For Women:
* The Bob: This was *the* defining hairstyle of the decade. It was a short, chin-length (or shorter) haircut that represented modernity and rebellion against the long, elaborate styles of the past. There were several variations:
* The Classic Bob: Straight, often with blunt ends.
* The Shingle Bob: Tapered in the back, shorter than the classic bob.
* The Eton Crop: An even shorter, almost masculine bob that was very daring.
* The Dutch Boy: Similar to a bowl cut, very geometric.
* Waves and Curls: Even with short hair, waves and curls were essential. Techniques like:
* Finger Waves: Created using fingers and a setting lotion, forming S-shaped waves.
* Marcel Waves: Created with a heated curling iron, these were more uniform and defined.
* Pin Curls: Small sections of hair pinned to the head to create tight curls when dry.
* Accessories: Hair accessories were crucial for adding glamour and personality. Popular choices included:
* Headbands: Often jeweled or embellished with feathers and beads.
* Cloche Hats: Close-fitting, bell-shaped hats that were *the* hat of the era, often worn pulled low on the forehead. The bob was specifically designed to fit under these hats.
* Hairpins: Used to secure waves and curls, sometimes decorative.
* Feathers: Added to headbands or pinned directly into the hair.
* Longer Hair Styles: While the bob was revolutionary, not every woman adopted it. Longer hair was still worn, but it was usually styled up:
* Chignons: Hair was gathered and pinned into a bun or knot at the nape of the neck.
* Braids: Sometimes incorporated into updos, adding texture and interest. Braids, particularly those wrapped around the head, could evoke a more "bohemian" look.
* Faux Bobs: Longer hair could be styled to *look* like a bob by tucking the ends under and pinning them in place.
For Men:
* Short and Neat: Short, back and sides, with the hair neatly combed or parted. Longer hair on men was *not* in fashion.
* Side Parts: A side part was the most common way to style men's hair.
* Slicked Back: Hair could be slicked back with pomade or hair tonic for a shiny, smooth look.
* Pompadours: A small, subtle pompadour was sometimes seen, but not as dramatic as later versions.
* Mustaches: Mustaches were very common and came in various styles:
* Pencil Mustache: A thin, neatly trimmed mustache.
* Walrus Mustache: A bushy, drooping mustache.
* Handlebar Mustache: A mustache with upturned ends.
General Trends and Influences:
* The Roaring Twenties: A time of great social and cultural change. The bob was seen as a symbol of women's liberation and a rejection of Victorian-era constraints.
* Hollywood Glamour: Movie stars like Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Mary Pickford heavily influenced hairstyles and beauty trends.
* Art Deco: The geometric shapes and sleek lines of Art Deco influenced hairstyles, particularly the angular bobs and finger waves.
* Ease of Maintenance: The shorter hairstyles were easier to manage than the long, elaborate styles of previous decades, reflecting the changing role of women in society.
In summary, 100 years ago, women's hairstyles were undergoing a radical transformation, with the bob taking center stage. Men's hairstyles remained relatively conservative, but well-groomed and neatly styled. The overall trend was towards shorter, more practical, and modern styles that reflected the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.