Ragnar Lothbrok Hairstyles: Every Season’s Look With Braiding Tutorials

Ragnar Lothbrok is the single most requested reference photo in my barbershop — and it has been for nearly a decade. Travis Fimmel’s Viking looks from the show didn’t just inspire a trend, they launched a full movement in Viking-inspired men’s hairstyles. I’ve recreated every variation of Ragnar’s evolving look, from the Season 1 warrior ponytail to the Season 4 shaved head, and here’s exactly how each one is done.

From Season 1’s simple ponytail to Season 4’s dramatic shaved head, explore the complete evolution of Ragnar’s Viking styles and learn how to achieve each battle-ready look.

How to Braid Your Hair Like Ragnar Lothbrok

Basic Viking Braid Tutorial

The most requested Ragnar braid is a simple three-strand plait running from the hairline to the back of the head. Start with damp hair and divide the top section into three equal parts at the front. Cross the right strand over the center, then the left over the new center, pulling tight as you go.

As you move backward, incorporate small sections from each side — this is essentially a French braid technique. Secure the end with a small elastic. The whole process takes about 5 minutes once you’ve practiced it a few times.

Advanced Multi-Braid Styles

Ragnar’s later seasons featured multiple braids running parallel across the top of his head. To recreate this, section your hair into 2-3 rows using clips, then braid each row individually. The key is making each braid the same thickness and tension — uneven braids look messy rather than intentional.

I recommend starting with the center braid first, then working outward on each side. For the warrior look, leave the tail ends loose and gathered into a single ponytail rather than braiding all the way to the tips.

Products and Tools You Need

Viking braids hold better in slightly dirty hair — freshly washed hair is too slippery. If you’ve just showered, work in a texturizing spray or light sea salt spray before braiding. You’ll need small clear elastics, a tail comb for clean sectioning, and optionally some hair wax for flyaways along the braid edges.

Skip the gel — it flakes inside braids and looks terrible by midday. For maintaining braids overnight, wrap your head in a silk scarf or use a light leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz.

Common Braiding Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake I see is guys braiding too loosely — Ragnar’s braids are tight against the scalp, not floppy. Another common issue is not sectioning properly before starting, which leads to uneven braids that pull to one side. If you have a mid fade on the sides, make sure your braids start well above the fade line so there’s a clean distinction between the shaved area and the braided top. Finally, don’t sleep in tight braids repeatedly without breaks — that causes traction tension along the hairline over time.

Who Is Ragnar Lothbrok?

Ragnar Lothbrok, the legendary Norse hero brought to life in History’s Vikings, represents the ultimate warrior transformation. Starting as an ambitious farmer in Kattegat, Ragnar’s journey to becoming King of Denmark parallels his evolving hairstyles. Each season brought deliberate style changes that reflected his mental state, status, and spiritual journey. Travis Fimmel worked closely with the show’s hair department to ensure each look felt authentic yet accessible for modern adaptation.

Vikings Series Style Evolution

The Vikings hair department created over 15 distinct looks for Ragnar across four seasons, each requiring specific techniques and maintenance. The evolution moved from simple, practical styles to increasingly complex braided configurations that demanded hours of preparation.

These looks incorporated authentic Viking elements like braids, undercuts, and shaved temples while adding theatrical flair through intricate patterns and accessories. The progression mirrors Ragnar’s rise and eventual fall, with his hair becoming a visual storytelling device.

How To Ask For Ragnar’s Viking Cuts

When requesting Ragnar’s styles, specify the season and episode for accuracy. Key terms include: “disconnected undercut with top length at 6-8 inches,” “temple fade with preserved length for braiding,” and “mohawk section approximately 3 inches wide.” Bring multiple reference photos showing different angles.

Most barbers will need to preserve significant length on top while creating dramatic contrast with shaved or faded sides. Mention whether you want a modern interpretation or screen-accurate recreation.

Season 1 Farmer’s Ponytail

Ragnar’s initial appearance featured a simple warrior’s ponytail with shoulder-length hair pulled back functionally. This practical style required minimal maintenance—just enough length to secure with a leather cord.

