I have always believed that beauty has no expiration date. Some of the most breathtaking hairstyles I have ever recreated in my studio did not originate from last year’s runway shows or the latest social media trend. They came from a decade that changed everything — the 1920s. Growing up watching my mother prepare for special occasions, I was mesmerized by old photographs she kept in a velvet album. The women in those pictures had a certain magnetic quality, and so much of it came from their hair. When I moved to New York and started my training, I dove deep into the history of beauty, and I fell completely in love with the artistry of 1920s hairstyles. Today, I want to take you on a personal journey through fifteen of the most iconic, unique, and absolutely stunning hairstyles from that glorious era. Whether you are thinking about trying one of these looks for a special occasion or just want to understand what made the twenties so unforgettable, this is the guide for you.
The Classic Bob
What the classic bob really is
If there is one hairstyle that defines the entire decade of the 1920s, it is the classic bob. I say this with complete confidence because every single time I recreate this look for a client, people stop and stare. The classic bob is a chin-length haircut where the hair is cut straight and even all around the head, typically falling somewhere between the earlobe and the jawline. It was revolutionary when it first emerged because women had been wearing their hair long for centuries. Cutting it short was not just a style choice — it was a statement of independence, modernity, and confidence. When I first learned this cut during my training, my instructor told me that understanding the bob means understanding the spirit of the twenties. She was absolutely right.
How it works best for oval and round face shapes
The classic bob is one of those magical hairstyles that suits a surprisingly wide range of face shapes, but it is especially flattering on oval and round faces. The straight, clean line of the bob creates a beautiful frame that softens round features while highlighting the cheekbones on oval faces. I have styled this look on clients with all kinds of face shapes, and I always adjust the length slightly depending on their structure. For someone with a longer face, I push the length a touch higher toward the chin to add the illusion of width. For someone with a very round face, I let it sit just at or slightly below the jaw to elongate the appearance. The beauty of this style is in its simplicity and its adaptability.
Tips to get a flawless classic bob at home
If you want to channel this look, here is what I always tell my clients. Start with freshly washed, conditioned hair. Blow dry using a round brush, working section by section from the back to the front, directing the hair downward for that sleek, polished finish. Once dry, use a flat iron to create an ultra-smooth surface, working in small sections and gliding slowly. Finish with a light-hold serum or shine spray for that glossy, camera-ready look the twenties were famous for. If you have naturally wavy hair, do not fight it completely — embrace a subtle texture and the bob will look even more lived-in and gorgeous.
Finger Waves
What finger waves are all about
Finger waves are, without a doubt, one of the most elegant and artistically crafted hairstyles to ever come out of the 1920s. I personally adore creating this look because it requires patience, skill, and a genuine eye for detail. Finger waves are sculpted, S-shaped curves pressed close to the head, typically created on shorter to medium-length hair. The name comes from the technique itself — the stylist uses their fingers and a fine-toothed comb to mold the waves into the hair while it is damp, then sets them in place with clips or pins. When the hair dries and the clips are removed, those perfect, glistening waves remain. I remember the first time I attempted finger waves during my training days and thinking, this is pure artistry. It truly is.
How finger waves work best for straight and fine hair
Finger waves are most effortlessly achieved on straight or fine hair because that hair type holds the sculpted shape beautifully without fighting against natural texture. Thick or coily hair can absolutely wear finger waves, but they require a little more preparation, including strong-hold setting products and possibly a blow-dry with a paddle brush first to smooth the texture. I have created stunning finger wave looks on women with a variety of hair types, and the key is always the right product. A good wave lotion or setting gel is your best friend here. The waves should lie flat and close to the scalp, giving the appearance of smooth, undulating movement across the head — timeless and absolutely breathtaking.
Step-by-step guidance for creating finger waves yourself
Here are my go-to tips for creating this iconic style. Start on damp, detangled hair and apply a generous amount of wave-setting lotion throughout. Using a fine-toothed comb, push the hair in one direction while pressing your fingers firmly against the head to form the first ridge of the wave. Hold the ridge with your finger while you redirect the hair in the opposite direction to form the second ridge. Clip each wave in place as you go. Allow the hair to fully dry — I recommend sitting under a hooded dryer or allowing it to air dry completely. Once dry, gently remove the clips and apply a light pomade or shine serum. Use your fingers — not a brush — to soften the waves just slightly. The result is absolute perfection.
