Each decade has its unique looks and style. Aside from the way people dress, hairstyles are also often the quickest way to determine where or when you are. Throughout history, hairstyles have played an important role in everything, from politics to gender to social status. As our cultures evolve and change, the way that people choose to express themselves also changes. Most of the time, new hairstyles are an indication of progress. In fact, even today, there are certain hairstyles that represent continued calls for equality.
Hair is one portion of fashion that can define a decade. Short or long, curly or straight, the world has seen them all come and go. Since people have been fond of changing their hairstyles, many salons today offer Professional Hair Styles. Today, it is very easy for people to achieve the hairstyle they want. But that is not the case back in the past decades.
If you want to go reminiscing about the hairstyles you’ve had before, or you want to know what kind of hairstyles are there when you weren’t born yet, you’re in the right place. Today, we are giving you some of the most popular hairstyles over the decades.
Short and Sharp Bob in the 1920s
In the 1920s, Louise Brooks, dancer and actress, epitomized the 20s look with her razor-sharp short bob with a straight fringe. The fashion in the 1920s shunned femininity, and it was all about dresses with a dropped waist and boyish looks for women. The hair is no exception because it is masculine ruled.
Platinum Curls in the 1930s
Hair in the 1930s was still on the shorter side. They are barely long enough to cover the ears. This cut became softer with lots of waves and curls. Fringe and black dye were no longer trendy in this decade. It was all about the platinum blonde that the 30s star Jean Harlow wore. With this, most of the hairstyles in this decade were waved and shoulder-length.
Long, Waves, and Side Parting in the 1940s
In the 1940s, women’s hair had grown and was styled in glamorous waves. Hairstyles have a side parting that always covered one eye. The 1940s was the era of film noir. Meaning, the more mysterious the hairstyle you have, the better. Aside from that, barrel curls were also trendy in this decade. It was also the time when the pinup style began to evolve.
Shorter and Pinned Back Curls in the 1950s
Fashion changed again in the 1950s. The trendy styles of the decade once again demanded that women cut their hair short or pin it back. Waves and curls are still very popular in the 50s. However, the face was left uncovered, unlike in the previous decade. When it comes to color, any shade works, as long as here’s no hair out of place. One of the most popular hairstyles in the 1950s was the petal coif and the pixie hairstyle.
Short and Straight Hair in the 1960s
In the 1960s, there was a political, musical, and sexual revolution. The hair also followed suit with these. The boyish look was back in this decade, where girls wore short hair with long straight fringes or bowl haircuts. They also had stick-thin frames. If you live in London in the 1960s, Vidal Sassoon was a popular hairdresser. It was also the decade when the hairstyles started to get bigger and became more extravagant.
Bouncy Waves and Flicks in the 1970s
Women reclaimed their sensuality in the 1970s and loved their music. They wore their hair long and layered with bouncy waves and a flick. Highlights also started to make an appearance in the 70s for a sun-kissed look. These hairstyles were born out of the hippie movement, and it leaned towards the natural look. During these times, hair was long, big, and luxurious. A messy look was also often acceptable. Women also used headbands as an accessory. It was the decade when shampoo commercials and long hairstyles began.
Choppy and Feathered Hair in the 1980s
If you were a teen in the 80s, you are probably still cringing at some of the hairstyles of that decade inspired by many of the 80s pop stars. During these times, layers were taken to another level with short hair on top and choppy feathered hair at the sides and back. To achieve the perfect look, people use two-tonal highlights and lots of gel and mousse. Hairstyles in this decade were generally big, sprayed, teased, and voluminous. Fringes were also thick and puffy. If your hair was short, it was possibly permed, fluffy, or gelled and spiky. Or who can forget the bald headed Seal and his scarred face?
Long, Poker Straight with a Fringe Hair in the 1990s
Hairstyles in the 1990s were so straight that they actually looked greasy serums were one of the best-selling products in the market during these times. In fact, other girls put lip gloss in their hair, too. But towards the end of the decade, hairstyles became simpler and more natural. The Rachel cut was the most famous hairstyle of the 90s, which almost everybody wanted to copy. Also 90s music heavily influenced hair styles as well.
Long and Messy Hair in the 2000s
There weren’t that many unique hairstyles in the 2000s. Long, slightly messy, and just out of bed hair was what most women liked to wear in this decade. It was also the time where it goes from pure hairspray to ombres, balayage dyes, and more. The trend of hair extensions also became popular in the 2000s and still continues to the present time.
Layered and Blonde Hair in the 2010s
In the 2010s, glossy blow-dries, layers, and waves are still in. These looks were groomed but not overdone, making them classy and sexy. But the real surprise in the hairstyles of the 2010s is the color. For a while, most people opt for blonde hair. But other colors also became huge since 2010, including golden, sandy, vanilla, and honey.
These are some of the most popular hairstyles over the decades. Some of these hairstyles are still popular today, while some are enhanced and used as inspirations to come up with newer styles.