During the late Victorian times, it was fashionable to create lavish, complex hairstyles. Hairpieces such as this one, were cleverly attached to a hairstyle and augmented a lady's own hair.

This is a fine example of a Victorian hairpiece. Three strands of curled auburn hair are attached to a tortoise shell clip. The clip would have toned well into the lady's real hair and so the hairpiece would be virtually indistinguishable when in place.

During the 1870's and 80's hair styles became increasingly complex and ornate. Hair was piled up onto the top of the head, with free flowing ringlets echoing the pleats and folds of fashionable skirts. Some women sold their hair in order for it to be made into wigs and hair pieces.