Hair Affair: The Most Popular Styles of the Last Century

2. Short, Slicked Styles

The bob wasn't the only short hairstyle popular during the 1920s. Some women opted for even shorter styles that were smoothed down on their heads with pomade. Dancer Josephine Baker popularized the ultra-slick look on stage in the early 20s. The style was a significant departure from the buns and updos that characterized Western dance at the time. Baker was a style icon known around the world round who influenced women in both Europe and America to adopt short, sleek hairstyles.

Other women adopted the same sleek style as Baker but added waves. Initially, most women used their fingers and styling products to create texture. Later in the decade, some opted for a "Marcel wave" style with the world's first electric curling iron. However they were created, the waves were covered in product and plastered down. Even aviator Amelia Earhart adopted the sleek tresses.