Popular Haircuts in the 1920s

Haircuts in the 1920s reflected a major cultural shift, especially for women, as society moved away from Victorian-era ideals and embraced modernity and independence.

Here’s a look at the defining hairstyles of that era:

Haircuts in the 1920s for Women

The 1920s were a turning point for women’s fashion and identity, and the haircut became a symbol of liberation.

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.

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.

3. Marcel Waves

Achieved with a heated curling iron, these were more dramatic, deep waves compared to finger waves.

Popular among Hollywood actresses.

4. Accessories

Headbands, cloche hats, and beaded hairpieces were key.

They complemented the flapper aesthetic and worked well with shorter styles.

Men’s Haircuts

Men’s hair in the 1920s was neat, short, and well-groomed—reflecting the dapper look of the time.

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!

READ ALSO: 5 Easy Beach Hairstyles

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.