I hope I'm putting this in the right location.  I have a recital in costume at the end of this month and am having a heck of a time finding vintage hairstyle direction (other than the Gibson Girl).  The era is 1885 and early 1900's.  I'm singing one song from Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy's song "Someone Like You", she's a whore) and the other is from the Fantasticks (Luisa's song "Much More").  So far I'm feeling stuck with the Gibson Girl.  I'd love to hear your suggestions or perhaps direction to a resource I haven't come across.
Thanks very much!!!

Hmm, that's a bit of a time range there.  The Gibson Girl was only around in the latter 1890's through 1903 or so.  

I've got several reference books here with some really neat styles, but more information would help me target what you're looking for.

Here's one from 1890 which might work:  The hair is pulled up into a ponytail at the point of the head (where the top and back meet).  Then the loose ends are curled.  In the picture I have, a sort of flower wreath is added around the curls, and feathers are stuck into that for accent.  You could go wild with flowers or whatever would complement your costume.

Hope this helps!

I'd say that most basic buns we know have been around a long time.
 Probably ordinary cinnabun is "period-correct", but it would be great if you found eg. an old hair ornament (I'm sure that your hairstick collection also includes something that would look good ;) ).
 Other important thing (you'll see this if you look at the old photograps) is, that the style must be neat- not least bit messy or funky or anything like that.

If you don't like updos, a braided, simple style is always an option. You don't see many braids in formal pictures, but in pictures presenting eg. a picnic or other casual events, ladies often have their hair simply braided and tied with a pretty ribbon.

Look at very old photographs of ladies, or paintings of the era. And don't forget to tell us, what style you finally decided to wear! :D

Thanks so much for your replies!  I'm going to give everything a try w/costume to see what feels right.  I'm really giving rag curls a thought but I've never done them before.  If you have any experience with them I'd appreciate your Do's and Don'ts.
Thanks again, I'm getting excited 'cause yesterday I bought my new fake eyelashes and "whore" red lipstick.  Too much fun!! ;D

Try these links:

http://www.shootingstarhistory.com/hairstyles.html

http://demode.tweedlebop.com/hair_second.html

Thanks, eKatherine!!  Those are the best sites I've seen.  It has really good info and pics and is a HUGE help.

I hope I can pull this off!  I have to go from the sweet innocent girl to the street walker in the span of 2 hours.

So far, I've got a 1/2 poofy bun/1/2 french twist (not quite Gibson Girl) for my first song (with pearl glitz glitterstix) and then I take the french twist down and voila! I have the back half down for Lucy.
I tried the rag curls.  First attempt failed.  Changed length of rags and number of rags and had very good result.  Actually need even more rags-I have A LOT of hair.  Apparently more than is normal for a curly haired person.  Hummmm.
So, I have until the 30th to change my mind or come up with something better.
Got my hair cut today-cut off the bottom layers so now I'm at all one length.  I've never had all one length hair before.  Better try my hairstyles again to be sure they work!!

For the details on the final hairdo, check out my journal entry
#56 Sakina's hair raising adventures.
http://www.longlocks.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=journals;action=display;num=1106536033;start=45#45

I'm probably too late to help the original poster. But for others interested in historic hairstyles, Richard Corson's _Fashions in Hair: The 1st 5,000 Years_ has pictures of just about every historic style you can think of.  It's a huge book.    We don't sell other publishers' books, but it's available at online bookstores.  

Fran Grimble
Books on Historic Costuming
http://www.lavoltapress.com

wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2005 at 3:00pm:

I'm probably too late to help the original poster. But for others interested in historic hairstyles, Richard Corson's _Fashions in Hair: The 1st 5,000 Years_ has pictures of just about every historic style you can think of.  It's a huge book.    We don't sell other publishers' books, but it's available at online bookstores.   Fran Grimble Books on Historic Costuming http://www.lavoltapress.com

Fran - that book looks like it covers everything!  I wonder if libraries have the book for reference?

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Fran!  Yep, it was a bit late for this recital but I have another one in May and I think I need a 1920's hair do.
I'm defo going to check out that book.  It is sooo hard to find websites of vintage styles.

I checked out the link you included-looks great-I'll need some costuming directions, esp. for undergarments!!

Any one have suggestions on how to fake 1920's flapper hair?
Am concidering a braided bun (it will be quite small as my hair is just below shoulder length).
All ideas welcome!
Thanks  :)

For that a wig would probably be best. Get a bob with bangs, and have it styled a bit if necessary. Stuff your hair into one of those stretchy wig caps to keep it in place under the wig.

Well, I found a "Betty Boop" style wig.  It's $18 so I don't imagine its super good quality.  It comes in 3 colors, so I'm going to get the blond one.  I look like death with black hair.
I'm the perfect natural goth complexion.
I once had to wear a black bobbed wig for a musical in highschool.  It was made of horsehair and I looked AWFUL!
Next I've got to get a wig cap-will try a local wig shop.
Thanks for the suggestion, eKatherine.