The fashion trends we rely on every day to style our casual, work and occasion wear are all circular, but did you know that hair trends are too?
We’re already seeing the re-emergence of the short and sophisticated hairstyles that are made for summer and first popularised a century ago in the 1920s. The bixie is just one of the cuts giving a new take on the classic bob.
In this blog post, we reveal a brief history of hair and the trends that captivated the people of the time and could all too easily make a comeback in the future.
Known for its glitz and glamour, fashion in the 1920s really was at the cutting edge. Alongside its iconic flapper dresses and cloche hats, the era saw the birth of the bob. Short bobs were the style of choice for fashion-conscious individuals from all walks of life, including Hollywood royalty.
While the 1920s was all about the short, sleek and straight bob, things got a little wavier a decade later.
After becoming increasingly popular throughout the 20s, the ‘Marcel Wave’ reached the peak of its popularity during the 30s and used heat to set the hair in the most iconic way. Here Dr HairStyle explains more about the technique that revolutionised the era:
“The name ‘marcelling’ comes from the creator of the hair-waving iron Marcel Grateau. While such irons were available since the late 1880s, the newer model ran on electricity and could be easily used at home. This revolutionary device helped ladies create their styles at home every day rather than going to the salon. So, the marcel waves sort of became symbolic as THE 1930s haircut.”
During the 1940s, wavy hairstyles were reinvented once again. This time, longer hair with more subtle waves was the style of the decade. Known as ‘femme fatale waves’, this look was a favourite amongst the actresses of the time.
Shorter hair made a comeback during the fifties, with the ‘Italian cut’ – a shorter, tousled style – particularly iconic. Again, how you accessorised the hair was just as important as the cut, with headscarves and pins essential to the era’s most popular looks.
Hairstyles became longer and more voluminous during the sixties, with the bouffant and beehive styles hitting amongst the youngest and hippest. Think Brigitte Bardot’s tousled bouffant and Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ elegantly voluminous do.
Hairstyles got even bigger a decade later, with the afro a popular style that celebrated natural texture in all its glory!
Kinky became curly in the 1980s, with perms huge news as a result. Backcombing and plenty of hairspray also created big, curly styles that used volume in abundance.
Braids and sleek, mid-length hairstyles were popular in the 1990s. The Rachel cut was particularly iconic with this layered look recently making a comeback for a new generation.
Hairstyles were shorter as we welcomed the 21st century. Pixies and bobs were favoured, but so too were side-swept fringes and half-up, half-down styles.
More recently in the 2010s, long, waved styles proved popular. In terms of hair colour, people experimented with natural shades, sun-kissed hair colours, and highlights. This continued into the 2020s, making natural styles and discreet wig-wear top choices.
Whether it’s the 1920s bob that’s caught your eye or the sleeker, sun-kissed styles of more recent years, you can find a wig to create a look you love right here at Wigs4u. Shop our ladies wigs today.