The sides remained full length without any undercutting, representing his status as a farmer who occasionally raids. Hair texture appeared naturally wavy, enhanced with sea salt spray for that windswept Norse look. This foundation style takes 12-18 months to grow from a short cut.

Early Raider Braided Sides

Episodes 3-6 introduced Ragnar’s first combat braids—small side braids that kept hair from his face during battles. These thin braids started at the temples and ran back above the ears, with the remaining hair flowing freely.

The technique involves sectioning 1-inch pieces and creating tight three-strand braids. This transitional style showed Ragnar embracing his warrior identity while maintaining the farmer’s length. Use hair wax for grip when braiding.

Season 2 Warrior Braids

Ragnar’s Season 2 evolution featured multiple warrior braids incorporating more complex patterns. The style included 3-4 braids on each side, often interconnected, with the crown hair swept back. This look required strategic sectioning and approximately 45 minutes of braiding time.

The braids started tighter at the scalp and loosened toward the ends for movement. Small beard rings and leather wraps added authenticity. This marked his transition from raider to earl.

The Iconic Ragnar Undercut

The legendary Ragnar undercut debuted mid-Season 2, featuring aggressively shaved sides with long top hair. The undercut started at a #1 guard and faded to skin at the temples.

Top length maintained at 6-8 inches allowed for various styling options—swept back, braided, or knotted. This became the foundation for most subsequent styles. The stark contrast created that fierce Viking warrior aesthetic that sparked millions of recreations worldwide.

Temple Shaved With Top Knot

Season 2’s finale introduced the temple shave with top knot—a practical yet intimidating combination. The temples were razored to skin in geometric patterns while the crown hair gathered into a high knot.

This style required precise line work and regular maintenance every 5-7 days. The top knot itself needed at least 5 inches of length to secure properly. Use strong-hold elastic bands designed for thick hair to prevent slippage during action scenes.

Season 3 King’s Braided Mohawk

Ragnar’s ascension to king brought his most elaborate style—the braided mohawk hybrid. This combined shaved sides with a 3-inch wide mohawk section featuring intricate braiding patterns. The main braid often incorporated smaller feeder braids, creating a rope-like texture down the center.

This look required professional braiding skills and 2-3 hours of preparation. The sides needed twice-weekly maintenance to keep the contrast sharp. Metal rings and beads marked his royal status.

Multiple Braids With Beads

Mid-Season 3 showcased Ragnar’s most ornate configuration—five to seven braids adorned with bronze beads and rings. Each braid served a purpose: side braids for battle practicality, crown braids for status display, and back braids for ceremonial presence.

The beads weren’t just decorative; they added weight that helped braids lay properly. Installation required threading beads before braiding, using special loop tools. This peak complexity style represented Ragnar at his most powerful.

Season 4A Longer Warrior Braids

Season 4A’s opening showed Ragnar with extended warrior braids reaching mid-back, indicating time passage. These longer braids incorporated French braiding techniques at the scalp, transitioning to regular braids.

The added length created more movement and drama during fight scenes. This style required significant hair growth—at least 10-12 inches for proper execution. Argan oil treatments kept the extensively braided hair from becoming brittle.

The Shaved Head Transformation

Ragnar’s most dramatic change came with his complete head shave in Season 4A’s middle episodes. This stark transformation symbolized his spiritual crisis and rejection of his king identity.

The bald look was maintained with daily razor shaving, creating a smooth finish. This drastic change shocked viewers and marked his character’s descent. The shaved head emphasized his facial features and increasingly weathered appearance, requiring daily moisturizer and SPF protection.

Season 4B Wanderer’s Stubble

Ragnar’s final episodes featured short stubbled hair at approximately 3-5mm length, representing his wanderer phase. This buzz cut grown out slightly created a shadowed texture across his scalp.

The deliberately unkempt look matched his nomadic state and internal struggles. Maintained with weekly trimmer passes at a #1-2 guard, this low-maintenance style reflected his abandonment of vanity. The stubble length perfectly matched his beard for cohesive ruggedness.

