In many Westerns, the women have long hair or long hair pulled back in a bun.

In many Westerns, the women have long hair or long hair pulled back in a bun. Was that the fashion of the day?

Sydna Lefebvre

Tacoma, Washington

Women’s hairstyles varied just like they do today. Looking at Old West photos you’ll see a pretty wide variety—in a bun, curled, straight and parted in the middle.

Most women wore their hair long and kept it pulled up and off their shoulders. Short cuts didn’t really become the rage until the 1920s flappers bobbed their hair.

In general, women on the frontier had to style their own hair—or perhaps get some help from a family member or friend. With the exception of big cities like San Francisco the indulgence of a hairstylist would not have been found in Old West towns.