1920's Hairstyles and Hair Ornaments

Throughout 1925 the shingle and close-clipped bobs became increasingly popular, each week seeing new fans take up the fashion. Most women sought expert advice and unbiased opinions before getting their hair cut short.

In 1925, because of the many bobs, the line of the coiffure of the unbobbed lay close to the head, but the size of the head, its shape, and the amount of hair were matters that had to be taken into consideration so that a successful and becoming bobbed hairstyle was achieved. The hair was styled so that the head didn't appear too large nor too small in comparison to the rest of the figure, a balanced figure being the effect for which women strived.

Because bobbed hair or the shingle effect did not conform agreeably with the dignity of evening clothes, it was quite imperative that the hair be dressed and that the decoration be chosen to exemplify the period expressed in the gown. Medium to long hair was styled in a long flat roll at the base of the neck. The line of the hair followed the contour of the head and the long roll, or chignon, gave the effect of the bob.

A back band of flat hand-made roses and petals in the various pastel shades was used for adornment. Tiny glass beads were used to finish the centers of the roses.

Using this same type of hair arrangement, girls with a round face found the tiara-effect head-dress very pleasing. A wide band of silver ribbon was used to make the tiara and it was covered with tiny hand-made flowers of ombre chiffon in rose coloring finished at each ear with a large rose of the chiffon surrounded with gold petals. A strip of elastic was sometimes used across the back under the coil of hair.

The standard bob was enhanced by the girlishly simple but smart all-around bandeau effect. A typical bandeau consisted of a band of No 9 gold ribbon with three hand-made, orchid silk flowers and green foliage leaves appliqued across the front. A small piece of elastic was used under the flower and the bandeau slipped down over the head or the band could be fastened at one side with a snap under the rose.

One of the most popular hairstyles was the shingle cut, using a wide natural looking wave. This effect may be imitated with long hair, by dividing the front and the back hair at the ears, coiling the back portion close to the head high at the back, and then combing the front portion over it, swirling this around and tucking the end in low at one side, as for the French twist.

Plaited cocardes (rosette or ornament of ribbon) of royal-blue maline finished in the center with tiny pink rose-buds and joined with variegated silver tubing were also used to make an interesting head-dress.

Adapted from the Grecian, another style of head-dress consisted of two bands of gold ribbon outlined with narrower silk ribbon in contrasting colors.

Following years would see a rapid uptake of finger waves, as the styling of finger waving complemented the shorter close cut bobs that now dominated the hair fashions.