Bobbed Hair

Although it is the classic look associated with women in the 1920s, bobbed hair actually began to be fashionable in 1915, when the famous ballroom dancer Irene Castle cut her hair short for convenience and women everywhere were inspired to do the same. It is estimated that over 95 percent of women in America and Britain bobbed their hair in the 1920s.

The classic bob of the 1920s is still a glamorous modern look.

The 1920s were a time of immense change. World War I had been devastating and the repercussions would be felt for the next two decades. When the dust was cleared, a youth movement began. Young people wanted to reject the supposed wisdom of their elders, and everyone wanted to forget the horrors of war and embrace life. In Britain and especially America, the economy boomed, culture flourished, and a free-spirited attitude prevailed. For young women eager to be a part of it all, a bob was a sign of liberation.

A woman with bobbed hair was bold and embraced new fashions and attitudes. She also found that the bob hair style was easy to care for, allowed her to involve herself in sports more readily, especially swimming, and it was more sanitary as well. Initially, many men complained about the look, but the women held their ground and the men soon conceded that a bob could be as beautiful as long, curly hair.

Inspired by images of Joan of Arc, the basic bob was a blunt cut, level with the ears, or landing somewhere between the ears and the chin. It was worn either with bangs or with the hair brushed back from the forehead.

Women quickly began to play with their hair to suit their particular style. Waves were hugely popular and many women embraced the Marcel wave, either going to the beauty salon to have it done professionally or trying it themselves at home. Other women achieved the same look via finger waves, set with bobby pins.

For women with fine, straight hair, a sleek, uniform look was preferable. The classic Louise Brooks bob, with bangs cut thick and just above the eyebrows and the hair shiny and straight against the head was a strong, sophisticated look. Heavy eye makeup and dark red lips accentuated the glamour.

Modern Bob

The economic depression of the 1930s was reflected in hair, which became softer and more sober, although it remained relatively short throughout the first half of the decade. Longer hair came back into vogue in the 1940s. 1950s hairstyles saw the rise, literally, of bouffants, beehive hairdos and other fussy styles that had to be sculpted and sprayed into submission on a regular basis.

The 1960s saw the rise of another youth movement and young women were again looking for a hairstyle that reflected the changing times and was fun, sporty, and easy to care for. Hair stylist Vidal Sassoon responded to the need and created the new bob, which was perfect for a woman with straight hair. Once properly cut, it swung easily around the face and settled into its style. The bob was almost always worn with bangs, sometimes asymmetrical and hanging over one eye, but usually straight.

It was a Louise Brooks look, only with a bit more swing and less product. Especially popular in England, the new bobbed hair had the same appeal to fashionable young women as it had their grandmothers in the 1920s – it was practical and easy to care for, as well as lively, fun, and glamorous.

Hair stylists now combine the techniques of the 1920s and the 1960s to create short hair styles that can work for anyone’s hair and face. Whether your hair is thick or fine, straight, wavy, or curly, there is a bob that will work for you. Study pictures and go to a reputable stylist to determine your best look. If you’ve always worn your hair long, you may be surprised how much fun a bobbed style can be!

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