The women’s hairstyles of the 1920s reflected a dramatic cultural shift as women embraced shorter, bolder looks that symbolized freedom, modernity, and independence.
After decades of long, elaborate Victorian-era hairstyles, women were ready for something fresh—and the Jazz Age delivered.
From the iconic bob to sleek finger waves and glamorous shingle cuts, 1920s hairstyles captured the rebellious spirit and unmistakable glamour of the decade.
Let’s take a closer look at the hairstyles that defined this exciting era.
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Women’s Hairstyles of the 1920s
The 1920s were a turning point for women’s fashion and identity, and the haircut became a symbol of liberation.
Women’s Hairstyles of the 1920s #1: The Bob
The most iconic style of the 1920s.
It was a short, blunt cut typically worn straight and ending around the jawline.
The bob challenged social norms—it was bold, boyish, and practical.
- Variations:
- The Dutch Bob: Rounded edges and often paired with bangs.
- The Shingle Bob: Cut close at the back, tapering into a V-shape at the nape.
- The Eton Crop: Extremely short and slicked back, inspired by men’s styles.
Haircuts Popular in the 20’s #2. Finger Waves
Often worn with the bob, finger waves created a glossy, sculpted “S” shape along the sides of the head.
It gave structure and elegance, especially for evening wear.
Women’s Hairstyle 1920s site:chickabouttown.com #3. Marcel Waves
Achieved with a heated curling iron, these were more dramatic, deep waves compared to finger waves.
Popular among Hollywood actresses.
1920s Haircuts #4. Accessories
Headbands, cloche hats, and beaded hairpieces were key.
They complemented the flapper aesthetic and worked well with shorter styles.
1920s Haircut Men
Men’s hair in the 1920s was neat, short, and well-groomed—reflecting the dapper look of the time.
Men’s Haircut 1920s #1. The Slicked-Back Undercut
Hair was kept longer on top and short on the sides, then slicked back using pomade for a glossy finish.
2. The Side Part
A clean side part was a hallmark of the professional gentleman—paired with a short taper cut, it was sharp and low-maintenance.
3. The Ivy League / Collegiate Cut
Popular among younger men, this was a more textured version of the crew cut, often parted and styled with volume.
The 1920s were all about redefining identity—women embraced short hair as a statement of independence, while men leaned into polished looks that mirrored the rising influence of film and jazz culture.
Did you just Google ‘1920s hair‘ and are keen to find out what hairstyles were fashionable during that era.
If so, you are in the right place.
Let’s get right to it!
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The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of significant cultural and social change.
With the end of World War I, people were ready to let loose and have fun, and this was reflected in the fashion and beauty trends of the era.
Hair was no exception.
The women of the 1920s sported a range of hairstyles, from the iconic bob to the flapper headband.
In this blog post, I’ll take a closer look at the hair trends of the 1920s and what made them so memorable.
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Photo Credits: Photo Detective