The Shingle Bob
Understanding what the shingle bob is
The shingle bob is a variation of the classic bob that takes things up a notch — or rather, takes the hair up a notch in the back. I describe the shingle bob to my clients as the bob’s edgier, more adventurous cousin. The back of the hair is cut very close to the nape of the neck and tapered upward in a V or rounded shape, while the sides and front retain a slightly longer length. This creates a sleek, tapered silhouette that looked incredibly polished and modern during the twenties. When I first researched this cut, I was struck by how architectural it feels — like a sculptor worked on the back of the head. It is a precise, intentional style with a stunning profile.
How it works best for women who love a low-maintenance edge
The shingle bob is absolutely ideal for women who want a sophisticated, put-together look without spending hours on maintenance. Because the back is cut so close and the overall shape is so precise, the style holds itself. There is no need for complicated styling routines. It works especially well for women with thicker hair because the tapering at the nape removes a lot of bulk and weight, making the hair incredibly easy to manage. It also suits women with strong, defined bone structure — particularly a well-defined neckline or strong cheekbones — because the cut brings attention to those features beautifully.
Styling tips that make the shingle bob shine
To style a shingle bob in the authentic twenties spirit, I recommend starting with smoothing serum applied to towel-dried hair. Blow dry using a paddle brush, working from the nape upward and from the sides inward, keeping everything very sleek. For the back, use the nozzle attachment on your dryer to direct airflow downward, keeping the tapered shape tight and close. Finish with a medium-hold pomade worked through the ends to keep everything polished. If you want to add a subtle twenties flair, use bobby pins to set small curls near the temple. Let them sit for twenty minutes, release them, and you will have that gorgeous, soft framing the decade was known for.
Marcel Waves
What makes marcel waves unique
Marcel waves hold a very special place in my heart because they represent one of the earliest forms of heat styling in modern history. Unlike finger waves, which are set wet and allowed to dry, marcel waves were originally created using specially designed heated iron tongs — called marcel irons — that were heated over a flame and then used to press rippling waves into the hair. The technique was developed by a French hairdresser and quickly became one of the most popular styling methods of the twenties. The resulting waves are slightly looser and more dramatic than finger waves, sitting a little away from the head and creating gorgeous movement throughout the length of the hair. I have recreated this style with modern curling wands and the result is absolutely show-stopping.
How marcel waves work best for medium-length hair
Marcel waves truly sing on medium-length hair, roughly between chin and shoulder length. This length gives the waves enough room to travel and show their full, undulating pattern without being weighed down by too much length. I have styled this look on clients with different hair textures, and while fine hair takes to it most naturally, medium-weight hair also creates incredibly beautiful results with the right technique. For very thick hair, I always recommend a blowout first to smooth things down before adding the wave pattern. The overall effect should be glamorous, fluid, and deeply reminiscent of old Hollywood — the kind of hair that makes a room go quiet when you walk in.
How to recreate marcel waves using modern tools
You do not need antique heated tongs to get this look today, and I am grateful for that because those original irons were seriously dangerous. Here is how I do it. Start with completely dry, smooth hair. Apply a heat protectant throughout. Take a medium-barrel curling iron and hold it horizontally. Take a section of hair and wrap it around the barrel going in one direction, hold for a few seconds, release, and then immediately redirect the next section in the opposite direction before it cools. This back-and-forth directional curling is what creates the wave pattern. Once you have styled the whole head, use a fine-toothed comb to lightly smooth and define the waves while they are still warm. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for that perfectly sculpted look.
The Eton Crop
What the eton crop hairstyle is
The Eton crop is the boldest hairstyle of the 1920s, and I say that as someone who loves bold hairstyles deeply. This is a very short, androgynous cut where the hair is cropped close all over the head, very similar to what we today would call a pixie cut or even shorter. It was named after a prestigious boys’ school in England, which tells you exactly what kind of statement it was making. Women who wore the Eton crop during the twenties were completely defying gender norms and societal expectations of femininity. They were brave, fierce, and absolutely ahead of their time. When I study this style, I feel immense respect for those women because they chose self-expression over conformity, and that is something I believe in with everything I have.
