20s Flapper Hairstyles: The Roaring Decade's Iconic Looks
The 1920s, a decade of jazz music, speakeasies, and the women's suffrage movement, was also an era of bold and daring hairstyles. The flapper look, characterized by short bobbed hair, straight bangs, and finger waves, became a symbol of the newfound freedom and independence of women during this time. Let's delve into the iconic 20s flapper hairstyles that defined the Roaring Twenties.
Bobbed Cuts: The Signature Flapper Hairstyle
The bob cut was the quintessential flapper hairstyle, symbolizing the short-lived but significant rebellion of women in the 1920s. This style, typically cut to just below the ears or even shorter, was a radical departure from the long, elaborate hairstyles of the previous decades. The bob could be worn straight or slightly waved, and it was often paired with a cloche hat, a popular accessory of the time.
Variations of the Bob Cut
- Eton Crop: This ultra-short bob was inspired by the hairstyle of English schoolboys and was one of the most daring styles of the decade.
- Shingle Bob: This style was characterized by a closely cropped back and sides, with longer hair left on top to create texture and volume.
- Marcel Wave Bob: This style incorporated the popular Marcel wave, a deep, S-shaped wave created using heated tongs, into the bob cut.
Finger Waves: The Wavy Sensation
Finger waves, a style created by French hairstylist Marcel Grateau, were a staple of the 1920s. This style involved combing the hair into deep, S-shaped waves using the fingers, hence the name. Finger waves could be worn on their own or incorporated into other styles, such as the bob cut or the Eton crop.
Creating Finger Waves at Home
To create finger waves at home, start by parting your hair on the side you prefer. Then, using a fine-tooth comb, create a deep, S-shaped wave in the hair, using your fingers to guide the comb. Secure the wave with hairpins as you go. Once you've created the desired number of waves, set the style with hairspray or pomade to ensure it stays in place.
Bobs with Bangs: A Popular Combination
Bobs with bangs were a popular combination in the 1920s, adding a touch of femininity and softness to the otherwise bold and daring style. Bangs could be worn straight across the forehead or swept to the side, and they were often cut to just above the eyebrows.
Care and Maintenance of 20s Flapper Hairstyles
While 20s flapper hairstyles were bold and daring, they also required a certain level of care and maintenance. To keep your bob cut looking its best, regular trims every 6-8 weeks were necessary to maintain the style's shape. Additionally, using hair pomades and waxes could help create texture and hold, while hairspray could help set the style in place.
Iconic Flappers and Their Hairstyles
| Iconic Flapper | Hairstyle |
|---|---|
| Louise Brooks | Eton Crop with Straight Bangs |
| Clara Bow | Marcel Wave Bob with Side-Swept Bangs |
| Colleen Moore | Shingle Bob with Finger Waves |
From Louise Brooks' daring Eton crop to Clara Bow's Marcel wave bob, the 20s flapper hairstyles of these iconic women continue to inspire and influence modern hairstyles today. So, why not channel your inner flapper and try out one of these iconic styles for yourself?
