Hairstyles have always been an important aspect of fashion and personal expression. From the early 20th century to the present day, the evolution of hairstyles has taken many forms, reflecting the social, cultural, and political changes of each era. In this article, we will take a look at the most iconic hairstyles of the past century, and how they have influenced today’s hairstyles.
1900s-1920s: The Gibson Girl and the Flapper
At the turn of the century, women commonly wore their hair in an upswept style known as the Gibson Girl. This look featured a high pompadour and soft curls framing the face. In the 1920s, the flapper look became popular, featuring a shorter, sleek bob that was both practical and modern. This style perfectly encapsulated the newfound freedom and independence of women during the Jazz Age.
1930s-1940s: Hollywood Glamour and Victory Rolls
The 1930s saw the emergence of Hollywood glamour, with actresses such as Jean Harlow and Bette Davis sporting platinum blonde locks and deep waves. As World War II began, women’s hairstyles became more practical, with the iconic victory rolls becoming popular. These rolls were created by rolling the front sections of hair away from the face and securing them with pins.
1950s-1960s: The Bouffant and the Beehive
In the 1950s, the bouffant became popular, characterized by a high, voluminous hairstyle with a rounded shape. This iconic style was famously worn by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. In the 1960s, women traded in their bouffants for the even higher beehive hairstyle, made popular by singers such as Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin.
1970s-1980s: The Shag and the Mullet
In the 1970s, the shag became the hairstyle of choice among the youth. This layered style was famously worn by Farrah Fawcett in her iconic poster. The 1980s brought us the mullet, characterized by short hair on top and long hair in the back. Famous mullet-wearers included Billy Ray Cyrus and David Bowie.
1990s-Present: The Pixie and the Fade
In the 1990s, the pixie cut rose in popularity, with celebrities such as Halle Berry and Winona Ryder sporting this short, edgy look. More recently, the fade haircut has become a popular men’s hairstyle, with a short fade on the sides and longer hair on top. This style has been popularized by celebrities such as Drake and Zayn Malik.
Hairstyles have come and gone throughout the decades, reflecting the cultural and social changes of each era. From the rebellious flapper to the practical victory rolls, each decade has left its mark on the world of hair fashion. Today’s hairstyles are a reflection of the past, with modern takes on past styles such as the pixie and the fade. Who knows what the next decade will bring in terms of hairstyle evolution.
