Song Dynasty Maids Hairstyles

The hairstyles of maids in the Song dynasty were relatively simple, yet easily recognizable. The three most common styles were Ya Huan (丫鬟), Ya Ji (丫髻), and Luo Ji (螺髻).

Ya Huan (丫鬟 ; yā huan)

In the past, the term “Ya Huan” referred to maidservants and also became the name of a specific hairstyle. The hair was divided into two sections and braided into circular loops, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. Because many young maids wore this style, it came to be known as “Ya Huan.” Its form is similar to Ya Ji, but the difference lies in the structure: Ya Ji was styled into a solid bun, while Ya Huan formed a hollow loop.

Ya Ji (丫髻 ; yā jì)

Ya Ji, also known as “Ya Tou (丫头 ; yā tou),” was generally worn by girls who had not yet reached adulthood or by adult women who were unmarried, including palace maids and maidservants. This hairstyle most commonly appeared in the form of double Ya Ji or triple Ya Ji, as seen on the maid depicted in the painting《盥手观花图》(guàn shǒu guān huā tú).

Luo Ji (螺髻 ; luó jì)

Luo Ji was named for its bun, which resembles a snail shell. This style emerged in the early Tang dynasty and continued to be used during the Song period. In related paintings, two main variations can be seen: double Luo Ji and double hanging Luo Ji. It was typically worn by palace maids, maidservants, or young girls who had not yet reached marriageable age. In《观灯图》(guān dēng tú), one maid is shown wearing a double hanging Luo Ji.

Source: 《我在宋朝穿什么》 by 陆蕾