How to do 1920s hair – flapper style!

The 1920s was certainly a stylish decade. The fashion, interiors, and – yes – hairstyles are as inspiring now as they were back then. Whether you’re dressing up for a costume party or wanting to switch up your look for a quirky, eye-catching style, stepping out with 1920s flapper hair is sure to make you feel like a million dollars.

There are several 1920s flapper hairstyles you can work with, depending on your hair type and length. So let’s take a look at some 1920s hairstyles you can recreate from the comfort of your own vanity.

The 1920s were a period in which women embraced shorter hairstyles, as a nod to changing ideas around gender roles and women’s rights. That’s one of the reasons why flappers were sometimes known as the ‘glamorous suffragettes’. However, there are plenty of ways to achieve a dazzling flapper hairstyle for long hair – and this style is a quick and easy shortcut to an authentic-looking 1920s ‘do.

For this style, you simply need a one-inch curling wand and a glitzy 1920s-style headband.

Don’t forget your heat defense spray before you get curling. Try TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Anti-Frizz Heat Defense Spray, which will nourish your hair and avoid any annoying frizz ruining your style.

Wrap hair around the curling wand, away from your face. Using smaller sections of hair will produce a tighter wave, as will holding the wand in place for a few seconds. Continue curling your hair section by section, then affix your headband and spritz with hairspray. We recommend using TRESemmé Flawless Curls Flexible Hold Curly Hair Spray to keep those curls looking fabulous.

Short hairstyles really came into vogue in the 1920s, so if you’re rocking a pixie cut then you’re in luck when it comes to 1920s hair. Perhaps the most iconic 1920s style for short hair is the finger wave, which looks fabulous but is much harder to master than it looks. But practice makes perfect, so let’s take a look at how to achieve this arresting style.

For finger waves, you’ll need TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel for Frizz Control and TRESemmé Flawless Curls Moisturizing Hair Mousse with Coconut Oil. Some hair types will do just fine with the mousse alone, but hair gel really helps smooth down your hair and prevent any flyaways. You may find you need both.

Step 1

Wash your hair and leave it damp. Take a glob of hair gel or a handful of mousse and smooth through your hair from root to tip. Try just using the mousse to start with, and if it looks like you’ll need more hold, add a generous dose of hair gel.

Step 2

Take a fine-tooth comb and part your hair. For true 1920s authenticity, an extreme side part is the most on-trend option. Once you’ve created a straight part in the desired place, begin combing your hair smooth on either side.

Step 3

Ready to get finger curling? Here goes…

Press your finger along one side of your part, and with your comb pull the hair beside your finger forward towards your forehead. Place your finger over the pushed-forward section and use the comb to pull the next section of hair beside your finger backwards towards the crown of your head. You’ll notice you’ve created an ‘S’ shaped wave.

Repeat these steps throughout your hair on each side of the part.

Step 4

At this point, your hair edges should clearly show undulating waves against your scalp. To tidy these up, use the pointed end of your comb to sculpt your edges into place.

Step 5

By the time you reach the back of your head, you may need to apply more mousse to keep the hair malleable. Try a mirror set-up that allows you to see the back of your head while you follow the process of creating undulating waves that tail off to the nape of your neck.

Again, to tidy up the edges around the back, use the pointed end of your fine-tooth comb.

Step 6

Now, let your new finger wave style dry. Depending on your hair type, you may prefer to wear a wrap or add a few clips to keep those lovely ‘S’ shapes in place while your hair dries. Or, you might just prefer to leave it to air dry while you finish getting ready.

The short bob is another staple 1920s hairstyle that has stood the test of time. So if your hair is around chin-length when dry, this is an easy 1920s style for you.

For straight hair, blunt block bangs accompany a pin-straight, chin-length bob in this style. For the straight 1920s bob, opt for a straight center part. If you have natural waves or curls, go for an extreme side part and skip the bangs.

As with finger curls, for the straight bob with bangs, you’ll need hair mousse to fix the style in place and to help you mold the characteristic flick at the front.

For wavy hair or curls, use wave- or curl-enhancing products to bring out your natural shapes. TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Hair Cream with Coconut Oil, scrunched through from mid-lengths to ends, will help define your natural curls or waves, and hold them in place without crunchiness.

One of the great things about 1920s hairstyles is that many of them can be achieved without heat styling tools. Obviously, these tools weren’t available in the ‘20s so, though using manual techniques to recreate the look can take more practice, on the bright side you can avoid heat damage to your hair. And, when you use TRESemmé styling products to perfect your 1920s look, your hair will be moisturized, nourished and frizz-free too.