The 1920s was a decade of revolution, not only in fashion but also in hairstyles. This era is known for its bold, short hairstyles, a drastic change from the long, flowing locks of the previous decade. The 1920s marked the transition from Victorian conservatism to modernity, and women’s hairstyles were no exception.
If you’re looking to recreate the iconic Flapper girl look or just interested in experimenting with a vintage hairstyle, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a guide on how to get a 1920s hairstyle, complete with tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions.
First things first, let’s take a look at the different hairstyles that were popular in the 1920s.
Popular 1920s Hairstyles
The Bob: The bob is probably the most popular and iconic hairstyle of the 1920s. It was a drastic departure from the long, voluminous hairstyles that were popular in the previous era. The bob was short, cropped just above the chin, and often had a blunt cut. The most famous bob haircut of the 1920s was worn by actress Louise Brooks.
The Shingle: The shingle was another popular hairstyle in the 1920s. It’s similar to the bob, but the sides were shorter and tapered towards the back of the head. The shingle was considered more daring than the bob, and it was a favorite among flappers.
Finger Waves: Finger waves were a popular hairstyle in the 1920s and were often paired with bobs and shingles. They were created by using a styling gel and your fingers to create S-shaped waves in the hair. Finger waves were worn as both a full head hairstyle or just as a hairline accent.
The Marcel Wave: The Marcel wave was another popular hairstyle in the 1920s. It was created using a heated curling iron and produced a wave pattern in the hair. It was a more formal hairstyle and was often worn by older women.
Now that you know the popular 1920s hairstyles, let’s take a look at how to get these looks.
How To Get A 1920s Hairstyle
The Bob
Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is too long, you may need to cut it to the desired length. The bob was typically cut just above the chin.
Step 2: Section your hair into four parts: the back, and the sides. Use clips to keep the sections in place.
Step 3: Starting with the back section, use a straightening iron to create a straight, blunt cut. The back of the bob should be the shortest point, and the sides should gradually get longer.
Step 4: Move on to the side sections. Use a straightening iron to create a straight, blunt cut that is slightly longer than the back section.
Step 5: Use styling gel to add texture to your bob. Apply the gel to your hair and use your fingers to create the desired texture.
Step 6: Finish off the look with hairspray to keep the style in place.
The Shingle
Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair. The shingle is a shorter version of the bob, so you may need to cut your hair even shorter than the bob.
Step 2: Section your hair into four parts: the back, and the sides. Use clips to keep the sections in place.
Step 3: Starting with the back section, use a straightening iron to create a straight, blunt cut. The back of the shingle should be the shortest point, and the sides should gradually get longer.
Step 4: Move on to the side sections. Use a straightening iron to create a straight, blunt cut that is slightly shorter than the back section.
Step 5: Use styling gel to add texture to your shingle. Apply the gel to your hair and use your fingers to create the desired texture.
Step 6: Finish off the look with hairspray to keep the style in place.
Finger Waves
Step 1: Start with clean, damp hair.
Step 2: Apply styling gel to your hair, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Step 3: Take a small section of hair and use your fingers to create an S-shaped wave. Repeat this process all over your head.
Step 4: Use a hairdryer on low heat to dry your hair. Hold your hair in place with clips or bobby pins if necessary.
Step 5: Finish off the look with hairspray to keep the style in place.
The Marcel Wave
Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair.
Step 2: Use a heated curling iron to create a wave pattern in your hair. Make sure to hold the curling iron in place for several seconds to achieve a firm wave.
Step 3: Use styling gel to add texture to your hair. Apply the gel to your hair and use your fingers to create the desired texture.
Step 4: Finish off the look with hairspray to keep the style in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have curly hair, can I still achieve these hairstyles?
A: Yes, you can still achieve these hairstyles even if you have curly hair. You may need to use a straightening iron or a heated curling iron to achieve the desired look.
Q: What products do I need to achieve a 1920s hairstyle?
A: You will need a styling gel, a hairdryer, and hairspray to achieve a 1920s hairstyle.
Q: Can I achieve these hairstyles at home, or do I need to go to a salon?
A: You can achieve these hairstyles at home. However, if you’re not confident in your hairstyling skills, you may want to visit a salon.
Q: What face shape looks best with a 1920s hairstyle?
A: 1920s hairstyles look great on all face shapes. However, certain hairstyles may be more flattering on certain face shapes. For example, a bob looks great on people with round faces, while a shingle may look better on people with oval faces.
In conclusion, the 1920s was a decade of transformation, and hairstyles were not exempt from this revolution. The bob, the shingle, finger waves, and the Marcel wave were just a few of the popular hairstyles of this era. With the right styling tools and products, you can easily recreate these iconic looks at home. So, channel your inner Flapper girl and try out a 1920s hairstyle today!
