Viking-inspired hairstyles are built on braids, texture, and attitude. They range from historically flavored plaits to modern battle-ready styles with undercuts and accessories. This list covers the 20 most-worn viking hairstyles for women, each with the skill level, time, and hair length it needs.
These are modern interpretations, not museum reconstructions. Every style here can be done at home with practice, and most need nothing more than elastics, bobby pins, and texturizing spray.
Quick Takeaways
- Most viking styles are braid-based; learning a Dutch braid and a fishtail covers half this list.
- Texturizing spray or dry shampoo gives the rugged, lived-in texture these styles need.
- Metal rings, beads, and leather cords are the classic accessories; add them last.
- Braids protect hair from tangling and breakage, which makes these styles practical, not just decorative.
- Sleep in a loose braid or satin bonnet to make complex styles last two to three days.
1. Shieldmaiden Side Braid
The shieldmaiden side braid parts the hair deeply to one side and runs a chunky Dutch or French braid along the temple, with the rest left in loose waves. The contrast between the tight braid and the free hair gives both structure and softness. It suits medium to long hair.
Braid damp hair with a little texturizing spray for grip, then pancake the braid by gently pulling the edges wider. Secure with a small clear elastic tucked under the waves.
To keep braided styles fresh for days, our guide to making braids last longer covers nighttime protection and refresh tricks.
Try this: braid tightly at the temple and looser toward the ends for a natural taper.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 to 15 minutes
2. Viking Warrior Ponytail
The warrior ponytail pulls the hair high and tight, slicks the sides smooth, and finishes the tail as a fishtail or rope braid. It stays put through workouts, wind, and long days, which is the whole point. It suits medium to long hair and all face shapes.
Tease the crown lightly before tying for height, then wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Braid the tail and secure with a leather cord for the full effect.
Try this: use a strong-hold gel on the sides; flyaways ruin the sleek contrast.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes
3. Viking Crown Braid
The crown braid wraps a Dutch braid around the head like a halo, with the end tucked and pinned under the start. It keeps every strand off the face and neck, which makes it practical for hot days and formal events alike. It suits medium to long hair; short hair can work with extensions.
Braid in a circle, adding hair from both sides as you go, and pin the tail flat against the scalp. Loosen the braid slightly for a softer, more romantic finish.
Try this: start behind one ear so the tucked end hides underneath.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 15 to 20 minutes
4. Viking Warrior Bun
The warrior bun sits high on the crown as a tight top knot, wrapped or anchored with small braids. It reads powerful and clean, and it keeps long hair completely contained. It suits thick hair best, since the knot needs volume to look intentional.
Gather the hair high, twist into a knot, and pin securely. Braid two thin sections from the hairline back into the knot for the signature detail.
Try this: use a hair donut for thin hair; the knot needs bulk.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes
5. Viking Valkyrie Braids
Valkyrie braids split the hair down the middle into two thick Dutch braids, often with metal beads or rings woven in. The symmetry is striking and the style holds for days. It suits long, thick hair and anyone who wants maximum impact with basic technique.
Part cleanly down the middle and braid each side tightly from the hairline. Thread beads onto small sections before braiding so they sit locked inside the plait.
Try this: braid all the way to the very ends; unfinished tails unravel fast.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 15 minutes
6. Norse Goddess Curls
Norse goddess curls are long, flowing, defined curls worn loose down the back. The look is regal rather than battle-ready, and it suits naturally curly hair or long hair set with a curling iron. It works on all face shapes because the volume frames softly.
For heat-set curls, apply heat protectant first and curl in alternating directions for natural movement. Finger-comb instead of brushing to keep the definition.
Try this: add one thin braid at the temple to tie the curls to the viking theme.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 20 to 30 minutes
7. Viking Pixie
The viking pixie is a short, choppy cut with textured layers and a slightly longer top. It channels the bold shieldmaiden spirit without needing length. It suits oval, heart, and square face shapes and fine to medium hair that holds texture.
Style with a matte paste, pushing the top forward and slightly to one side for edge. Trims every four to six weeks keep the shape sharp.
Try this: add a shaved line or temple detail for extra edge without full commitment.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 5 minutes daily
8. Classic Viking Warrior Braid
The classic warrior braid starts at the crown and runs as one thick three-strand or Dutch braid all the way down the back. It is the most iconic viking style: simple, strong, and unmistakable. It suits long hair past the shoulders.
Gather the hair high at the crown, braid tightly, and secure with a leather cord. Pancake the braid for thickness, and mist with texturizing spray for grip.
