A History of Beauty: The Famous "Rapunzels" of the 19th Century (15 Photos)
In 19th-century Europe, long hair was standard for women. Yet even then, a few figures possessed such extraordinary locks that they became a sensation. Though women rarely appeared in public with their hair down, a few allowed photographers and painters to capture their impressive tresses—giving us a chance to admire their beauty today. Here are some of the most fascinating examples of legendary long hair from the era. 
First and foremost is Sisi, officially Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Sisi needed around three hours every day just to groom and care for her hair. 
Magnificent hair was actually a Wittelsbach family trait. Sisi’s sister, Sophie—fiancée to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, often called "Europe's most handsome king"—boasted equally stunning locks. 
Her daughter, Princess Louise of Alençon, inherited these magnificent tresses as well. 
Though not of royal blood, Marie Spartali, wife of a Greek diplomat, was renowned for her exquisite hair. She posed for celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron as well as several Pre-Raphaelite painters. 
Famous French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette—known simply as Colette—boasted a 5-foot-2-inch (1.58 m) braid until she famously cut it off at age 29. In this photo from 1893, she is just a 15-year-old girl. 
Speaking of literary figures, Jeanne Zola, wife of French novelist Émile Zola, also possessed luxurious knee-length hair. The author was an avid photographer who frequently snapped pictures of his wife, often in a state of undress ???? 
Hardly a household name by modern standards, but a true celebrity in her day, Madame Milo was dubbed the "Hair Queen." Her hair reached an astounding length of 6 feet 2 inches (185 cm). She turned her luscious locks into a career, performing in circus shows where crowds paid to marvel at them.
The circus was also where the famous Sutherland Sisters displayed their legendary tresses. In 1882, the Barnum & Bailey Circus signed them to a contract, and before long, the sisters grew even wealthier than the circus owners. The women—Sarah, Victoria, Isabella, Grace, Naomi, Mary, and Dora—ranged in age from 18 to 36. 
The climax of their stage performance came when they turned their backs to the audience, revealing hair that cascaded like a breathtaking waterfall. 
The sisters amassed a fortune selling hair growth tonics and other beauty products. 
Nowadays, you likely can't make millions off your hair alone, but having healthy, gorgeous locks is rewarding nonetheless. And while we now have endless hair care products and high-tech shampoos, growing hair to such epic lengths remains an elusive feat for most...