Ragnar’s Beard Evolution

Ragnar’s beard journey paralleled his hair transformation, evolving from clean-shaven farmer to wild king’s beard. Each beard phase complemented his current hairstyle, creating cohesive looks that defined different character periods.

The beard styling ranged from meticulously groomed and braided to deliberately unkempt, always serving the narrative. Travis Fimmel grew his natural beard for authenticity, with extensions added for certain elaborate styles.

Clean Shaven Farmer Ragnar

Season 1’s opening episodes presented Ragnar completely clean-shaven, emphasizing his youth and farmer status. This bare-faced look required daily shaving with period-appropriate styling to avoid modern razor burn appearance.

The smooth face contrasted with his long hair, creating an almost boyish appearance that belied his warrior ambitions. This clean look lasted only three episodes before stubble appeared, marking his transition to raider.

Short Viking Beard

Episodes 4-8 introduced Ragnar’s short Viking beard at approximately 1-2 inches length. This neat, controlled beard established his warrior credibility while maintaining groomed respectability.

The beard followed his natural growth pattern with slight shaping at the cheeks and neckline. Beard oil kept it soft and manageable during long filming days. This length became his baseline, returning periodically throughout the series.

Braided Beard Phase

Season 2-3 featured Ragnar’s braided beard experiments, incorporating single or double braids into his facial hair. These braids required at least 3-4 inches of beard length and careful sectioning.

The braiding technique matched his hair braids, creating visual continuity. Small rings or beads often decorated the beard braids, adding weight and preventing unraveling. This ornate style required daily maintenance and regular re-braiding.

Full King’s Beard

Ragnar’s kingship brought his most impressive beard—a full 6-8 inch masterpiece that commanded respect. This fuller beard featured natural waves and occasional braided sections for formal occasions.

The length required months of growth and careful maintenance to prevent tangling. Regular trimming kept the shape while allowing length retention. Beard balm and daily brushing maintained the royal appearance while preventing the dreaded Viking beard matting.

Final Season Unkempt Look

Season 4B’s conclusion showed Ragnar with a deliberately wild, unkempt beard reflecting his broken state. This untamed growth featured uneven length, natural matting, and gray streaking.

The disheveled appearance required careful “distressing” to look authentically neglected while remaining hygienic for filming. No products were used to enhance the raw, weathered texture. This final beard represented his complete abandonment of vanity and embrace of mortality.

How To Style Viking Braids

Creating authentic Viking braids requires proper preparation and technique. Start with day-old hair for better grip—freshly washed hair is too slippery. Apply texturizing powder or sea salt spray for hold.

Section hair precisely using a rattail comb, keeping sections even for uniform braids. Begin braiding tightly at the scalp, gradually loosening tension as you progress. Secure with small clear elastics, then carefully cut them out later.

For longevity, braid slightly damp hair and sleep in a silk durag. Expect 30-90 minutes depending on complexity.

Products For Ragnar’s Looks

Achieving Ragnar’s styles requires specific product arsenal. Sea salt spray creates authentic Viking texture without modern shine. Matte clay or paste provides hold for swept-back styles without greasiness.

Texturizing powder adds grip for braiding and volume at roots. Hair wax helps secure braids and tame flyaways. For beards, use natural beard oil for conditioning and beard balm for styling control.

Avoid silicone-based products that create unrealistic shine. Dry shampoo extends braided styles between washes.

Viking Hair Accessories

Authentic Viking styling incorporates period-appropriate accessories. Bronze or silver beard beads thread onto braids before securing, adding weight and decoration. Leather cord wraps around braid ends for authentic finishing.

Metal hair rings slide onto completed braids for additional ornamentation. Bone or wooden beads provide alternative decoration options. Hair cuffs clamp onto braids without threading.

Avoid plastic accessories that break character authenticity. Source accessories from Viking reenactment suppliers for screen-accurate options.

Which Ragnar Style Suits Your Face Shape

Oval faces can pull off any Ragnar look — the undercut, the braided mohawk, all of it. You’ve got balanced proportions working in your favour.

