Hot rollers create a curls similar to early 20th century hairstyles.
While many of the customs and fashions of the early 1900s may seem old-fashioned, women of that period began to experiment more with new clothing and hairstyles. As the early years of the century unfolded, women began to change their view of their role in the world, and in some ways, these changes were reflected in their hairstyles. Popular styles from the early 1900s ranged from formal and romantic to short and sassy, so modern women may find inspiration in these early 20th century hairstyles. Does this Spark an idea?
Gibson Girl
The Gibson Girl was popular updo worn by women during the early 1900s. The style has a romantic feel, so it may be a modern option for special occasions or events. The Gibson Girl works for women with all hair types, but it usually looks best with curly or wavy hair. Those with straight hair may want to use a curling iron or hot rollers to create curls before styling the hair.
A traditional Gibson Girl updo has significant volume at the back of the head, so the hair must be long enough to create a topknot. In the 1900s, Gibson Girl hairstyles were often worn with large, dramatic hats that added to the height of the look. Begin by combing away any tangles and gathering the hair into a ponytail. Hold the ponytail at the crown of the head and twist the hair around your hand to create a loose knot. Pull the end of the ponytail through the knot and pin down the ends in the middle. Use a comb to loosen the hair surrounding the knot, so it has a soft, full look. Pulling some strands of hair loose to frame the face heightens the romantic look of the style.
Long Curls
During the early 1900s permanent hair curling was invented, so many women began to forgo updos for long, free-flowing curls. Women were influenced by movie stars of the day, such as Lilian Gish and Mary Pickford, who wore curled styles. Some women opted for looser waves, while others styled their hair in tight ringlets.
A popular style was parting hair down the middle and allowing the curls to frame the face. Accessories such as flowers, beaded hair bands or ribbons were often added to the hair for a more feminine, romantic look. The look can be easily recreated by using a curling iron or hot rollers to form curls throughout your hair. For looser curls, opt for a larger barreled curling iron or larger rollers. Ringlets require using a smaller curling iron and twisting your hair tightly around the barrel.
Bob
As the early 1900s progressed, many women became bored with traditional styles and sought a bolder look. Some also become more active outside the home and required a hairstyle that was easier to maintain than a dramatic updo or long, heavy curls.
The bob hairstyle became famous in the 1920s when young liberated women of the period, known as flappers, began to cut their hair short for the first time. A traditional bob is a blunt cut with the ends of the hair usually reaching the bottom of the ears. The style was worn both with and without bangs. There are many modern variations on the bob, such as the inverted bob, where the hair is cut longer in the front than in the back and tapers in at the nape of the neck. Contemporary bobs are also cut in a variety of lengths, so they suit a variety of face shapes. Bobs are a particularly good option for individuals with fine or thin hair because they make hair look fuller and thicker.
Tags: early 1900s, Gibson Girl, curling iron, 20th century, 20th century hairstyles