How it works best for those with a strong jawline and bold features
The Eton crop is not a hiding hairstyle — it is a revealing one. With the hair cropped so close, there is nowhere for your features to hide, and honestly, that is the entire point. This style is spectacular on women with strong, defined jawlines, prominent cheekbones, or striking eyes. It puts every beautiful, angular feature front and center. I have styled this look on clients who were nervous about going so short, and every single one of them left my chair with a completely different energy — taller, stronger, more confident. If you have ever wanted a hairstyle that says “I am here and I am unapologetic,” this is it.
Getting the eton crop right — styling guidance you need
Because the Eton crop is so short, the magic is almost entirely in the cut itself. But styling still matters. For a classic twenties finish, apply a small amount of pomade or wax to slightly damp hair and use your fingers to smooth everything flat against the head. The sleek, pressed-down finish is key to the authentic look. You can also use a light gel for hold and a fine-toothed comb to create a clean side part if you want to add some structure. For a modern take, you can leave the top just slightly longer and add a little texture with a matte paste. Either way, the crop is effortless, stunning, and completely unforgettable.
The Bingle Cut
Discovering what the bingle cut is
The bingle cut is one of the lesser-known gems of the 1920s hairstyle world, and I genuinely love sharing it with people because most have never heard of it. The bingle is essentially a hybrid between the bob and the shingle, and the name itself is a playful combination of both words. The front and sides of the hair are left slightly longer and waved or curled, while the back is shaved or clipped very close — even shorter than the shingle bob. It creates a dramatic contrast between the softness at the front and the severity at the back. It is the kind of style that looks completely different from the front versus the profile, and that asymmetry is incredibly modern even by today’s standards.
How it suits adventurous, style-forward personalities
If my client walks through the door and tells me they want something different — something that nobody in their friend group has — I immediately think of the bingle cut. This is a hairstyle for someone who is not afraid to make a statement. It suits women who love the idea of combining softness with edge, elegance with attitude. In terms of face shape, it works especially well for heart-shaped or diamond-shaped faces because the volume at the front draws attention upward and balances a narrower chin. But honestly, with the right styling, almost anyone can wear this look. It is all about the confidence you bring to it.
Tips for styling a bingle cut with a twenties feel
To style a bingle cut in authentic twenties fashion, focus most of your energy on the front sections. Apply a curl-setting cream or wave lotion to the front and sides. Use pin curls or finger waves to create soft, sweeping movement around the face. Let these set completely before releasing. The back, being so short, needs almost nothing — just a touch of smoothing serum or light pomade to keep it tidy and neat. A great tip I always give my clients with this cut is to accessorize with a decorative hair clip or embellished pin near the temple. It adds a final touch of twenties glamour that takes the whole look from beautiful to extraordinary.
Pin Curls
What pin curls are and why they matter
Pin curls are one of those foundational techniques that I believe every person who loves hair should know, and they are deeply rooted in the 1920s beauty culture. A pin curl is exactly what it sounds like — a small section of hair is wound into a tight circle and pinned flat against the scalp with a bobby pin. When the hair dries and the pins are removed, the result is a gorgeous ringlet or soft curl depending on how tightly the pin curl was wound. During the twenties, women relied on pin curls to create everything from tight ringlets near the face to soft, bouncy waves throughout the hair. This was the at-home beauty technique of the era, and it required nothing more than some setting lotion, bobby pins, and patience.
How pin curls work best for adding texture and body
Pin curls are incredible for adding texture, body, and movement to naturally straight or fine hair. If your hair tends to fall flat or loses volume quickly, pin curls can give you a lift and a bounce that no blowout alone can achieve. The set holds remarkably well overnight, making pin curls an ideal evening-before technique for an important event the next day. I frequently recommend this approach to my clients who want big, full, glamorous hair without relying heavily on heat tools. The more you practice the technique, the more control you gain over the size and shape of the resulting curls, which means you can customize the look endlessly.
