Womens Hairstyles From the 20’s to 90’s

4 min readJan 30, 2017

They say that nothing is ever really new these days, only reinvented and popularized again by different people. This is especially true in womens hairstyles. Going back to a few decades before, we can clearly see where many of the popular hairstyles today had first emerged in the mainstream. And it all started in the 20’s….

1920’s

During the twenties, women opted for very short haircuts due to the prevalent social and cultural rebellion. The most popular hairstyles were the sleek bob, shingle cut, eton crop, cropped curls, and Marcel and Finger Waves.

1930’s

Short locks were still in by the thirties, albeit grown out a couple of inches or so. Instead of tight ringlets, women in the 1930’s opted for more feminine, softer curls.

1940’s

In the forties, more and more women grew their hair out, usually shoulder-length. Curls and waves were still far more fashionable than straight hair. The war played a large influence on how working women wore their hair, in that they needed practical hairstyles that won’t get in the way while they work. Women’s hair were either covered with scarves or pinned up in rolls (known as Victory Rolls).

1950’s

Hairstyles in the fifties were more experimental, diverse, and all about the glamour. Short bangs and ponytails with cute ribbons were popular amongst teenagers. Older women preferred short to medium-length hair. In general, the most common hairstyles were the pageboy or brushed-under bob, bouffant, and elfin cut.

1960’s

Trends in the sixties include the beehive, variations of the bouffant, cutting-edge short styles, long straight hair, and the afro. Headscarves were also popular, as well as wigs and hairpieces to add volume to the hair.

1970’s

Even more hairstyles were created by the seventies, as well as hairstyling tools and products. One of the biggest influences on mid-70’s hair was Farrah Fawcett-Majors’ hairstyle on Charlie’s Angels: long feathered waves.

1980’s

Hairdos in the eighties got much bigger — literally! Crimping and teasing the hair, locked down with plenty of hairspray, was commonplace. Other important elements were asymmetrical cuts and side ponytails.

1990’s

The definitive hairstyle of the nineties is, without a doubt, the ‘Rachel’. Shoulder-length, layered locks were sought after by women all over the world! Other popular hairstyles also included feathered bangs, the pixie cut, partial pigtails, spikes, and bantu knots.

By the 2000’s, there were so many new hairstyles being invented and old hairstyles being revived that there was more diversity than ever! Women today have a lot more options when it comes to hairstyles and products, and owe it all to the wonderful hairstylists, not to mention the women who were not afraid to experiment with their hair!