Classically Cute Hairstyles from the Roaring 20s

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With these styles, you’ll look like you stepped out of the worlds of Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: September 14, 2023 Fact Checked

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Marcel Waves

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Scarf Roll

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Faux Bob

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Video

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Q&A

Whether you're attending a themed party or looking for a new and exciting way to wear your hair, creating a 1920s hairstyle will turn heads in your direction! The roaring 20s were full of dazzle, from the jewels to the pinned-back curls. So, how can you achieve such effortlessly gorgeous looks? In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating Marcel waves (a heated version of finger waves), a faux bob, and a scarf updo so that you can be your town’s choice bit of calico (i.e., the hottest girl in town).

Things You Should Know

Use a wide-barreled curling tong and section clips to create Marcel waves along your scalp.
Create a faux bob by braiding the underside of your hair and tucking the rest of your hair into the braid.
Place a scarf at the base of a low ponytail to roll your hair into a classic and messy updo.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Marcel Waves

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1
Use a wide-barreled curling tong to create your Marcel waves. Opt for a curling tong with a barrel size of 1 inch (2.54 cm) or larger, as this will give you a more classic, vintage look than a regular curling iron or crimper.^{[1]
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- A modern curling iron or 3-barrel curling iron also work well for this style.
- Sometimes curling tongs are called “Marcel irons” since this iconic look was created by French hairstylist Francois Marcel.
Use a styling comb with small teeth, such as a rat tail comb, to part your hair to one side. Bring the hair over to the left or right—whatever suits your hair best.^{[2]
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Divide your hair into 2-inch (5.1 cm) by 1-inch (2.5 cm) down sections with your styling comb. Making one small, 2-inch (5.1 cm) by 1-inch (2.5 cm) section at a time will help you achieve your desired 1920s look. Using a section larger than 2 inches (5.1 cm) will give you a less dramatic wave that isn’t historically accurate.^{[3]
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- Your hair sections should reflect the size of your iron (the diameter of the iron used).
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Place the curling tong upside down on a 2-inch section of hair. Hold the curling tong upside down near your roots to create a bend in the hair, rather than adding volume. Holding each section of hair lightly, guide the hair in the direction of the wave pattern for lasting hold and symmetry.
- Holding the hot tool upside down helps to control volume and give the classic defined wave pattern.
- If your tongs are on medium heat, you may need to hold them in place for up to 10 seconds.
- Exercise caution when using heat-styling products. Always use heat protection products, and don't use the highest temperatures for your tools. Instead, adjust the heat according to your hair texture—generally, medium heat works well on most textures.
Start near your ear and work your way up to your part. Carefully create waves down the length of each 2-inch (5.1-cm) section until one side of your hair is completely done.^{[4]
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Hold the waves in place with section clips. Use long section clips, like duckbill or Marcel clips, to hold the bends or waves in place while your hair cools down. Place them in the bends of one side after using the tongs and brushing out your hair before moving on to the other side.^{[5]
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- Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, you’ll need 1 or 2 dozen clips.
Once you’ve completed one side of your hair, use a soft-bristled brush to carefully brush through your hair to create soft S-waves. This will help your hair look more even and full.^{[6]
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Use the same technique to create waves in each 2-inch (5.1 cm) section of your hair on the other side. Don’t forget to brush through the hair, and then add clips to each section to help set the waves while your hair cools.^{[7]
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Once your hair has cooled completely, take out all the section clips. Add a fun accessory to your hair, like a feathered headband or a jeweled clip, to finish your vintage look.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Scarf Roll

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Roll up a scarf. Choose a pretty silk scarf that matches your outfit and lay it out flat. Roll it up, starting at one corner and moving toward the opposite corner, so it’s long and thin.
- Try a velvet or chiffon scarf with a floral or polka dot print to complete your 1920s look.^{[9]
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Put your hair in a low ponytail. Brush out your hair so that it is sleek and smooth. Gather it into a low ponytail, then slide the hair tie down to the end of your hair.
Situate your scarf on top of your hair near the end of your ponytail. Roll your hair over the scarf and roll it upwards, stopping once you reach the base of your head. The scarf will be covered by your hair in the back but will still be seen from the front.^{[10]
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Take both ends of the scarf and tie them in a knot at the top of your head. Try tying the scarf in the center or slightly off to one side.^{[11]
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Leave the pieces that fell out of the scarf free for a more casual look, or tuck them in for a sleeker style. Use bobby pins to secure any pieces that won’t stay in place.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Faux Bob

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1
Create a deep side part, then put the top half of your hair up. Use a tail comb to create a deep side part. Make sure your part is straight and even. Then, run your fingers from the tops of your ears until they meet at the back of your head. Clip the hair above your fingers out of the way so you can concentrate on the bottom of your hair.^{[12]
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- To create a faux bob, you’ll need longer hair. People with shorter hair, such as pixie cuts, may not be able to accomplish this style without hair extensions.
To keep the bottom of your hair secured, so it looks like you have short hair, braid the bottom section tightly and use bobby pins to secure it to your scalp. Keep this bottom section as flat as possible so the top layers of your hair can cover it.^{[13]
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Divide the top portion of your hair into 2 sections, one on either side of the part. Use clips to secure one side while you work on the other. Then, working on the side that’s not clipped up, divide your hair into 2 sections, one on the top and one on the bottom. Hold the top section out of the way with a hair clip.
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Curl half-inch (1.27 cm) sections of the bottom portion away from your face. Use a 1-inch (2.54-cm) curling iron to curl half-inch (1.27-cm) sections of your hair. Clamp the curling iron in the middle of the hair shaft and roll it vertically twice. Gently and slowly release the clamp so you can slide the curling iron down toward the ends of your hair, then roll it up to your scalp.
- Hold the curling iron in place for a few seconds, then release the clamp and remove the barrel.
- Always use heat protection products when working with heat styling tools.
Divide the top section of your hair into half-inch (1.27 cm) sections and curl each piece vertically toward your face. Use the same method as before, but rotate the iron in the opposite direction.
On the other side, curl the bottom section away from your face and the top section toward your face. Make sure you stick with half-inch (1.27 cm) sections so each side is even.
Gently comb through each section you curled with a wide-tooth comb. Be careful not to snag the back part of your hair that’s braided and pinned to your scalp.
Place a section clip in the dip of each wave, so that the bend sticks out. Spray a light-hold hairspray on your hair to set the style. Let the hairspray dry completely (which should only take a few minutes), then remove the clips.
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Comb your hair under and pin the ends up to make it look shorter. Take a small section of hair and run the comb from the ends up to the middle of the hair shaft. Then, use bobby pins to pin the ends of your hair underneath itself. Secure them into the braid you created at the beginning, which acts as the base for your faux bob.^{[14]
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- If you have very long hair, try tying a small clear elastic on the ends of your hair and tucking and pinning the base of the ponytail to your braid.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I do my hair like Clara Bow, Greta Garbo, Josephine Baker and Louise Brooks?

Ihentuge Chibuzo

Community Answer

For the hairstyle you need an electric curler, sharp blades and a soft comb and scissors. Have a picture of the desired hairstyle. Cut with a scissors a little below the eyelids for the front hair line. Comb it out straight. Use the electric curler and curl the hair inwards towards the forehead. Comb out and try the curling again. Repeat until hair is curled inwards and stays. For the back, use the scissors to cut the back hair just above the shoulder blade. Repeat the curling process for the front hair.

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Question

How do I do flapper hair?

Community Answer

The bob is the hairstyle most commonly with flappers. Just cut it short all the same length around your face 2 inches below the ear. Use a hair straightener if your hair isn't already straight.

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