Round faces benefit from the undercut styles (Season 2-3) because the shaved sides create vertical lines that elongate your face. Avoid the fuller ponytail looks that add width.

Square faces look strong with the braided mohawk or top knot — the height draws the eye upward and softens angular jawlines. Long faces should go for the Season 1 farmer’s ponytail or warrior braids that add width at the sides. Skip the high top knots.

Hair Type Considerations

Thick straight hair is ideal — it holds braids tightly and creates clean lines. Wavy hair adds natural texture to the looser styles like the wanderer’s stubble look.

Curly hair works for the shorter cropped styles but makes tight Viking braids more challenging — your barber will need to work with a straightener first. Fine hair can still pull off most of these, but use texturizing powder at the roots for grip.

FAQs: Ragnar Lothbrok Hairstyles

What is Ragnar’s most iconic hairstyle?

The Season 3 braided mohawk with shaved sides remains Ragnar’s most iconic and requested style. This look perfectly balanced historical Viking elements with modern edginess, featuring intricate braiding patterns on a mohawk section while maintaining aggressively shaved sides.

The combination of technical barbering and traditional braiding created a style that defined the character’s peak power period. Achieving this requires 6-8 inches of top length, professional braiding skills, and weekly maintenance for the shaved portions.

How long does hair need to be for Viking braids?

Viking braids require minimum 4-5 inches for basic styles, though 6-8 inches provides better options. French braids starting at the scalp need at least 4 inches, while hanging braids require 6+ inches for proper weight and movement.

Growing from a short cut takes approximately 8-12 months to achieve minimal braiding length. Ragnar’s more elaborate styles needed 10-12 inches, representing 18-24 months of growth. Hair texture affects requirements—curly hair needs extra length to account for shrinkage.

Did Vikings really wear these hairstyles?

Historical Vikings did wear braids and undercuts, though less elaborate than the show’s versions. Archaeological evidence and historical texts describe Vikings as remarkably well-groomed, with braided styles for practical battle purposes. The undercut appears in period artwork, suggesting shaved sides were common.

However, the show’s intricate patterns and extensive ornamentation are likely theatrical enhancement. Real Viking styles prioritized function—keeping hair from faces during combat—over the aesthetic complexity seen in the series.

How to maintain Viking braids?

Viking braids require strategic maintenance routine for longevity. Sleep with a silk or satin durag to prevent frizzing and loosening. Refresh edges with small amounts of edge control gel every 2-3 days.

Dry shampoo at roots extends time between washes to 5-7 days. When washing, focus shampoo on scalp while letting suds run through braids gently. Re-braid loosened sections immediately to maintain neatness.

Complete re-braiding needed every 1-2 weeks depending on hair texture and activity level. Moisturize scalp with light oils to prevent dryness under braids.

How long does it take to grow hair long enough for Ragnar’s braids?

From a short cut, you’re looking at 12-18 months to reach the 8-10 inches needed for proper Ragnar braids. Hair grows roughly half an inch per month, and you’ll hit an awkward middle phase around months 5-8. During that time, use a headband or simple tie-back to keep things manageable. Get maintenance trims every 6-8 weeks to shape the sides while preserving top length — don’t just let everything grow wild.

Can I get Ragnar’s hairstyle without shaving the sides?

Yes — a modified version keeps the sides at a taper fade length (about a #3-4 guard) instead of fully shaved. This gives you the braided top with less dramatic contrast, which works better in professional settings. You can also clip the sides shorter gradually over time if you want to ease into the full look. I recommend this approach for first-timers who aren’t sure about committing to a full undercut.

What’s the difference between Ragnar’s hairstyle and a Viking undercut?

Ragnar’s look is a specific type of Viking undercut — it features shaved sides with long braided hair on top, usually in a single braid or multiple parallel braids. A general Viking undercut is broader and can include top knots, loose flowing hair, or twisted styles without braids. Ragnar’s version is distinguished by the tight-to-the-scalp braiding pattern and the warrior ponytail finish. Other characters from the show like Bjorn and Lagertha wore different Viking undercut variations.