A Century of Period Hairstyling
1860s–1960s
Masterclass Melanie Bouvet
09.12.-13.12.2026 BERLIN english speaking class Price 1650,00 Euro plus 19% Vat
This five-day practical masterclass in Berlin takes participants through a century of hairstyling history, from the 1860s to the 1960s. Led by hair and make-up specialist Melanie Bouvet, the programme combines historical styling techniques with hands-on practice, working on own hair and wigs.
The workshop covers a range of historical hairstyles, focusing on the characteristic silhouettes, shapes, textures and techniques associated with each era. Participants will explore how period looks are constructed and how different styling methods can be adapted to individual hair types, lengths and practical requirements.
Who Is This Masterclass For?
This masterclass is intended for hair and make-up artists and hairstylists working in film, television and related screen industries who have existing hairstyling experience. It is suitable for professionals who want to:
- Refresh and practise previously learned period hairstyling techniques.
- Expand their knowledge across multiple historical eras.
- Develop their understanding of period silhouettes, setting methods and styling structures.
- Explore techniques for different hair lengths and the use of additional hairpieces.
- Build a broader range of practical approaches for period hairstyling in production environments.
PROGRAM
The masterclass covers period hairstyling techniques across the following eras:
- Victorian period, 1860s–1890s: Centre partings, structured chignons, coiled buns, braids, curls and characteristic Victorian shapes.
- Late Victorian period, 1890s–1900: Marcel waves and the use of additional hairpieces.
- Edwardian era, 1900–1910: Gibson Girl hairstyles, Belle Époque pompadours and techniques for creating different shapes and volumes.
- 1920s: Finger waves using wet setting, Marcel techniques and hot tools, including approaches for longer hair.
- 1930s: Roller setting, hot-tool techniques, pin-curl sets and the use of back hairpieces.
- 1940s: Setting and shaping with hot tools, tongs, rollers and padding.
- 1950s: Pin curls, straighteners, tongs, rollers and the French pleat.
- 1960s: Creating volume, shaping silhouettes, incorporating hairpieces, styling a faux fringe and constructing pleats.
What Students need to bring
- Wig-blocking head (23 in / 58 cm)
- Sectioning clips (small and large)
- combs and brushes
- hair donuts, mesh and padding materials
- Hot sticks and bendy rollers
- Electric curling tongs
- Heated roller set
- Portable hood dryer
- Hairdryer
- Bobby pins / hair pins
- Hair accessories
- Hairspray
- Water spray bottle
Important: Model Requirements
Participants are responsible for organising their own models for all workshop days. If you are unable to find a model, The Make-up Council may be able to assist, subject to availability. Please note that an additional fee may apply for model arrangements.
MELANIE BOUVET
Melanie Bouvet is a highly experienced hair, wig and make-up specialist with over 25 years of experience in theatre. She spent 23 years at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden, London, including 12 years as Head of New Productions for Wigs, Hair & Make-up (WHAM). She later served as Head of Wigs at the National Theatre from December 2024 to September 2025, before continuing her career as a freelance artist in early 2024.
Her extensive work spans theatre, opera, ballet, film, television, editorial and fashion, with collaborations involving renowned costume designers and fashion houses, including Hermès, Balenciaga and Gareth Pugh. Specialising in historical hairstyling and wig work, Melanie combines technical precision with a strong understanding of historical aesthetics and the craftsmanship required to create period-accurate looks. She is also the author of A Practical Guide to Wig Making and Dressing (2018). Alongside her professional practice, Melanie is committed to sharing her knowledge and preserving specialist hairstyling skills. She has taught at leading UK institutions, including Delamar Academy, CBMA, Iver Academy, London College of Fashion and METFilm School, passing on the techniques and practical expertise essential to this specialised craft.
My Registration
Yes, I would like to register for the workshop