Are you looking to shake things up with your look? Perhaps you're thinking about a fun party, or maybe you just want to try something new. Well, if you have long hair and a fondness for vintage charm, getting that classic 1920s vibe might seem like a big task. But honestly, it's not! It's almost simpler than you think to create easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair, even if you're super busy.
So, many people imagine the flapper era and immediately picture short bobs. But the truth is, plenty of women in the 1920s kept their long locks. They just found clever ways to style them to fit the fashionable look of the time. This means you don't have to cut your hair to enjoy that beautiful, iconic style, which is that, a pretty cool thing, right?
This article will show you how to get those gorgeous, easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair without a lot of fuss. We'll go over what you'll need, some simple looks you can try, and how to make them last. You'll find out that achieving that elegant, old-world glamour is actually quite doable, even for a beginner, and it’s a wonderful way to add a bit of sparkle to your day, or an evening out, you know?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why the Roaring Twenties Still Captivate Us
- Getting Ready: What You'll Need
- Easy 1920s Hairstyles for Long Hair
- Tips for Making Your 1920s Look Last
- Common Questions About 1920s Long Hair Styles
- Bringing the Roaring Twenties to Your Hair Today
Why the Roaring Twenties Still Captivate Us
The 1920s, often called the Roaring Twenties, was a time of big changes and a whole lot of fun. People were ready for something new after a difficult period, and that feeling showed up in fashion, music, and of course, hairstyles. There was a sense of freedom, and women's fashion really reflected that, with shorter skirts and more relaxed looks, so it's a very appealing time, honestly.
The hairstyles from this era, even the ones for long hair, have a certain timeless elegance. They often feature sleek lines, soft waves, and sometimes a bit of sparkle from accessories. This makes them perfect for costume parties, special events, or just when you want to feel a little bit fancy. It's a way to connect with a really interesting part of history, too, you know?
Plus, the "easy" part of easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair is what makes them so great for today. We don't always have hours to spend on our hair, but we still want to look good. These styles offer that perfect blend of vintage beauty and modern convenience. They can be dressed up or down, making them quite versatile, which is pretty handy, as a matter of fact.
Getting Ready: What You'll Need
Before you start styling, it helps to have a few things on hand. You don't need a professional salon's worth of tools, just some basic items you probably already own, or can easily find. Having these ready will make the process much smoother, which is what we want, right?
First off, you'll want a good comb and a brush. A fine-tooth comb is great for creating neat parts and smoothing sections of hair. A soft brush can help with overall sleekness. Then, you'll need some hairpins, like bobby pins, and maybe some U-pins. These are very important for securing your styles, especially if you're trying to create a faux bob, for example.
Hair spray is another key item. A light to medium hold spray will help keep your waves and curls in place without making your hair stiff. For extra hold, you might want a stronger spray. Also, consider some heat protectant if you're using curling irons or flat irons, just to keep your hair healthy, which is a good idea, naturally. And don't forget accessories! Headbands, hair clips, or even a simple ribbon can really complete the look, and we'll talk more about those later, too.
Easy 1920s Hairstyles for Long Hair
Now for the fun part: learning how to create these lovely styles. Remember, the goal here is "easy," so we're focusing on simple methods that give you that authentic feel without too much effort. You don't have to be a pro stylist to make these happen, you know?
The Effortless Faux Bob
The faux bob is probably the most popular way to get a 1920s look with long hair. It makes your long hair appear much shorter, like a chic bob, without actually cutting it. It's a bit of a magic trick, really, and it's quite effective, so it's a good one to try first.
To start, you'll want to gather all your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. You can use a thin elastic band to secure it, but don't make it too tight. Next, gently roll the ponytail up towards your head, tucking the ends underneath. You want to create a neat, compact roll that sits against your scalp, sort of like a hidden bun, you know?
Once you have that roll, start pinning it securely against your head using plenty of bobby pins. Make sure the pins are hidden as much as possible. You might want to pull a few strands loose around your face to create a softer, more authentic bob shape. A little hairspray will help keep everything in place, and you can even add a sparkly headband over the top for extra flair. It's a very clever way to change your look completely, you know?
Simple Soft Waves
While finger waves are super iconic for the 1920s, they can be a bit tricky for beginners. Instead, we can create simple, soft waves that give a similar elegant vibe with much less fuss. These are also known as Marcel waves, but we're going for the easy version, so it's not as complicated, honestly.
Start with dry hair, or slightly damp hair if you prefer to air dry. If using a curling iron, make sure to apply heat protectant first. Take sections of your hair, perhaps one to two inches wide. Curl each section away from your face, or in the same direction, depending on the look you want. For a more authentic 1920s feel, try curling all sections in the same direction around your head, which is kind of key for this style.
After curling, here's the important part: let the curls cool completely. Once they're cool, gently brush them out with a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush. This will transform the tight curls into soft, flowing waves. You can then gently shape them with your fingers and finish with a light mist of hairspray. This creates a really glamorous, yet soft, look, and it's quite beautiful, actually.
The Chic Low Bun with a Twist
Not every 1920s style was about waves or short hair. Many women wore their long hair in elegant low buns or chignons, often with a deep side part. This look is incredibly sophisticated and surprisingly simple to achieve, so it's a good choice if you're looking for something quick and pretty, you know?
