1. Shang Dynasty:
    • Female hairstyles in the Shang Dynasty were characterized by their simplicity and practicality.
    • Women often wore their hair up in buns or braids, adorned with simple hairpins made of bone, bamboo, ivory, or jade.
    • These hairpins often featured carvings of birds, chickens, or geometric patterns.
  2. Zhou Dynasty:
    • During the Zhou Dynasty, high buns became popular among women, especially among the aristocracy.
    • The hair was combed into two strands, one of which was twisted into a small bun and wrapped around the other strand to form a high, flat bun.
    • Hairpins and hairpins adorned with precious materials were used to secure the bun.
  3. Qin Dynasty:
    • After unifying China, the Qin Dynasty imposed uniformity on hairstyles for women in the palace.
    • Women were required to wear the “Taohua Makeup” with a specific hairstyle known as the “Shenxian Ji” (Fairy-like Bun).
    • The “Taohua Makeup” involved applying white powder to the face and rouge to the cheeks, while the “Shenxian Ji” was a complex bun adorned with hairpins and other accessories.
  4. Han Dynasty:
    • The Han Dynasty saw a variety of hairstyles among women, ranging from high buns adorned with jewels to simple, low buns.
    • High buns were popular among aristocrats and officials’ wives, while common women wore simpler hairstyles.
    • Women also wore hairpins adorned with precious materials and flowers.
  5. Sui and Tang Dynasties:
    • The Sui and Tang Dynasties were known for their cultural prosperity and diversity, which was reflected in women’s hairstyles.
    • High buns, such as the “Feixuan Ji” (Flying Cloud Bun) and the “Chaotian Ji” (Facing Heaven Bun), were popular among women of all social statuses.
    • Women also wore elaborate hairpieces made of precious materials, such as gold, silver, jade, and pearls.
  6. Song Dynasty:
    • While hairstyles in the Song Dynasty were relatively conservative compared to the Tang Dynasty, they still featured intricate designs and decorations.
    • High buns adorned with flowers and jewels were popular among women, especially during festivals and celebrations.
    • The use of hairnets and hairpins became more widespread.
  7. Yuan Dynasty:
    • The Yuan Dynasty, ruled by the Mongols, introduced new hairstyles influenced by nomadic cultures.
    • Women often wore their hair in braids or loose buns adorned with simple hairpins and headbands.
    • However, among the Han Chinese population, traditional hairstyles, such as high buns and hairnets, continued to be popular.
  8. Ming Dynasty:
    • The Ming Dynasty saw a return to traditional Chinese hairstyles, especially among the aristocracy.
    • High buns adorned with precious materials and jewels were popular among women of high social status.
    • New hairstyles, such as the “Taoxin Ji” (Peach-shaped Bun) and the “Jinjiaosi Denglong Zan” (Gold Twist Lantern Hairpin), were introduced.
  9. Qing Dynasty:
    • The Qing Dynasty, ruled by the Manchus, introduced a new hairstyle for women that was influenced by Manchu culture.
    • Women wore their hair in two horizontal buns known as “Xiaoliang Tou” (Two Small Buns) adorned with flowers and simple hairpins.
    • During the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns, as the Qing court became more prosperous, women began to wear more elaborate hairpieces and jewels.
    • In the late Qing Dynasty, a new hairstyle known as “Dala Chi” (Large Winged Headpiece) became popular among women of high social status. This hairstyle featured a large, flat bun adorned with jewels, flowers, and feathers.

This brief overview highlights the evolution of female hairstyles in China from the Shang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Each dynasty brought its unique influences and styles, shaping the hairstyles worn by women throughout China’s history.