Tang Dynasty Women’s Hairstyles — Stunning Even by Today’s Standards
Paojia Ji (Fleeing-Home Bun)
In the late Tang Dynasty, women in the capital styled their hair with side locks curving along the cheeks, forming a topknot that looked like a cone. This striking style was called Paojia Ji, meaning “Fleeing-Home Bun.”
Shizi Ji (Cross-Shaped Bun)
Named for its resemblance to the Chinese character “十” (meaning “ten” or cross), Shizi Ji featured two long braids crossed vertically at the crown, creating a neat and balanced look.
Wuman Ji (Wu-Tribe Bun)
As recorded in Miao Customs Memoir: “Women wore their buns a foot high, elegant and sharp like stacked layers.” This bold, towering style was known as Wuman Ji, or “Wu-Tribe Bun.”
Shuangya Ji (Double Fork Bun)
A poetic line once described: “By the river, a girl with a double fork bun, cowpea flowers glowing in her hair.” The Shuangya Ji had two pointed sections on each side, giving a youthful, lively appearance.
Jinghu Ji (Startled Swan Bun)
Popular during the Wei period and Tang court, Jinghu Ji featured hair styled like the open wings of a startled bird. Paired with elegant long brows, this style was graceful and dramatic.
Danluo Ji (Single Spiral Bun)
Soft, flowing, and delicately coiled, the Danluo Ji reflected understated charm. As described in poetry: “Loose spiral touched with shine, lips like cherry blossoms.”
Dandao Banfan Ji (Half-Twist Blade Bun)
As noted in Styles of Hair and Buns by Duan Chengshi: “In Emperor Gaozu’s court, there was a bun called Dandao Banfan Ji.” This half-twisted style had an elegant upward flow and was popular in early Tang palace culture.
Gao Ji (High Bun)
Described in verse: “With fragrant oil and cloud-like coils, the high bun shines with elegance.” The Gao Ji sat tall and proud, a hairstyle favored by noble women and performers alike.
In ancient China, a woman’s hairstyle wasn’t just about beauty—it conveyed her age, status, and identity. Each style had its own meaning and symbolism. Even today, these styles remain breathtaking. Sadly, most TV dramas oversimplify or distort them, rarely reflecting their deep cultural roots or the original aesthetics behind them.
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