Introduction

The ancient Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII, often evokes vivid imagery of shiny, ravishing hair adorned with intricate braids and golden headdresses. Historical records and modern depictions paint a picture of a woman of extraordinary beauty whose hair style was both a symbol of her status and a testament to her devotion to beauty. This article delves into the truth behind Cleopatra's hair style, exploring the discrepancy in her portrayal between the Egyptian and Greco-Roman worlds, and examining the elaborate hair care practices of the time.

Cleopatra's Portrayal as a Ruler

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, was a charismatic figure who often balanced the expectations of different cultures. Egyptians viewed her as a goddess, signifying the goddess Isis/[Iset] through her depictions in temples. However, towards the Greco-Roman world, she embraced a more masculine appearance, possibly as a strategy to assert her authority. This duality is clear in the differing ways she was depicted and the discrepancy between her Egyptian and Roman portrayals.

Historical Depictions of Cleopatra's Beauty

The historian Cassius Dione vividly described Cleopatra as 'a woman of extraordinary beauty.' Her beauty, especially her hair, was a significant aspect of her allure. She would often adorn her hair with a golden headdress and fine decorations, showcasing her stunning features. Modern depictions, such as Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Cleopatra," further emphasize this, with her character portrayed with beautifully styled, shining hair, complemented by an intoxicating perfumed cone.

Beauty Practices and Hair Care in Ancient Egypt

While some modern depictions of Cleopatra show her hair in a bun, it is important to note that this hairstyle was not uniform across all of her depictions. Historical mummy findings reveal that Egyptian women, including high-ranking ones like Cleopatra, colored their hair using mixtures of henna for a richer, more vibrant look. Cleopatra herself was known to spend hours on her hair care routines, alternating between salt treatments to lighten the hair color and healing compresses of eggs and water for soft, silky hair.

For longer hair, Egyptian women used safflower powder to regenerate damaged strands and applied a mixture of fenugreek and lion fat for even greater care. Beeswax and gum arabic were popular for styling purposes, lending a glossy finish to their hair. Cleopatra herself was known to use coconut butter, a modern hair nutrient, to condition her hair, ensuring it was shiny and easy to manage.

To maintain the health and luster of her hair, Cleopatra would sprinkle aromatic oils such as sandalwood, cedar, and myrrh onto her scalp. These oils not only strengthened the hair bulb but also promoted hair growth. The use of a perfumed cone, which could be a kind of headdress, further enhanced her allure, emanating a captivating scent that could be intoxicating.

The Question of Hairstyle

There were seven queens named Cleopatra in the Ptolemaic era, but for the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on Cleopatra VII. On the coins minted in her name, Cleopatra VII is typically depicted with her hair in a bun. This style was not an uncommon way for high-status women to wear their hair during the Ptolemaic period, symbolizing authority and refinement. However, it is worth noting that this was by no means the only hairstyle she was known to wear.

The discrepancy between her different depictions can be attributed to the varying cultural contexts she inhabited and the different lens through which she was viewed. As a powerful female ruler, Cleopatra navigated the complex webs of tradition and expectation, sometimes presenting herself in a way that aligned with the Greco-Roman world's rejection of female rulers and at other times in a way that celebrated her Ptolemaic heritage and the goddess Isis/[Iset].

Conclusion

The question of whether Cleopatra tied her hair up or kept it down is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. Her hair style was a reflection of her identity, status, and the cultural expectations of the times. Whether she was depicted with a bun or her hair flowing, the elaborate care and attention to detail in her hair suggest a woman who was deeply invested in her appearance and her legacy. Understanding the nuances of Cleopatra's beauty and hair care practices provides a deeper appreciation for the ancient Egyptian queen and her enduring influence on world history.