When actress Tan Songyun (谭松韵) appeared in the new historical drama Against The Current (兰香如故), audiences were stunned. Her look wasn’t just different—it felt like a revelation. Gone were the structured, heavy styles of her previous Ming-era roles. In their place was something lighter, more poetic, and deeply rooted in classical Chinese aesthetics. This transformation wasn’t accidental. It was the result of deliberate, historically-informed styling centered around an ancient Han Dynasty hairstyle known as Ji Huan (髻鬟). This style did more than just change her appearance—it redefined her character’s grace, elegance, and inner strength, proving that sometimes, the smallest details carry the deepest meanings.
The Ji Huan
Ji Huan is a traditional hairstyle where hair is arranged into hollow, ring-shaped buns secured at the crown. The term breaks into two parts: Ji, meaning a coiled knot of hair, and Huan, referring specifically to the circular, ringlet form. Unlike solid buns, the hollow design of the Huan creates a sense of volume without weight, giving the hairstyle a floating, almost ethereal quality.
This style became popular from the Han Dynasty onward and is frequently depicted in classical court paintings. Its beauty lies in its versatility. It could be worn as a single ring or doubled, with variations in size, height, and symmetry allowing it to convey different social statuses and moods—from the playful to the dignified.
What makes Ji Huan particularly interesting is its architectural intelligence. The empty space within the coiled rings breaks the visual mass of the hair, creating balance and elevation. This not only frames the face elegantly but also enhances the wearer’s posture and silhouette, making it a perfect fusion of art and everyday wear.
From Han to Ming
While the Ji Huan originated earlier, it evolved dramatically across dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, it was often exaggerated—worn larger, higher, and adorned with lavish hairpins and ornaments to reflect the era’s bold and confident aesthetics. This was a style meant to impress, matching the grandeur of Tang art and fashion.
By the Song and Ming Dynasties, the Ji Huan had softened. It became smaller, more refined, and understated. The rings were tighter, often positioned closer to the head, and embellished subtly with pearls, jade, or delicate floral pins. This wasn’t just a change in size—it reflected a cultural shift toward humility, restraint, and scholarly elegance.
In Against The Current, Tan’s hairstyle draws heavily from this Ming interpretation. It isn’t loud or overwhelming. Instead, it whispers refinement. The use of lighter fabrics and softer shades in her costumes further enhances this effect, mirroring the quiet dignity of Ming scholarly culture. These colors include misty green, moon white, and pale lavender.
A Face Framed
This stylistic choice is particularly effective for Tan Songyun, who has a soft, rounded face. Earlier Ming-style roles often featured high, solid buns that could sometimes overwhelm her features. The Ji Huan, with its open loops and vertical lift, elongates her face subtly while adding movement and lightness around her temples and cheeks.
The success of this look also lies in its harmony with Tan’s personal aura. She has always carried a gentle, approachable elegance on screen, and the Ming-inspired styling feels like a natural extension of her own presence. It’s a meeting of actor and aesthetic, where both elevate each other.
Looking back at her journey from girl-next-door roles to poised historical figures, this transformation feels like a milestone. It shows how period accuracy isn’t about rigid replication—it’s about choosing what best serves the character, the story, and the artist. In Tan’s case, the Ji Huan did exactly that: it helped unveil a new layer of her artistry while honoring the depth of Chinese cultural heritage.
