Hairstyles of the Last 100 Years

Looking at hairstyles over the last 100 years, it's amazing to see how much they've changed! From the big and bouncy styles of the 1920s to the sleek and chic bob of the 1990s, there's no shortage of inspiration when it comes to styling your locks. Whether you're looking to recreate a vintage look or just want to try something new, take a peek at these iconic hairstyles from days gone by.

The 1900s - The Gibson Girl

The Gibson Girl was the embodiment of the modern woman of the 1900s. She was brave, beautiful, independent, and confident! Wearing her signature high hairstyle with a pouf in the back, this flamboyant look mirrored her attitude: she wasn't afraid to explore new ground and challenge gender roles. Her image as a successful career woman inspired women everywhere to view themselves as more than just wives and mothers. As a role model for women's strength and grace, no one could deny the influence "The Gibson Girl" had upon female empowerment during that era. It's amazing to think that an illustration from the turn of the century can still be inspiring today.

The 1910s - The Eton Crop

The 1910s were a time of revolution and new-found style, embodied perfectly by the iconic 'Eton Crop' hairstyle. This short, simple cut became a statement for female liberation and empowerment all around the world. The Eton Crop was fashionable, yet practical; it rejected the fashion statement of long hair as an expectation of femininity in society. In 1914, widely known author and figurehead for women's rights suffrage Emma Watson wrote about the Eton Crop in her novel A Room of One's Own: ”For here was a woman who expressed herself exactly as she liked […] with her hair cut short because it suited her to wear it so - an unheard-of daring in those days.” Although it eventually lost its revolutionary spirit when other hairstyles overshadowed it, the Eton Crop will always remain a symbol of changing views toward gender roles during this period in history.

The 1920s - The Bob

The 1920s were a time of changing societal conventions and new fashion trends. One of the most notable styles to appear during this era was the Bob haircut. This daring hairstyle swept through the United States and Europe, challenging traditional ideas about femininity. The Bob was created in Paris by renowned hairdresser Antoine de Paris, who is considered to be the father of modern styling. The style quickly caught on and attained iconic status as celebrities like Louise Brooks and Clara Bow proudly sported their 'bobs', inspiring millions of young women worldwide to follow suit. To this day, there has not been another hair trend that has captured the imagination of so many people from different backgrounds - a testament to its enduring appeal almost 100 years later!

The 1930s - Hollywood Waves

Think of 1930s glamour and your mind immediately jumps to the iconic Hollywood wave hairstyle. The look was first created in 1928 by a salon owner, known as "Marcel" and his assistant, Gabriel. It quickly became popular amongst the most well-known actresses of the time including Mae West and Greta Garbo. With uniform waves rather than curls, this lengthier look offered women a more sophisticated style option and could be adapted to fit different shapes of faces or desired effects. Its enduring popularity even saw people like actress Mindy Cohn paying homage to it in 2010! Even today, many girls can be seen opting for gentle waves inspired by this vintage classic that graced red carpets across America's Golden Age of cinema.

The 1940s - Victory Rolls

The 1940s were an iconic era in hair fashion and hairstyles, particularly with Victory Rolls' emergence onto the beauty runways. This particular style features rolled or twisted curls around the sides of the head and was popularized by many wartime pin-ups like Betty Grable and other movie stars of that period. Victory Rolls not only provided a glamorous look but symbolized a sense of patriotism due to their close relationship with military insignia. This unique style also had practical connotations for its purpose to keep thick hair away from one's face during combat. Women throughout World War II embraced Victory Rolls as a source of pride, glamour, and practicality, making it one of the most remembered styles from this era.

The 1950s - Beehive

The 1950s was a decade that was full of radical changes, especially in the area of hairstyles. The iconic 'beehive' is one style attributed to this period. Characterized by its large amounts of hair teased and gathered at the top, beehives were worn casually as well as more formally for events such as parties and dances. Many celebrities from that time sported the style, making it even more popular with women who wanted to stay on-trend. Nowadays, it is still possible to find modern iterations of the beehive to give an outfit that vintage feel - proving its standing in fashion all these years later!

Although hairstyles have changed over the years, one thing remains the same: we all want to feel beautiful. What will be the next big hair trend? Only time will tell. In the meantime, let's take a look at some of the most popular hairstyles of the last century.