Women of the Antonine emperors
117–193 CE

Plotina (d. 129), wife of Trajan
Still front-loaded, with a diadem integrated into the style
and a short braid hanging down behind.

Sabina (86–137), niece of Trajan and wife of Hadrian
Double-diadem in front, wavy on the sides, and braid in
high coil that has graceful curvature. This style is nearly
identical to that worn by Marciana some 20 years before
(see immediately below).

This style is nearly identical to Plotina's.

Diadem accompanied by wreath (perhaps added by the engraver?).
Braid is doubled back and tied.

Unusual, lop-sided coil of braids worn almost
like a hat. Salonina and much later Constantia
wear similar styles (see below).

Faustina the Older, wife of
Antoninus Pius, reigned in 141
Elaborate braids, brought together into a coil on top.
Waves frame the face.

Diadem returns, but coil stays on top.

Laurel wreath may not actually have been worn;
such symbols were commonly added by the coin engravers.

Anna Faustina (also called Faustina the Younger), wife of
Marcus Aurelius, who reigned 128–175
Center part, wavy sides, and small bun in back. This
style is a return to that of the Augustan women of 100 years before.

This is a similar style with considerably more waves.

Similar style to Faustina the Older, but with the
coil of braids worn farther back on the head.

This is another reversion to early first century styles.

Lucilla (148–182), daughter of Marcus Aurelius and
sister of Commodus, she is the historical figure portrayed
though not accurately, in the movie Gladiator.
Heavy waves and coil of braids just above neck.

Crispina, wife of Commodus, d. 182
This style is similar to Lucilla's, but with the
addition of twisted hair framing the face and
more massive braids (vertical coil) at the back.

The emphasis on waves is obvious, as is the
change in the bun of braids at the back, no longer coiled.

Manlia Scantilla, wife of Didius Julianus,
who reigned for less than three months in 193
Sides are waved and the braid in back is looser, folded up
and pinned. This becomes a trend of the coming
generation of imperial women.

Women of the Severan emperors
193–235 CE

Plautilla (d. 212), wife of Caracalla
Her hair is wavy on the sides and has a small braid
at the back that is folded rather than coiled.

This is a very unusual "do" that is braided from front
to back and completed by a small coil.

Julia Domna (167–217), wife of Septimus Severus
Center part, with a blanket of waves down the sides and braided
at the ends brought into a small coil and pinned.

A similar style with the addition of a diadem.

Waves on the side with bun of loose braids at back.

Same style with addition of diadem.

Julia Paula, first wife of Elagabalus, who reigned 219–220
Waves on the sides with broad braid at back,
folded out and up, then pinned.

Julia Soaemias (180–222), daughter of Julia Maesa
Style virtually identical to Julia Domna's (see above).

Julia Maesa, sister of Julia Domna d. c. 225
Her style is virtually identical to her sister's.

Julia Mamaea (c. 190–235), daughter of Julia Maesa
and mother of the emperor Alexander Severus
See the second style of Julia Domna, above.

Women of the later emperors
235–326 CE

Tranquillina, wife of Gordian III, who reigned 214–244
Now the braid folded out and up extends
almost all the way back to the forehead.

Otacilla (d. 249), wife of Philip I (The Ardo)
Wavy sides remain popular, and braid folded
out and pinned up extends to just behind diadem.

Above and below the braid only reaches to back top of head.

Herennia Etrucilla, wife of Trajan Decius, who reigned 249–251
See first Julia Domna style, above.

Braid folded out and up extends halfway across top.

Salonina, wife of Gallienus, who reigned 253–268
Braid folded out and up extends even farther toward forehead.

Salonina and Gallienus

Magnia Urbica, wife of Carinus, who reigned 283–285
Braid folded out and up extends beyond diadem to forehead.

Valeria (d. 315)
Braid folded out and up almost reaches forehead.

Helena (c. 249–328), wife of Constantius I Chlorus
and mother of Constantine I
Braid folded out and up extends to forehead.
Pin curls frame the face.

This new style is a break from the past: wave on both sides of center
part, topped by two rings of carefully twisted hair. There probably
remains a braid in back, folded out and up.

Constantia, sister of Constantine I, wife of Licinius I
Waves on each side of a center part frame the
face, behind which is a large coil of braids, open in the
middle, and worn almost like a hat.

Fausta, second wife of Constantine I,
who reigned 307-326
Heavy waves on both sides of center part and
small coil of braids at nape of neck.