The early 1920's witnessed major progress in the transition of women's hairstyles from the traditional long-hair styles of the nineteenth century - to new short-hair styles like "the bob", a process that started during the great war (WW1). The original straight, plain, and relatively simple short bobbed hair styles of the early 1920's were transformed into much more interesting and feminine bobs (with stylish curls and waves) in the middle to late twenties. Bobbed hairstyles of the late 1920's endured in popularity through the early 1930's as well. Many of the popular and attractive shorter womens hairstyles from the 20's and 30's are currently experiencing a modern day revival as hair stylists go back in time seeking fresh ideas and inspiration from the beautiful short hairstyles of this trend setting era.
The most popular hairstyles of the nineteen twenties included the bob, marcel wave, finger wave, and shingle, all of which came with numerous variations. Other hairstyles like the Eton Crop were only temporary phenomenons. As women of all ages sacrificed their long tresses on the altar of fashion, hairdressers and even barbers competed for this booming business.
1920's movie stars and other celebrities were early adopters of the new shorter styles. Their celebrity status ensured that that the new styles received maximum publicity and in turn were eagerly copied by their fans. Permanent Hair-waving or perms, were extremely popular with women looking for a more permanent hair treatment despite the high initial cost when first introduced.
Short hairstyles became increasingly popular as the 1920's progressed, with long hair giving way to the new hair fashions. Although considered very radical by many in the early 1920's, bobbed hair quickly became the desired standard for young girls and young women in their twenties, but was also very popular with middle-aged women in their thirties and forties. The original plain bobs eventually gave way to much more attractive shingled bobs or incorporated waves and curls using sophisticated cuts to add style and interest. These later stylish bobs continued to be popular well into the 1930's defying hairdressing critics who had predicted the bob would be a short-term fad that would only last a year or two at most. As it turned out, the huge popularity of bobbed hairstyles for women became a major revolution in womens hairstyling.