The early 1920’s witnessed major progress in the transition of women’s hairstyles from the traditional long-hair styles of the nineteenth century - to new short-hair styles like “the bob”, a process that started during the great war (WW1). 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. Bobbed hairstyles of the late 1920’s endured in popularity through the early 1930’s as well. 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.

Hairstyles like the Bob, finger wave, Marcel wave, and shingle were the most popular hairstyles of the 1920’s with numerous variations of each. The Eton Crop was typical of hairstyles that had a relatively short life before disappearing. Barbers and hairdressers were in competition with each other for the cream of this booming hairdressing business, as women of all ages sacrificed their long tresses on the altar of fashion.

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. Despite the high cost involved initially there was a very high uptake of permanent waving when it became available to women everywhere.

Short hairstyles became increasingly popular as the 1920’s progressed, with long hair giving way to the new hair fashions. Bobbed hairstyles were considered extremely radical and unattractive by many to begin with but young women and middle aged women embraced the style in increasing numbers. The original plain bobs eventually gave way to much more attractive shingled bobs or incorporated waves and curls using sophisticated cuts to add style and interest. These later stylish bobs continued to be popular well into the 1930’s defying hairdressing critics who had predicted the bob would be a short-term fad that would only last a year or two at most. As it turned out, the huge popularity of bobbed hairstyles for women became a major revolution in womens hairstyling.

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