Embracing the Roaring Twenties: Iconic Hairstyles of the 1920s
The 1920s, an era of jazz music, flapper dresses, and speakeasies, was also a time of dramatic change in hairstyles. Women chopped off their long locks in favor of short, sleek bobs, while men embraced the clean, neat look of the side part. Let's delve into the most iconic hairstyles of the 1920s, their influences, and how to achieve these looks today.
The Bob: The Ultimate Symbol of the 1920s
The bob, a short hairstyle cut straight around the head, was the most iconic hairstyle of the 1920s. It symbolized women's newfound freedom and independence, as it was easy to maintain and allowed for more movement and activity. The bob could be worn straight, wavy, or with bangs, and it was often styled with a deep side part or a center part.
Achieving the Perfect Bob
- Ask your stylist for a bob that falls just below your chin or at your jawline for a classic 1920s look.
- For a sleek, straight bob, use a smoothing serum or straightening iron after blow-drying.
- To achieve waves, use a curling iron or braid your hair overnight and let it air-dry.
Marcel Waves: The Curly Bob
Named after French stylist François Marcel, Marcel waves were a popular variation of the bob. This style featured tight, finger-wave curls that framed the face and added volume to the hair. Marcel waves were often worn with a headband or a cloche hat, which was a popular accessory in the 1920s.
Creating Marcel Waves
- Start with damp hair and apply a heat protectant and styling mousse.
- Using a curling iron or a Marcel iron, create tight, finger-wave curls all over your head.
- Gently comb through the curls with a wide-tooth comb to create waves, then set with hairspray.
The Eton Crop: A Bold Statement for Men
The Eton crop, a short, neat hairstyle with a side part, was the most popular men's hairstyle of the 1920s. This style was easy to maintain and kept men's hair out of their eyes, making it perfect for the active, sporty lifestyle of the time. The Eton crop was often worn with a part on the left side, but it could also be worn with a center part.
Getting the Eton Crop
- Ask your barber for a short, neat cut all over, with the hair slightly longer on top.
- For a classic side part, ask your barber to create a deep part on the left side of your head.
- Style the hair with a small amount of pomade or gel, combing it back and to the side.
Bobbed Bangs: A Fresh Take on the Classic Bob
Bobbed bangs, also known as a "bob with bangs," was a popular variation of the classic bob. This style featured a short, straight bob with bangs cut straight across the forehead. Bobbed bangs were often worn with a deep side part or a center part, and they could be worn wavy or straight.
Styling Bobbed Bangs
- Ask your stylist to cut your bangs straight across your forehead, just above your eyebrows.
- Style your bangs with a small amount of pomade or gel, combing them straight across your forehead.
- For a wavy look, use a curling iron or braid your bangs overnight and let them air-dry.
Inspiring the Modern Look
The hairstyles of the 1920s continue to inspire modern looks today. From the sleek, straight bob to the curly, waved styles, these iconic hairstyles can be worn by anyone looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to their look. So go ahead, embrace the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, and try out one of these iconic hairstyles for yourself!