If tight braids cause soreness, our guide to loosening tight braids shows how to relieve tension without redoing the style.
Try this: braid over one shoulder for a softer, more wearable version.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes
9. Viking Mohawk Braid
The viking mohawk braid runs a bold braided crest down the center of the head, with the sides slicked, braided flat, or shaved. The contrast between the raised center and the tight sides is dramatic. It suits confident dressers and medium to long hair.
Section a wide strip down the center and Dutch-braid it from hairline to nape. Slick or cornrow the sides flat, then decorate the crest with rings.
Considering shaved sides? Our undercut hairstyles for women guide covers grow-out and styling.
Try this: try slicked sides first; shaving is a bigger commitment than it looks.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 20 minutes
10. Viking Bob with Braids
The viking bob pairs a shoulder-length cut with blunt ends and small braids or twists woven through. The short length keeps it modern while the braids add the Norse edge. It suits straight to wavy hair and round, oval, and heart face shapes.
Add two or three thin braids along the part line and pin them back. Texturizing spray gives the bob the rugged finish the style needs.
Try this: keep the ends blunt; layers soften the edge too much.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes
11. Braided Half-Updo
The braided half-updo pulls small braids from each temple into a knot or bun at the back, leaving the rest of the hair loose. It balances the warrior look with softness and suits medium to long hair. It works for everyday wear and events alike.
Braid two thin sections from the hairline, cross them at the back, and pin into a small knot. Curl the loose hair for contrast.
Try this: leave face-framing pieces loose to soften the braided crown.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 15 minutes
12. Viking Fishtail Braid
The viking fishtail starts at the crown and weaves a thick fishtail all the way down. The fine weave looks intricate and holds up well in wind and activity. It suits long hair; the fishtail needs length to show its pattern.
Split the hair into two sections and cross small pieces from the outside of each section to the inside of the other. Keep tension even and pancake gently at the end for fullness.
Try this: braid on second-day hair; clean hair slips and the weave loosens.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 15 to 20 minutes
13. Norse Cornrows
Norse cornrows braid the hair close to the scalp in straight or curved rows, sometimes feeding into a ponytail or bun at the back. The style is sleek, long-lasting, and keeps hair fully protected. It suits all hair types and works on medium to long hair.
Cornrows take practice; start with four to six straight rows before attempting curved patterns. They can last one to two weeks with nighttime protection.
Cornrows have deep roots in Black hair culture, so wear them with respect for that history rather than as a costume. For more braided protective styles, see our braided hairstyles for Black women roundup.
Try this: keep rows the same width; uneven rows look messy fast.
Difficulty: Hard · Time: 45 to 90 minutes
14. Braided Viking Undercut
The braided undercut shaves or crops the sides short while the top stays long for braids and topknots. The contrast is the boldest on this list and the styling options are endless: braids, knots, or loose. It suits thick hair and anyone ready for a real change.
Keep the shaved sections trimmed every two to three weeks. Style the top in a Dutch braid or high knot depending on the day.
Try this: start with a disconnected undercut hidden under long hair; it grows out invisibly.
Difficulty: Easy to style · Time: 10 minutes daily, plus trims
15. Side-Shaved Dreadlock Style
This edgy style pairs a shaved side or high undercut with long dreadlocks pulled back into a ponytail. The mix of textures is striking and unmistakably warrior-like. It suits committed wearers; dreadlocks are a long-term choice.
Dreadlocks need regular palm-rolling or crochet maintenance in the first year. Keep the shaved side crisp with frequent trims.
Try this: use braid-in extensions first to test the look before locking your own hair.
Difficulty: Hard · Time: hours to install, low daily
16. Messy Viking Bun
The messy viking bun gathers the hair into a loose, undone bun at the back or crown, with strands left to frame the face. It is relaxed but still reads Norse with the right texture. It suits medium to long hair and second-day texture.
Twist the hair loosely and pin, pulling out pieces for softness. A small braid wrapped around the base adds the viking detail.
Try this: build the bun on dirty hair; clean hair slips out of messy styles.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 5 minutes
17. Two-Toned Viking Braids
Two-toned viking braids pair the braided style with bold color: dark roots melting into red, blonde, or copper lengths. The color makes the braid pattern pop and photographs dramatically. It suits long hair and anyone who wants color and style in one move.
The color needs its own upkeep on top of the styling. Semi-permanent dyes let you test bold shades without commitment.