How to set pin curls the right way every time
Here are my step-by-step tips for perfect pin curls. Start on damp or lightly dampened hair — never fully wet, as this will take too long to dry. Apply a curl-setting lotion or light mousse throughout. Working in sections, take a small piece of hair and wind it around your finger in a flat circle. Slide your finger out carefully, keeping the curl flat, and secure it against your head with one or two bobby pins crossed in an X shape to hold it firmly. Continue all over the head. Allow to dry completely — several hours or overnight is best. When fully dry, remove all the pins and gently separate the curls with your fingers. Finish with a light oil or shine spray. The result is stunning vintage curls that last all day.
The Dutch Bob
Understanding the dutch bob style
The Dutch bob is one of the most charming and whimsical hairstyles of the 1920s, and I adore it for its clean, graphic quality. This style features a blunt, straight-across cut with a fringe — or bangs — that fall straight across the forehead, also cut in a clean, blunt line. The overall silhouette is very geometric and almost doll-like, which made it enormously popular among young women during the twenties who wanted to look modern and playful. Unlike the classic bob, which typically curves in slightly at the back, the Dutch bob stays uniform and straight all the way around. It is crisp, intentional, and has a wonderful graphic quality that looks just as fresh today as it did a hundred years ago.
How it works best for round and square face shapes
The Dutch bob with its blunt fringe works particularly beautifully on round and square face shapes, and here is why. The straight-across bangs create a horizontal line that shortens the appearance of a longer forehead and adds a sense of width, which balances a square jaw wonderfully. For round faces, the clean, defined shape of the cut adds structure and geometry that softens the roundness. I have styled Dutch bobs on women with all kinds of proportions, and when the fringe is cut at exactly the right length — typically just above the eyebrows or sitting right at the brow bone — it is absolutely transformative. The key is precision in the cut, so if you are considering this style, find a stylist who is confident with blunt cutting techniques.
Styling a dutch bob to capture that twenties spirit
To style this look for a genuine twenties feel, I recommend keeping everything as sleek and precise as possible. After washing and conditioning, blow dry with a paddle brush, keeping all movement directed downward. Use a flat iron on small sections throughout to achieve that glass-smooth finish, including the fringe. The fringe should sit perfectly flat and even across the forehead. Finish with a lightweight shine serum applied through the lengths and a light spritz of hairspray. For a more festive occasion, I love adding a jeweled headband sitting just behind the fringe — it is the ultimate twenties accessory and it elevates the Dutch bob from cute to absolutely iconic.
Water Waves Hairstyle
What water waves are in hair styling
Water waves are a softer, more relaxed version of finger waves, and they carry that same gorgeous rippled quality but with a lighter, more ethereal feel. The name comes from the way the finished style resembles the gentle ripples on the surface of still water — soft, flowing, and beautiful. Water waves are typically achieved by setting damp hair in a similar back-and-forth directional pattern to finger waves, but with slightly looser tension, creating waves that sit a little away from the head rather than pressed tightly against it. The overall effect is romantic, dreamy, and deeply feminine. I absolutely love water waves for formal occasions because they photograph beautifully and have an elegance that never feels overdone or overly stiff.
How water waves work best for medium to long hair
While finger waves typically work best on shorter hair, water waves really come into their own on medium to long hair. The longer the hair, the more wave pattern you can create, and the result is this incredible cascading effect that looks like something from a dream. I have created water waves on clients with shoulder-length to mid-back-length hair, and every single time, the results are breathtaking. This style is particularly beautiful when worn loose and down, perhaps with one side pinned back with a pearl or rhinestone clip. It is also stunning in a low half-up style for formal events. The waves add so much dimension and movement that even fine hair looks abundant and luxurious.
Creating beautiful water waves with a simple routine
Here is how I create water waves that look effortless and ethereal. Start with slightly damp hair and apply a light wave-setting mousse from roots to ends. Using a wide-tooth comb and your fingers — no metal clips needed for this looser style — encourage the hair to curve and ripple in alternating directions as it begins to dry. You can use a diffuser attachment on low heat to gently speed up the drying process without disturbing the wave pattern. Once fully dry, use your fingers to gently shake out and separate the waves, then apply a small amount of light-hold cream or oil to add that beautiful, healthy shine. The key difference between water waves and finger waves is softness — let everything breathe and move freely.
