Hairstyles of the 1920′s
The long-hair styles of the nineteenth century began to give way to shorter hairstyles like “the bob” during the early 1920′s, a trend which continued to grow in popularity. Although early 1920′s bobbed hairstyles were very plain and straight and almost masculine in style, the bobbed hairstyles of the late 1920′s and early 1930′s were much more stylish and feminine. Due to their increasing sophistication, bobbed hairstyles increased in popularity through the late 1920′s and early 1930′s. Many of the popular and attractive shorter womens hairstyles from the 20′s and 30′s are currently experiencing a modern day revival as hair stylists go back in time seeking fresh ideas and inspiration from the beautiful short hairstyles of this trend setting era.
Hairstyles like the Bob, finger wave, Marcel wave, and shingle were the most popular hairstyles of the 1920′s with numerous variations of each. Hairstyles like the Eton Crop were temporary phenomenons that disappeared as fast as they arrived. Barbers and hairdressers competed with each other to get business from women seeking to shed their long hair and obtain the latest hair fashions.
1920′s movie stars and other celebrities were early adopters of the new shorter styles. Their celebrity status ensured that that the new styles received maximum publicity and in turn were eagerly copied by their fans. Even though it was very expensive when first introduced, permanent hair waving was an instant hit with women looking for permanence in their hairstyles.
The 1920′s was the decade of short hair hairstyles as the previously fashionable long-hair hairstyles became unpopular. Although considered extremely radical in the early 1920′s, bobbed hair quickly became the “must have” hairstyle for young girls and young ladies aged in their twenties, the popularity extending to middle-aged women in their thirties and forties. The initial plain bobs were eventually replaced by more stylish and sophisticated bobs that featured waves and curls to add style and interest. Early critics predicted that bobs would be a short-lived fad that would last a couple of years at most and were surprised to find that they continued to grow in popularity well into the 1930′s. As it turned out, the huge popularity of bobbed hairstyles for women became a major revolution in womens hairstyling.