Stunning 1920s Hairstyles: From Flapper Bobs to Elegant Updos
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The Roaring Twenties was an era of bold fashion statements and revolutionary beauty trends, with hairstyles that remain iconic to this day.
From the sleek, rebellious bob cuts to the glamorous finger waves, 1920s hairstyles embodied the spirit of liberation and sophistication.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular styles of the decade, the celebrities who made them famous, and provide tips on how you can recreate these vintage looks today.
Get ready to step back in time and embrace the elegance of the Jazz Age!
Top Hairstyles From the Roaring ’20s
1. The Lulu Bob
The Lulu bob cut became a defining hairstyle of the 1920s, thanks to trendsetting actresses like Louise Brooks and Colleen Moore. This sleek, jawline-grazing style (sometimes shorter) was perfect for women with straight hair who wanted a fresh, modern look.
To achieve the ideal bob, hair was cut short and bluntly, paired with bangs to add a touch of flair. This hairstyle was not only youthful but also versatile, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Quick Tip
For a sleek, polished finish, use a flat iron and a bit of styling gel to keep the strands sleek and in place. This style required regular trims to maintain its sharp lines and sleek appearance.
2. Finger Waves
Finger waves brought a touch of elegance to the 1920s with their smooth S-shaped curls, becoming a favorite among women with short to medium-length hair. Stars like Josephine Baker made this style iconic, often wearing it to glamorous evening events.
To create finger waves, you would sculpt wet hair into S-waves using your fingers and a comb, along with a generous amount of styling gel, then you may leave long clips for a few hours to hold the waves. This resulted in a glamorous look that was perfect for special occasions.
Quick Tip
For best results, set the waves with a light hairspray to maintain their shape throughout the night.
3. Marcel Waves
Marcel waves, named after the innovative French hairstylist Marcel Grateau, looked liked finger waves but were created with a special heated curling iron. Actresses like Clara Bow often wore Marcel waves, making them a staple of 1920s elegance.
To style these waves, section your hair and add large S-waves it in a uniform pattern, ensuring each wave is perfectly aligned. This technique resulted in a refined, wavy finish that was perfect for formal events.
Quick Tip
For added hold and shine, finish with a high-quality hairspray.
4. The Shingle Bob
The shingle bob was a chic twist on the classic bob, distinguished by its tapered back and slightly longer front. Perfect for both daytime and evening wear, the shingle bob was often seen on fashion-forward women of the 1920s.
Achieving this look required precise cutting techniques to create the gradual layering at the nape of the neck.
Quick Tip
For a polished finish, use a smoothing serum and a flat iron to keep the layers sleek and defined.
5. The Eton Crop
Embracing a bold and androgynous flair, the Eton crop was an ultra-short, sleek hairstyle that turned heads in the 1920s. Popularized by daring actresses like Josephine Baker, this style was perfect for women with straight or slightly wavy hair.
To achieve the Eton crop, hair was cut very close to the scalp, often with a side part to add a touch of sophistication. This striking look was ideal for those wanting to challenge traditional feminine norms.
Quick Tip
For added definition, use a bit of styling gel to keep the hair smooth and in place. You can also add soft sleek waves or gelled curls on the forehead for additional flair.
6. The Faux Bob
This versatile hairstyle allowed women to experiment with the very trendy bob look while maintaining the option to revert to their long hair for everyday wear.
This clever style created the illusion of a bob without sacrificing length, making it ideal for special occasions. To achieve the faux bob, hair was curled, tucked, and pinned under at the nape of the neck.
7. “Cootie Garages”
The 1920s “cootie garages” hairstyle, also known as “earphones,” is a charming and playful look that involves creating two symmetrical curly buns or rolls of hair positioned on or behind the ears.
This whimsical and practical hairstyle was popular among flappers and young women of the 1920s, offering a fun and youthful alternative to the more traditional bobs and updos of the era.
8. The Nervous Bob
The nervous bob was a fantastic transitional hairstyle for women gradually shifting toward shorter hair. This style typically featured a mix of short and longer strands, providing a more gradual change and making it ideal for those not ready to fully commit to a short bob.
To style, use a bit of texturizing spray to add movement and definition to the varying lengths. Add a few waves for a more uniform look. This hairstyle was perfect for everyday wear and could be dressed up with accessories for special occasions.
9. The Moana Bob
The 1920s Moana bob is a distinctive and stylish variation of the classic bob, characterized by a clear parting that ran parallel to the forehead, with a fringe swept forward and the rest of the hair combed and teased back and curled at the ends, creating a voluminous, rounded shape.
10. The Side Part
The side part hairstyle was a simple yet chic way to add an asymmetrical elegance to any hair length. Particularly suitable for straight or wavy hair, the deep parting created a sleek, polished appearance.