Begin by creating a deep side part in your hair. Use a fine-tooth comb to make it very neat and straight. Then, gather all your hair at the nape of your neck, just below your ears. You can twist it into a simple low bun, or create a more elaborate chignon by looping sections of hair and pinning them. The key is to keep it sleek and close to your head, which is that, a very important detail.
Once your bun is secure with bobby pins, smooth down any flyaways with a bit of hairspray or a smoothing serum. You can leave a few wisps of hair around your face if you like a softer look, or keep it completely slicked back for a more severe, dramatic effect. This style is very versatile and looks great with almost any outfit, so it's a really good go-to, honestly.
Headbands and Accessories: Your Best Friends
One of the easiest ways to get that 1920s look, especially with long hair, is by using the right accessories. Headbands were incredibly popular, from simple elastic bands to elaborate beaded or feathered pieces. They instantly transform your hairstyle, making it look period-appropriate without much effort, so they're pretty much a lifesaver, you know?
You can wear a headband over any of the styles we've talked about. For the faux bob, a jeweled or feathered headband placed across your forehead (rather than on top of your head) really completes the flapper look. For soft waves or a low bun, a simple, elegant band can add a touch of sparkle and hold your hair back beautifully. It's almost like magic, how much a good accessory can do.
Other accessories to consider include decorative hair combs, often worn on the side of the head, or simple barrettes. Even a long string of pearls draped through your hair can create a very authentic and glamorous effect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pieces to find what you like best. Remember, the 1920s was about expressing yourself, too, which is that, a really fun part of it.
Quick Pin Curls for a Vintage Touch
If you want to add a bit more curl and shape without a curling iron, pin curls are your friend. They take a little time to set, but the actual process of creating them is very simple. They can give you tighter curls or softer waves, depending on how you brush them out, so they're quite flexible, you know?
Start with slightly damp hair, or use a setting lotion on dry hair. Take small sections, about an inch wide. Wrap each section around your finger to create a small curl. Once you've formed the curl, slide it off your finger and pin it flat against your scalp with a bobby pin. Make sure the pin goes through the center of the curl to hold it securely, which is a key step, honestly.
Repeat this process all over your head. You can focus on the ends of your hair for a curled-under look, or do your whole head for more volume. Let the curls dry completely – this is crucial for them to hold their shape. Once dry, remove the pins and gently brush out the curls with a soft brush. This will transform them into beautiful, soft waves that have that classic vintage bounce. You can then shape them with your fingers and add hairspray, too.
Tips for Making Your 1920s Look Last
You've put in the effort to create your amazing 1920s hairstyle, so you want it to last, right? A few simple tricks can help keep your look fresh and fabulous all day or night. It's not too complicated, honestly, just a few extra steps.
First, don't skimp on the hairspray. A good quality hairspray, applied lightly but evenly, will be your best friend. For styles like the faux bob or sleek buns, a stronger hold spray can be really helpful. For soft waves, a flexible hold spray will let your hair move naturally while still keeping its shape, which is pretty good, you know?
Second, consider the weather. If it's humid, your hair might lose its shape more quickly. A humidity-resistant hairspray can make a big difference. Also, try not to touch your hair too much once it's styled. Every time you run your hands through it, you risk messing up the shape and adding oils that can make it fall flat. It's almost like a delicate piece of art, in a way, that you want to preserve.
Finally, for long-lasting waves, make sure your hair is completely cool before you brush out any curls. Heat sets the curl, but cooling locks it in. If you brush them out while they're still warm, they'll likely fall flat very quickly. A little patience here goes a long way, and it's definitely worth it for a lasting style, honestly. You can learn more about hair styling techniques on our site, too.
Common Questions About 1920s Long Hair Styles
People often have questions about how to make these vintage styles work for them. Here are some common things people ask, which is pretty helpful, you know?
Can you do 1920s hairstyles with long hair?
Absolutely! While the bob was very popular, many women in the 1920s still had long hair. They adapted the trends by creating faux bobs, sleek low buns, or soft waves that were styled to look modern for the era. So, yes, long hair is totally fine for these looks, and it's actually quite common to see in old photos, too.
How do you make long hair look like a bob for a 1920s party?
The easiest way is to create a "faux bob." This involves gathering your hair into a low ponytail, rolling it up towards your scalp, and then pinning it securely underneath to create the illusion of shorter hair. You can pull out a few face-framing pieces to make it look more natural. It's a very clever trick, and it works surprisingly well, honestly.
What kind of accessories were popular in the 1920s for hair?
Headbands were a huge trend, especially those worn across the forehead. They often featured beads, feathers, jewels, or intricate designs. Hair combs, decorative pins, and even ribbons were also popular. These accessories added sparkle and helped define the sleek, close-to-the-head styles of the time. They are pretty much essential for completing the look, you know?
Bringing the Roaring Twenties to Your Hair Today
Bringing a touch of the 1920s to your long hair doesn't have to be a big production. As you've seen, there are many easy 1920s hairstyles for long hair that you can create with just a few simple tools and a little bit of practice. Whether you're going for a full vintage look or just want to add a hint of old-world glamour to your everyday style, these techniques are here to help, which is pretty cool, you know?
So, why not give one of these styles a try? You might be surprised at how easy it is to transform your look and add a bit of that timeless elegance. It’s a fun way to experiment with your hair, and you might just discover a new favorite style, which is always a good thing, honestly. For more inspiration, you can check out this great article on 1920s fashion and accessories. You can also find more hair ideas on our other style guides.
