1920s Hairstyles
During the early 1920′s there began a transition from the long-hair styles of the previous decades to the newer short-hair styles like the bob. The original straight, plain, and relatively simple short bobbed hair styles of the early 1920′s were transformed into much more interesting and feminine bobs (with stylish curls and waves) in the middle to late twenties. The stylish bobbed hairstyles of the late nineteen twenties continued their popularity well into the 1930′s. Some of the more popular and attractive shorter womens hair styles from the 1920′s and 1930′s are currently experiencing a revival as modern hair stylists look back in time for fresh ideas and inspiration from the innovative and beautiful short hairstyles of this trend setting era.
The most popular hairstyles of the nineteen twenties included the bob, marcel wave, finger wave, and shingle, all of which came with numerous variations. The Eton Crop was typical of hairstyles that had a relatively short life before disappearing. As women of all ages sacrificed their long tresses on the altar of fashion, hairdressers and even barbers competed for this booming business.
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. Although extremely expensive initially, permanent hair-waving or perming also attracted a lot of interest from women seeking permanence for their curls and waves despite the high cost involved.
In the 1920′s short hair for women was “in” and rapidly took over from the previously fashionable long hair styles. 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. These later fashionable bobs continued in popularity well into the early 1930′s defying critics who had predicted the bob would be a short-lived fad that would only survive a year or two at most. The snowballing numbers of women adopting bobbed hairstyles meant that a major revolution in hairstyles ocurred during this period.