The Flapper Bob
What the flapper bob represents
The flapper bob is perhaps the most culturally loaded hairstyle of the entire decade, and I mean that in the most exciting way possible. The word flapper described a new generation of young women who were breaking every social rule they had been handed — they were dancing, laughing loudly, wearing shorter hemlines, and absolutely cutting their hair in defiance of tradition. The flapper bob is typically slightly shorter than the classic bob, sitting right around the ear, and it was often paired with a deep side part and a wave or curl near the face. It is a style that radiates energy, rebellion, and pure, unfiltered joy. Every time I create this look, I feel connected to those extraordinary women who paved the way for so much of the freedom we enjoy today.
How it works best for women who want bold, face-framing style
The flapper bob is made for women who want their hair to work as a beautiful frame for their face, drawing all eyes upward toward their features. The short length and the sweeping wave near the face create a perfect framing effect that highlights the eyes and cheekbones in particular. This style works especially well on women with expressive eyes or dramatic eye makeup — think the dark, smoky liner that was so popular in the twenties — because the hair creates a gorgeous contrast with the face. I always recommend this style to clients who love makeup and want their hair and their beauty look to work together as one cohesive statement.
Step-by-step tips for nailing the flapper bob look
To get the flapper bob right, here is what I always do. After a smooth blowout, create a deep side part and secure the heavier side behind the ear with a decorative clip or pin. Use a small-barrel curling iron to create a single, sweeping wave or soft curl on the opposite side, directing it toward the face. This little wave near the cheek is the signature detail that makes the flapper bob instantly recognizable. Finish with a light pomade on the ends to define them slightly and a spritz of medium-hold spray overall. The key is to keep one side sleek and polished and let the other side have just that one gorgeous, sweeping curl. Balance and drama — that is the flapper bob philosophy.
The Pompadour Bob
What the pompadour bob is
The pompadour bob takes the beloved bob cut and gives it height, drama, and a sense of grandeur that sets it apart from every other version of the style. In this variation, the hair at the front and crown is pushed upward and swept back, creating a voluminous roll or pouf above the forehead, while the sides and back retain the clean, close bob shape. It is a hairstyle that says “I am here, and I came dressed.” I love recreating this style for clients who want a big hair moment without going fully into an updo — it has the drama of a formal style while still feeling youthful and playful. During the twenties, this was a way to wear the modern bob while nodding slightly to the more elaborate hairstyles of the previous decades.
How it suits women who love vintage glamour with a modern edge
The pompadour bob is ideal for someone who loves vintage aesthetics but also wants something with a contemporary edge. It is not a wallflower hairstyle — it commands attention and expresses a strong personality. This style suits women who love the idea of making an entrance and who are not afraid of a little height or drama. In terms of face shape, it works particularly well for women with oval or heart-shaped faces because the height at the crown elongates the silhouette beautifully and the volume balances out a wider forehead. It is also a wonderful choice for special occasions, formal dinners, or any event where you want to feel like the most glamorous person in the room.
Creating a pompadour bob that turns heads
Here are my best tips for creating a show-stopping pompadour bob. Start with a full blowout for maximum volume. Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots before drying. Once dry, take the front section of hair, roll it back toward the crown, and gently tease the underside for extra lift. Pin the roll in place with bobby pins that match your hair color, hiding them inside the roll. Smooth the top of the roll with a fine-toothed comb to eliminate any visible frizz or flyaways. Make sure the sides are pressed sleek and close to the head for contrast. Finish with a light-hold spray overall and a touch of shine serum on the sides. The contrast between the voluminous crown and the sleek sides is absolutely everything.
The Castle Bob
What the castle bob hairstyle looks like
The castle bob is one of the rarest and most striking hairstyles from the twenties, and I am always delighted when a client asks me about it because it shows a real depth of knowledge about hair history. The castle bob features the standard bob length and shape, but what sets it apart is the distinctive notched or stepped layers cut into the back of the hair, creating a staircase-like pattern. Each layer is cut at a slightly different length, and when the hair is worn straight, these stepped layers create a visually captivating geometric pattern at the back. It is architectural, precise, and absolutely unlike anything else from the era. I describe it as the bob for someone who thinks of their hair as a piece of art.
