Hairstyles and Hair Ornaments of the Roaring Twenties

The shingle and close-cut bobs rapidly increased in popularity during 1925 with ever increasing numbers of women adopting these styles. 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 size of the hairstyle was considered in relation to the rest of a womens figure.

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-long hair was arranged in a long flat roll at the nape of the neck. The hair-line following 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. The centers of the roses were finished with tiny glass beads.

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

Girlish simplicity was displayed in the smart all-around bandeau effect which was especially good for the regulation bob. A fashionable bandeau was constructed from a band of No 9 gold ribbon with three hand-made, silk orchids and green leaves appliqued across the front. The band could be fastened with a snap under the rose at one side, or a small piece of elastic was used under the flower and the bandeau slipped down over the head.

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.

Brilliant, studded combs, were also used for formal wear on the regulation bob of heavy hair..

Following years would see a rapid uptake of finger waves, as finger waving suited the shorter close cut bobs that became the fashion.