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5 Different Hairstyles worn by Maiko (apprentice Geisha) during their training
5 Different Hairstyles worn by Maiko (apprentice Geisha) during their training
Wareshinobu
(割れしのぶ): Wareshinobu is worn by junior maiko for the first 2-3 years. A mage (bun) is made by inserting two red kanako (padded silk) and is then decorated with a kanaokodome in the center of the mage. It's worn for misedashi (formal debut) where they will wear formal kanzashi made out of tortoise shell, silver and red miokuri and two bira bira.
Ofuku
(おふく): Ofuku is the default hairstyle for senior maiko. It looks similar to wareshinobu, but the mage has a slightly different shape, and instead of using kanako they will wear a tegarami (triangular silk). The color of the tegarami changes as the maiko gets older. Right after switching hairstyles it will be red, then pink and finally blue. Sometimes colors such as green, yellow or orange are seen, although it is quite rare.
Yakko Shamada
(奴島田): Yakko Shamada is worn by senior maiko for Shigyoshiki (the start of another year), Hassaku (summer Thanksgiving) and Setsubun. The mage is quite big and is parted with a hatsuyori kanzashi. For winter the hatsuyori will be mainly coral with one jade bead, and for summer it will be mainly jade with one coral bead. It also has a long kanako that can be many colors, although red most common.
Katsuyama
(勝山): Katsuyama is worn by every senior maiko during Gion Matsuri. The mage resebmels Yakko Shimada in both shape and in that it has a long kanako that can be red, pink or blue if the maiko is very senior. On either side of the mage are bon-ten (silver flower kanzashi). It is said that the hairstyle was created by the oiran Katsuyama from the Edo period. It used to be a popular hairstyle for married women.
Sakkou
(先笄): Sakkou is the last hairstyle worn by maiko before becoming full fledged geiko, and is worn for two weeks before the erikae. It is the most elaborate and expensive of all the hairstyles. It's decorated with formal tortoise shell kanzashi, and a special sakkou kanzashi designed by the maiko herself, usually crest of the okiya and with auspicious animals like cranes and tortoises. The mage is very complex and has a hanging streak of hair. The night before the erikae the okaa-san (proprietress) and fellow maiko and geiko will cut the streak of hair and the ties holding the hairstyle together.
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