Timeless Elegance: Exploring 1920s Updo Hairstyles
The 1920s, an era renowned for its jazz music, Art Deco, and the rise of the flapper girl, also brought us iconic hairstyles that remain timeless and inspiring today. Updos were the epitome of sophistication and elegance during this period, with a variety of styles that catered to different face shapes and occasions. Let's delve into the world of 1920s updos, exploring their history, key styles, and how to achieve these looks today.
History of 1920s Updos
The 1920s marked a significant shift in women's fashion, with shorter bobbed hair and looser, more comfortable clothing replacing the tight corsets and long hair of the Victorian era. Updos, however, continued to be popular for formal events and special occasions. The Roaring Twenties saw the evolution of updos from the elaborate styles of the late 19th century to more streamlined and elegant designs.
Iconic 1920s Updo Hairstyles
Bobbed Curls
The bobbed curls, also known as the "shingle bob," was a popular style for shorter hair. It involved cutting the hair to chin or shoulder length and then curling it under, creating a smooth, rounded shape. This style was often worn with a deep side part and was perfect for framing the face.
Marcel Wave
The Marcel wave, named after its inventor, French stylist François Marcel, was a long-lasting, heat-set wave that created a smooth, undulating pattern in the hair. This style was often worn in an updo, with the waves pinned up at the back of the head, creating a sleek, sophisticated look.
Finger Waves
Finger waves were a wet-look hairstyle created by combing the hair into deep, S-shaped waves using the fingers. This style was often worn in an updo, with the waves pinned up at the back of the head or swept to one side. Finger waves were particularly popular for evening wear and special occasions.
Chignon
The chignon, a classic updo style, was a low, smooth bun worn at the nape of the neck. This style was often worn with a deep side part and was popular for both day and evening wear. The chignon could be worn sleek and smooth or with soft, loose tendrils framing the face.
Beehive
The beehive, a tall, rounded bun worn high on the head, was a popular style for evening wear. This style was often worn with a bouffant or pompadour at the front, creating a dramatic, voluminous look. The beehive was popularized by iconic stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot.
Achieving 1920s Updos Today
Many of these 1920s updo styles can be achieved today with the right techniques and tools. Here are some tips for recreating these looks:
- Start with clean, damp hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair and apply a heat protectant.
- For bobbed curls, use a curling iron with a small barrel to create tight curls. Once your hair is fully curled, comb through the curls with your fingers to create a smooth, rounded shape.
- For Marcel waves and finger waves, use a heat styling tool to create the desired wave pattern. Once your hair is set, pin it up in an updo style.
- For a chignon, smooth your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- For a beehive, backcomb the hair at the crown of your head to create volume. Then, smooth the hair back and pin it into a high bun, leaving some hair loose at the front to create a bouffant or pompadour.
Remember, the key to achieving these looks is practice and patience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and tools to find what works best for your hair. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Inspiration for 1920s Updos
For inspiration, look to iconic 1920s stars such as Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, and Josephine Baker. Their timeless updos continue to inspire modern hairstylists and fashion designers today. You can also find inspiration in vintage fashion magazines and books, as well as online resources dedicated to 1920s fashion and beauty.
In conclusion, the 1920s brought us a wealth of elegant and sophisticated updo hairstyles that remain popular today. Whether you're looking to achieve a classic chignon or a dramatic beehive, these styles can be easily recreated with the right techniques and tools. So why not channel your inner flapper girl and give these timeless updos a try?
