns known as "total horn" (总角). This style was popular for both boys and girls and was often adorned with colorful ribbons or ornaments to emphasize their youthful vibrancy. The term "total horn years" (总角之年) even became a poetic way to refer to childhood.
Pre-Teens: The Transition to Braids and Hairbands
By the time children reached a certain age, their hair was long enough to be braided or tied into small ponytails. Some wore fabric headbands or "lezi" (勒子), a type of band used to keep loose strands from falling into their eyes. These accessories were often color-coordinated with their outfits, adding a playful and stylish element to their appearance.
Adolescence: The Step Towards Adult Hairstyles
Around the age of fifteen or sixteen, children transitioned into adulthood and began to wear hairstyles that signified their coming of age. Boys went through the "capping ceremony" (冠礼) and girls the "hairpin ceremony" (笄礼), during which their hair was formally tied up and adorned with more mature accessories. Before reaching this stage, it would have been considered inappropriate for a child to wear a fully adult hairstyle.
A Step in the Right Direction
The push for more authentic child hairstyles in period dramas is a refreshing change. Viewers have noticed that the new wave of historical productions respects these traditional practices, making the characters feel more realistic and immersive. In The Jia Ye, children sport historically accurate buns and tied-up tufts, while The Flourished Peony captures the playfulness of childhood through colorful accessories and simple, charming hairstyles.
This newfound attention to detail enhances the authenticity of these dramas and allows audiences to appreciate the depth of ancient Chinese culture. Gone are the days when children in period dramas looked like miniature versions of adults—now, they finally look like children, as they should.
