Hair Today, Here Tomorrow: The Incredible Art of Hairwork

Throughout history, hair has been used for more than just hairstyles. For centuries, people have turned human hair into intricate works of art, braiding it into jewelry, keepsakes, and decorative designs to be passed down for generations.

Hairy History

This unique craft is called hairwork, and it was especially popular in the 1800s. Artists would carefully braid and weave strands of hair into rings, bracelets, lockets, and detailed patterns using specialized tools and techniques.

Because hair is thicker and stiffer than fibers like cotton or wool, it’s often better suited for braiding, allowing artists to create surprisingly durable designs.

Although the practice nearly disappeared, a few modern artists are helping to bring it back.

Keeping The Craft Alive

One of these artists is Zen Hansen of Rigby, Idaho, who is reviving historic hairwork using traditional table braiding methods.

When she began learning the craft in 2019, she discovered that the most recent instructional book on hairwork had been published in 1867. Today, Zen researches the history of the craft, develops modern tools, and creates intricate pieces using hair from herself, family members, and clients.

You can learn more about Zen Hansen and other incredible talents in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Seek the Strange , Ripley’s latest annual book.

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