How to create a simple early 1860s hairstyle

There were many beautiful and clever styles for hair in the 1860s. Like most period styles, you need quite a bit of hair to do them. The following "recipe" will work with hair that can be gathered into a ponytail at the back of the head; the length of the ponytail doesn't matter, only that it is long enough to be held firmly in an elastic band. Here is a simple hairstyle to begin with. It works especially well for ladies with fine hair, bangs, or layered hair (which is me on the first two counts):

You will need: one braid of medium thickness (1" or so wide) of synthetic hair that matches your color. It should be at least 25" long. Purchase a thin plastic headband that best matches the color of your hair. With a gluegun, glue the braid to the headband so that the braid hangs evenly from the ends of the band. You will also need hairpins (not bobby pins), in large and small sizes.

1. The night before the event for which you need to dress your hair, rub some Aveeno body cream into your scalp with your fingers. Aveeno product is good because it is not greasy, it will moisturize your scalp and will not weigh your hair down. It also washes out easily without leaving a residue. Comb your hair through and sleep with the cream in your hair.
2. The next day, brush your hair gently back off of your forehead with several smooth strokes. With a comb, part it dead center. Gently comb the hair away from the part, but allow for the hair to rise a little off the scalp. This creates the illusion of more hair, if your hair is fine and thin. Brush all the hair toward the back of the head, and gather it in a ponytail at the nape of the neck. If your hair is long enough, braid the ponytail and fasten the end. Gently add pomade or hair gel now to get rid of any flyaways and to smooth the hair. Add a good dose of hairspray too at this point, if you need it.
3.Carefully place the headband on your head. The band should be closer to the back of your head, rather than foreward. Twist the ponytail or braid of your own hair into a knot and pin it in place with hairpins. The bring the braids from the headband around the back of the head and wrap them around your own hair. Pin them in place with a few well placed large hairpins.

This is a quick and easy style that works when you are in a hurry, or have limited resources to do your hair, such as in a tent! With practice, it's a style that is firm and will hold all day, even when activities such as dancing, etc. are involved. I don't recommend spraying the synthetic braid because it makes it gummy eventually.