How it works best for those with straight, thick hair
Because the castle bob’s beauty lies entirely in the precision of its layered geometric shape, it works best on straight, thick hair that will hold the cut cleanly and show the stepped layers clearly. Wavy or very fine hair can blur the definition of the layers, making the distinctive pattern harder to see. If you have straight, dense hair that holds a shape well, this cut will look extraordinary on you. The layers also help remove some of the bulk that thick hair can carry, making the overall style more manageable and comfortable while keeping its dramatic visual impact completely intact.
Styling guide for the perfect castle bob finish
Styling the castle bob is actually refreshingly simple because the cut does most of the work. Start with a smooth blowout using a paddle brush to keep everything straight and sleek. Apply a small amount of straightening serum before drying to ensure maximum smoothness. Once dry, run a flat iron through the lengths in small sections to achieve that razor-sharp, mirror-like finish that allows the geometric layers at the back to show their full drama. Finish with a lightweight shine spray — not too heavy, as you want the hair to look sleek but not greasy. The less product interference, the better, because with the castle bob, the haircut itself is the star of the show.
The Slicked Back Style
What the slicked back style is
The slicked back style from the twenties is one of those looks that feels simultaneously masculine and feminine, and that tension is exactly what makes it so compelling and so modern. In this style, all the hair is combed back from the face and slicked flat against the head using pomade, brilliantine, or setting gel, creating a smooth, glossy, helmet-like appearance. The parting — if there is one — is usually very sharp and precise, typically on one side. Some versions incorporate a subtle wave pattern throughout the slicked-back sections, while others are completely flat and smooth. It is an incredibly polished style that exudes authority, confidence, and a kind of cool, effortless control that I find endlessly inspiring.
How it works best for bold, minimalist beauty lovers
The slicked back style is made for someone who embraces a minimalist approach to beauty — someone who knows that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. This style works beautifully on women who love clean, dramatic looks and whose beauty routine focuses on strong features rather than decorative fussiness. It is spectacular on women with beautiful foreheads, defined brows, or striking jawlines because nothing is hiding any of those features. I have styled this look on clients before formal events, and the transformation is always remarkable. The style has this way of making whoever wears it look completely unafraid, like they could walk into any room and own it entirely.
Tips for achieving that perfectly slicked finish
Here is how I get the slicked back look just right. Begin with clean, slightly damp hair. Apply a generous amount of pomade or a strong-hold gel from roots to ends, working it through with your fingers and then a fine-toothed comb. Comb all the hair back from the face in smooth, deliberate strokes. If you want a side part, use the end of a comb to draw a clean, sharp line. Make sure every section is lying perfectly flat. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the surface one more time and eliminate any comb track marks. Finish with a shine spray or a very light mist of holding spray to lock everything in place. The surface should look almost wet, deeply glossy, and impeccably neat.
The Headband Wave
What the headband wave style is
The headband wave is one of my absolute favorite 1920s styles to recreate because it combines two things I love deeply — beautiful waves and gorgeous accessories. In this style, the hair is set in soft waves and then a headband — called a bandeau in the twenties — is worn across the forehead, sitting right at the hairline. The waves cascade from behind the headband and frame the face beautifully. The headband itself was often heavily decorated with feathers, jewels, pearls, or intricate beading, making it as much of a beauty statement as the hair itself. This style is absolutely spectacular for formal occasions and it photographs like a dream, which is why I recommend it constantly to clients attending events.
How it works best for those with medium-length wavy hair
The headband wave is most effortlessly beautiful on medium-length hair that has some natural or styled wave to it. The waves need enough length to fall gracefully from behind the headband and frame the face, so very short hair can sometimes struggle with this style. Naturally wavy or curly hair also takes to this look with incredible ease — you may barely need to do anything beyond applying a little defining cream and placing the headband. For straight hair, a simple set with a curling iron and some wave lotion before placing the headband will give you everything you need. The headband itself does so much of the styling work that this is actually one of the easiest twenties looks to achieve.
