Amber Katz

Hair Styles: 1920s-inspired Waves

In the Roaring '20s, hemlines rose -- and so did ladies' hairstyles. For the first time, short 'dos became popular, and there were a few ways to wear the rebellious new look.

Fast forward almost 100 years, and now modern ladies are resurrecting some of the favorite 1920s hairdos -- with a contemporary twist. Here are three favorites that work on a range of hair lengths and textures.

Flirty Finger-waves

Switching up the texture by adding finger waves feminized this more masculine short hair length in the 1920s. Want to channel a prohibition-era waved moment? Create the waves with a marcel iron (a three-pronged iron will also work), applying a bit of setting lotion first. After blow-drying, use a marcel iron to create waves in 3-inch sections. Spritz with hairspray, and then comb out for silent screen siren strands.

Be-banged Bob

A blunt bang right above the brows and a bob cut right below the ears is a nod to 1920s style that still looks chic today. This look is very flapper-fabulous, as it showcases beautifully sculpted cheekbones and a defined jawline. Sleekness is the key to this look; volume will produce a more 1960s effect. Don't want to commit to such a structured 'do? Simply tuck under the ends of longer locks and pin them up for a faux bob. Play some ragtime tunes for effect.

Horizontal Headband

Horizontal headbands had a moment in the '70s (Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe are modern fans of this vintage look), but the hairstyle actually became popular in the 1920s. Invest in an inexpensive stretchy headband at your local drugstore in a bright shade for spring and you'll no doubt have to field whispered requests for bathtub gin. You're ready for a speakeasy!

 

Amber Katz is the founder and editor of Beauty Blogging Junkie, a pop-culture infused beauty blog. She contributes regularly to the New York Press and GirlfriendGetaways.com about must-have hair and beauty products.