Fancy Modern Updos

• A fancy updo is the perfect accessory to go with a masquerade gown. If the ball does not have a period theme, go with an intricate modern updo. Look to the red carpet for inspiration - view photos of stars of the Golden Globe Awards for ideas on sophisticated hairstyles or the edgier hairdos many recording artists wore to the Grammy's. If you can't find a style to mimic, choose something with volume and shine.
  
  

Period Hairstyles

• Adhere to the period themes of many masquerade balls by wearing a Victorian- or Renaissance-era gown. Use crimps and soft curls or plait your hair to mimic Victorian-era hairstyles. For a Renaissance-era hairstyle, lace your hair with ribbons, incorporate pearls or gems, or recreate a style worn by one of the historical queens of England.
  
  

Character-Based Hairstyles

• Draw inspiration for your attire from a historical figure or fictional character. Browse online or in history books for inspiration and create a hairstyle that captures the essence of the person's character. People will recognize historical figures like Queen Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette because of their hairstyles. Use Queen Elizabeth's red curls and intricate hairstyles or mimic Marie Antoinette's tight blond curls and towering volume.
  
  

Wigs

• Women with short hair who cannot mimic an extravagant hairstyle can opt for wigs. You can find some wigs already styled into elaborate hairdos. To use a wig, pin your hair against your head with bobby pins and wear a thin stocking cap. When putting on the wig, begin at the back and pull it forward, pinning it in place.