Try this: keep the bold color in the lengths so regrowth stays simple.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 15 minutes to style, plus color upkeep
18. Viking Braids with Beads
Beads and rings turn simple braids into statement pieces. Small silver cuffs, wooden beads, or metal rings thread onto braids and catch the light as you move. It suits any braid on this list and works on all hair lengths.
Thread beads onto thin sections before braiding so they lock inside the plait, or clip rings on after. Remove metal accessories before sleeping to avoid snagging.
For braid styles that show off accessories well, our fulani braids hairstyles roundup has more beaded inspiration.
Try this: mix metals and wood rather than matching everything.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 5 extra minutes on any braid
19. Freydis Waves
Freydis waves are long, shaggy, textured waves that hang past the shoulders with a wild, undone finish. The style needs no products and no precision, which makes it the easiest viking look to wear daily. It suits medium to long hair with natural texture.
Wash, scrunch with a little sea salt spray, and let the hair air-dry. The messier it looks, the closer it is to the mark.
Try this: skip the brush entirely; finger-comb to keep the wild texture.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 5 minutes
20. Lagertha-Inspired Braids
Lagertha-inspired braids take the shieldmaiden look into a practical low ponytail: braids along the sides feed into a braided or wrapped tail at the nape. It suits short, medium, and long hair and flatters most face shapes. The low placement keeps it comfortable for all-day wear.
Braid from each temple back toward the nape, join into a ponytail, and braid or wrap the tail. Secure with a leather band for the finishing touch.
Try this: wrap the ponytail base with a strand of hair to hide the elastic.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Viking Accessories Guide
The right accessories finish these styles. Metal hair rings and cuffs slide onto braids and catch the light; wooden beads add an earthy feel. Thin leather cords wrapped around a braid tail or ponytail base give an authentic touch for very little money. Linen or wool ribbons woven into braids add color and work well for events.
Add accessories last, after the style is secure, so they sit on top instead of getting buried. Remove metal pieces before sleeping or washing to avoid snags and tangles. A small pouch of rings, beads, and cords costs under $15 and lasts for years.
Viking Hairstyles Comparison Table
| Style | Skill level | Time needed | Hair length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shieldmaiden side braid | Easy | 10 to 15 minutes | Medium to long |
| Warrior ponytail | Easy | 10 minutes | Medium to long |
| Crown braid | Medium | 15 to 20 minutes | Medium to long |
| Warrior braid / fishtail | Easy to medium | 10 to 20 minutes | Long |
| Mohawk braid / undercut | Medium | 20 minutes, plus trims | Medium to long |
| Cornrows | Hard | 45 to 90 minutes | Medium to long |
| Buns (warrior / messy) | Easy | 5 to 10 minutes | Medium to long |
| Pixie / bob | Easy | 5 to 10 minutes | Short |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do viking hairstyles on short hair?
Yes. The viking pixie and viking bob are made for short hair, and small accent braids work on chin-length cuts. Crown braids and long warrior braids need medium to long hair, but extensions can bridge the gap for events. Most half-up styles work once hair reaches the shoulders.
How long do viking braids last?
Tight braids like Dutch, cornrows, and fishtails last two to three days with nighttime protection. Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase, and refresh the hairline with dry shampoo. Loose styles like messy buns and waves are single-day looks.
Are viking hairstyles cultural appropriation?
Norse-inspired braids themselves are a general European braiding tradition and wearing them is not appropriation. Be careful with styles that have distinct cultural roots elsewhere: cornrows and dreadlocks come from Black culture, so wear them with knowledge and respect rather than as a viking costume. When in doubt, stick to the braid styles with clear Norse associations.
What accessories do I need for viking hairstyles?
Start with the basics: small clear elastics, bobby pins, and texturizing spray. For the authentic finish, add metal hair rings or cuffs, wooden beads, and thin leather cords. A starter set costs under $15. Add accessories after the style is secure and remove metal pieces before sleeping.
Do viking hairstyles damage hair?
Braids are generally protective because they reduce tangling and friction. Damage comes from braiding too tightly, which stresses the hairline, or from leaving heavy styles in too long. Keep tension comfortable, take styles down every few days, and moisturize the scalp. If braids hurt, they are too tight.
Final Thoughts
Twenty styles, one theme: braids do the heavy lifting. Whether you go for a five-minute messy bun or an intricate fishtail, the viking look comes down to texture, a few good braids, and the confidence to wear them. Start with the easy styles and work up.
Pick one style to master this week. The shieldmaiden side braid is the best starting point because it teaches the Dutch braid technique behind half the list. For more braided inspiration, browse fulani braids hairstyles next.