This style was a favorite among 1920s fashion icons and could be easily achieved with just a comb and a bit of styling gel.
Quick Tip
For a more defined look, use a fine-tooth comb to create the part and smooth down any flyaways with a light gel or pomade. You can also add finger waves using clips for a sleek look!
11. The Orchid Bob
The 1920s orchid bob is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle that captures the glamor of the flapper era. This bob is characterized by its short length, typically cut to just below the ears, with a distinctive feature of soft, flicked-up curls at the ends.
This hairstyle often includes a side part and can be accessorized with a decorative hairpin or headband for added flair, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
12. The Cloche Hat Hairstyle
The cloche hat hairstyle was a clever solution designed to fit snugly under the popular cloche hats of the 1920s. This sleek, close-to-the-head style was perfect for women with short hair, ensuring that the hat sat perfectly without any bulges.
To achieve this look, hair was typically styled flat against the scalp using gel or pomade, creating a smooth and polished finish. Waves or soft curls may be added for style.
13. Mary Pickford Curls
Named after the beloved actress Mary Pickford, these curls were all about long ringlets that exuded a romantic, vintage charm. Perfect for women with long hair, Mary Pickford curls allowed you to maintain your length while embracing a classic 1920s look.
To create these luscious curls, section your hair and use curling irons or rollers to form tight ringlets. Once the curls are set, finish with a light hairspray to ensure they stay in place.
14. The Marcelled Updo
Combining the structured elegance of Marcel waves with the sophistication of an updo, the Marcelled updo was a go-to hairstyle for formal events in the 1920s. This style was perfect for women with medium to long hair.
To achieve the Marcelled updo, first create the iconic Marcel waves using a special heated curling iron. Once the waves are set, gather the hair into an intricate bun or chignon at the nape of the neck.
15. The Gibson Tuck
The Gibson tuck was a popular updo from the early 20th century, involving the hair being twisted upward and bunched near the nape of the neck. This hairstyle was named after the Gibson girl ideal from the 1890s, which waned before the 1920s, but traces of the influence continued until the 1930s.
To achieve the tuck, start by tying the hair in a low ponytail, creating a hole in the hair above the tie, and looping the ponytail into the hole several times. Loosen the hair from the time to time for a soft look. Secure with pins.
Quick Tip
This style was also adorned with decorative accessories like jeweled combs or silk flowers to add a touch of sophistication.
16. Soft Waves
Often worn by celebrities like Gloria Swanson, soft waves offered a relaxed and natural look compared to the more structured finger or Marcel waves. This hairstyle was ideal for women with medium to long hair, providing a gentle, flowing appearance that added subtle movement.
To create soft waves, you could use a large-barrel curling iron or set your hair in large rollers. Once the curls are set, gently brush them out to achieve a smooth, wavy finish. A light spritz of hairspray can help keep the waves in place all day.
17. The Kiss Curl
The kiss curl was a charming detail that added a touch of femininity and playfulness to any 1920s hairstyle. This style featured a single curl or wave styled delicately on the forehead or cheek, often seen in both short and long hairstyles. Josephine Baker often wore kiss curls.
To achieve the kiss curl, take a small section of hair, curl it, and then position it on your forehead or cheek, securing it with styling gel or a pin for a defined and lasting curl. This small but impactful detail was perfect for adding a unique accent to your look.
18. The Long Ringlets
Long ringlets were a hallmark of 1920s elegance, featuring tight, defined curls that cascaded beautifully down the back. Actresses like Lillian Gish and Dolores Costello often wore their hair in ringlets to enhance their timeless and graceful image.
To create long ringlets, start by sectioning your hair and using small-barrel curling irons or rollers to form tight curls. Once the curls are set, gently separate them with your fingers to enhance their definition and finish with a light mist of hairspray to ensure they hold throughout the event.
19. The Coiffed Updo
The coiffed updo was the epitome of 1920s sophistication, involving intricately styled hair that often incorporated elegant curls or waves before being gathered and pinned up. This hairstyle was ideal for special occasions where a polished and glamorous appearance was essential.
To achieve a coiffed updo, begin by curling or waving your hair with gel to add texture and volume. Then carefully arrange and pin the hair into an elaborate design, such as a bun or chignon, ensuring each strand is meticulously placed.
Jazz Up Your Modern Day Looks With Hairstyles From the 1920s!
As we wrap up our journey through the enchanting world of 1920s hairstyles, we hope you feel inspired by the elegance and boldness of this iconic era.
Whether you’re drawn to the sleek bob, the playful curls, or the sophisticated updos, these vintage styles offer a timeless charm that’s perfect for any occasion.
Embracing these looks not only connects us to a glamorous past but also empowers us to express our individuality with a touch of classic flair.
So, grab your comb, some styling gel, and perhaps a vintage accessory or two, and let your inner flapper shine!