How to style and wear the headband wave beautifully
Here are my tips for nailing the headband wave. Begin by creating soft waves throughout the hair using a medium-barrel curling iron or a set of overnight pin curls. Once the waves are set, gently shake them out and apply a light defining cream or oil for shine. Place your decorative headband across the forehead, sitting about half an inch above the hairline. Arrange the waves so they fall naturally from behind the band — some can fall forward over the shoulders, and some can tuck behind the ears for an asymmetric, romantic effect. Add a few small decorative pins near the temples for extra twenties authenticity. The goal is effortless glamour, the kind of beauty that looks like you were simply born this way.
The Side-Parted Wave
What the side-parted wave is
The side-parted wave is perhaps the most versatile and universally flattering hairstyle of the 1920s, and I return to it again and again in my work because it genuinely suits almost everyone. In this style, the hair is deeply parted on one side, and the heavier section is swept to the other side of the face in a series of soft, sweeping waves. The overall effect is incredibly romantic, polished, and effortlessly glamorous. It can be worn on short, medium, or even slightly longer hair, and it translates beautifully from a daytime look to a formal evening style with just a change of accessories. I have created this style on brides, on clients preparing for important dinners, and on women who simply wanted to feel beautiful on an ordinary Tuesday — and it delivers every single time.
How it suits almost every face shape beautifully
The deep side part and sweeping waves of this style are genuinely flattering on almost every face shape, which is rare and wonderful. For round faces, the deep part creates asymmetry that adds length and dimension. For square faces, the soft waves soften the angles of the jaw and temple. For long faces, the sweeping waves add horizontal movement that creates the illusion of width. For heart-shaped faces, the waves that fall across the wider forehead help balance the proportions beautifully. I genuinely cannot think of a face shape that this style does not flatter, and that universality is exactly why it was so beloved in the twenties and why it remains so popular in vintage-inspired styling today.
Styling tips that make the side-parted wave irresistible
Here is how I always approach this style. After a blowout, create a deep, clean side part using the end of a fine-toothed comb. Take the larger section and begin curling it away from the face in large, sweeping sections using a wide-barrel curling iron. As you release each curl, immediately brush through it lightly and guide it into a wave shape with your hand, directing it across the face. Continue this across the heavier section until you have a series of connected, flowing waves. Pin the hair behind the ear on the lighter side with a decorative clip. Finish with a medium-hold spray applied at a distance for light, flexible hold. Run your fingers through the waves one final time to soften everything and give it that gorgeous, lived-in quality.
Conclusion
Standing in my studio surrounded by photographs, vintage hair manuals, and the tools of my trade, I often think about how much the women of the 1920s gave us. They did not just give us beautiful hairstyles — they gave us a philosophy of beauty that I carry with me every single day in my work. They said, loudly and without apology, that beauty is a form of self-expression. That a haircut can be a declaration. That the way you choose to style your hair in the morning can reflect who you are, what you believe, and how you want to show up in the world.
When I recreate these styles for my clients, I am not just styling hair — I am connecting them to something much larger. I am showing them that boldness has deep roots, that confidence has always been beautiful, and that the desire to express yourself through your appearance is one of the most human things there is.
Each of these fifteen hairstyles from the twenties tells a story. The Eton crop tells a story of defiance. The finger waves tell a story of artistry and patience. The flapper bob tells a story of joy and liberation. The headband wave tells a story of celebration and glamour. And every single one of them reminds me of why I fell in love with this craft in the first place — because hair has the power to transform not just how you look, but how you feel.
My mother used to say that when you look in the mirror and love what you see, you walk differently. You speak differently. You take up space in a way you did not before. I believe that with everything I have. And whether you are trying a classic bob for the first time or finally committing to the dramatic Eton crop you have been dreaming about, I want you to know that every one of these styles is waiting for you. They have been waiting for a hundred years, and they are just as ready to make you feel extraordinary as they ever were.
As I always say, beauty is not about perfection. It is about confidence, creativity, and feeling empowered to express yourself however you choose. The women of the 1920s understood that better than anyone, and I think it is high time we take their lead.