Did girls have long hair in the 1920s?

Author: Tyree Beier PhD  |  Last update: Friday, October 24, 2025

In general, women's hairstyles in the 1920s aspired to be exotic and sleek, with hair worn close to the head. If one had long hair, it was pulled back in a small, low chignon. Bobs were cut in tapered layers so that the hair would lie as flat as possible.

Why did girls have short hair in the 1920s?

In the 1920s, women began cutting their hair after the war to assert their new-found liberation -- having proved their capabilities on the land and in the factories whilst the men fought on the front line.

What was the hair style in the 1920s?

1920s: Short + Slick

The bob was a revolutionary cut popularized by stars such as Josephine Baker and Colleen Moore. Some women went stick-straight, while others shellacked their curls flat to their heads. If you had longer hair, it might've been worn slicked-back in a low bun.

What decade had long hair?

1960s-1970s: Long hair for men was popularized during the counterculture movement, with figures like The Beatles and various rock musicians embracing it as a symbol of rebellion and freedom.

When did girls start having long hair?

Starting in the mid-1800s, long hair hit an all-time high for European women, according to Block. Victorian women were expected to grow their hair as long as possible without cutting it, though it was scandalous to wear one's hair down and expose it outside of the bedroom.

Five 1920’s Hollywood Stars You Didn’t Know Had Long Hair

Did anyone have long hair in the 20s?

Flapper girls were a fashion inspiration thanks to their 1920s long hairstyles and outfits! Here's how to catch a glimpse of that era with your long hair.

Did flapper girls wear bras?

Hence, flat chests became appealing to women, although flappers were the most common to wear such bras.

Did flappers bind their breasts?

They often bound their chest to achieve the ideal flat chest look. The hemlines of the Flapper dresses rose steadily over the decade from the mid-calf and reaching the knee by about 1925.

Can you finger wave long hair?

Finger waves are not just for short hair—they can look absolutely fabulous on long hair too! Here are three beautiful finger wave hairstyles that will add a touch of vintage glamour to your long locks.

What shoes were popular in the 1920s?

In the 1920s, popular shoe styles included oxfords, loafers, and spectator shoes for men, and T-strap heels, Mary Janes, and oxfords for women.

What were 1920s curls called?

Finger wave. A finger wave is a method of setting hair into waves (curls) that was popular in the 1920s and early 1930s and again in the late 1990s in North America and Europe. Silver screen actresses such as Josephine Baker and Esther Phillips are credited with the original popularity of finger waves.

When did girls start cutting their hair short?

Before the 1920s, short hair on women was not entirely uncommon but was often associated with the Coney Island chorus girls. In the 1910s, Irene Castle was the first to bring short hair on women into the mainstream.

Why do grandmas have short hair?

Hair Changes

Texture can change completely, leaving hair drier and frizzier than previous years. And of course, the growth cycle slows down, so hair becomes less thick and full. Short hair is an easy fix for hiding these signs of aging, making hair appear fuller. A short cut and a little hair dye can go a long way!

What is hair bobbing?

A bob cut, also known as a bob, is a short to medium length haircut for women, in which the hair is typically cut straight around the head at approximately jaw level, and no longer than shoulder-length, often with a fringe at the front.

What is beach hair?

A beachy wave is the effortless, relaxed yet polished hairstyle that just keeps standing up to the test of time. "Beach waves are relaxed curls that are great for an everyday textured hairstyle," says celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, inventor of The Beachwaver curling iron.

Who was the first person to wear finger waves?

Josephine Baker was one woman who made the hairstyle infamous. Baker's waves were flat and slick, with swooped baby hairs. Her hair stylist, Antoine Cierplikowski, is credited with creating the style.

Did flapper girls wear pantyhose?

To remain covered while wearing on-trend outfits, Flappers turned to 1920s stockings to keep their legs covered.

Why didn't hippies wear bras?

Bralessness as a form of protest

In the 1960s, some hippie women went braless to make political statements about sexual liberation or their relationship with nature and their bodies.

What is a petting party 1920s?

Noun. petting party (plural petting parties) (historical, US) A type of sex party in 1920s flapper culture.

What jewellery was worn in the 1920s?

During the 1920's, necklaces hung loosely and were seemingly without end. Popular choices included dangling pendants and big fringed bib necklaces. Very long (up to 60 inches!) pearl necklaces were also in fashion, while shorter versions began to show up in the latter part of the decade.

Does long hair look older?

It is a common misconception that long hair makes you look older. In reality, the way your hair is styled and maintained has a bigger impact on your appearance. With proper grooming and styling, long hair can actually make you look younger.

What era had the biggest hair?

Big hair became popular in the 1980s for men as well as for women. The term is also used in the glam rock, hair metal, goth and alternative cultures and is particularly associated with fashion of the 1980s, or inspired by the period.

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