Images of Christ retain the long braided locks parted in the middle and flowing to the shoulders.
The Orantes, which represent the generality of the faithful, have the hair covered by a full veil which falls to the shoulders.
Mosaics and ivories portray emperors, bishops, priests and the faithful wearing the hair of a medium length, cut squarely across the forehead.
Emperors and empresses wore a large, low crown, wide at the top, ornamented with precious stones cut en cabochon, and jeweled pendants falling down to the shoulders, such as may be seen in the mosaics of S. Vitalis at Ravenna and a large number of diptychs.
The hair of patriarchs and bishops was of medium length and was surmounted by a closed crown or a double tiara.
Carloman, the brother of Charlemagne, is represented at the age of fourteen with his hair falling in long locked tresses behind.
At the end of twelfth century the hair was shaven close on the top of the head and fell in long curls behind.
The clergy followed with a sort of timidity the fashion of the wig, but, except prelates and court chaplains, they refrained from the over-luxurious models.