20 Ideas for 1920s Hairstyles for Black Women and Vintage-Inspired Looks
Looking for 1920s hairstyles for black women with gorgeous waves or a little sparkle? These pictures give you plenty of details to save, from close-set finger waves to curled bobs and jeweled headbands.
I especially love the tiny curls around the ears.
You can keep things simple or go all out with accessories. This selection mixes vintage-inspired styles with modern looks and accessory references, rather than 20 documented period hairstyles. One image is even labeled “1910’s,” so use it for styling inspiration rather than historical accuracy.
Finger Waves, Curled Bobs and Vintage-Inspired Details
close waves and a tiny curl
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous finger waves. I love the clean side part and the little spiral just in front of the ear.
Ask for waves that sit close to the head if you want this same sculpted look. That tiny side curl is worth keeping.
big round curls
How pretty are these curls? The large loop above the forehead is my favorite part, with more round curls framing both sides of the face.
Save this picture if you prefer a fuller curled shape over flat finger waves.
side-swept bob
If you are looking for a looser, more modern option, this one is for you. The bob has a sweeping front section and little flipped ends around the jaw.
I’d keep the simple hoops shown here rather than add a headband. There’s already plenty to love about that swoop.
wide forehead waves
I am obsessed with this short waved style. The broad curve across the forehead is so pretty next to the smaller wave on the opposite side.
Try a red lip like the one here if you want to bring another vintage-inspired detail into your look.
straight bangs and white feathers
Want to go all out with accessories? This picture is a lovely reference for a double sparkling headband with a large feather decoration at the side.
The straight bangs remain visible beneath the band. You could borrow that placement for your own bob without copying the entire hairstyle.
brown curls with a high swoop
This brown bob may just be one of my favorites here. I love the height at the front and those big curls turning around the cheeks.
It’s a fuller, modern alternative to close-set waves. Ask for the sweeping side part if that’s the detail you love too.
low bun and draped headband
The hanging loops on this black headband are so pretty! The hair underneath is swept back into a small low bun, leaving the decoration easy to see.
Read also: 20 Easy Second Day Hairstyles With Buns, Braids and Cute Accessories
Use this as an accessory reference if you’d rather wear your hair back. A simpler band is another option if you want less detail across your forehead.
sleek bun and loose tendrils
Don’t want to wear a bob or sculpted waves? No problem!
This modern updo pairs a smooth, side-parted front with a low bun and two long, wavy face-framing pieces.
Read also: 20 Updo With Bangs Ideas From Messy Buns to Pretty Bow Styles
I love how the loose strands reach below the jaw. Keep those if you want to borrow this look.
side waves and tucked curls
There’s so much to love about this waved shape. One side curves across the forehead while the other sweeps back toward a low cluster of curls.
Bring this picture to your stylist for the arrangement rather than assuming you need a short haircut. The tucked shape doesn’t show the full hair length.
sleek hair and cheek curls
The little curls are the star of this portrait. The hair lies close to the head, with a small forehead swoop and a longer curved piece beside the cheek.
Those oversized circular earrings are gorgeous too. You could try smaller hoops if you want the hairline details to take the lead.
deep part and glossy waves
How cute is this short style? I love the deep side part and the big S-shaped wave at the front.
The smaller curls beside the ears finish it off. Save this one if you want a waved look without adding any hair accessories.
sculpted waves and curved sections
If you love clearly defined waves, then this one is for you. The broad front swoop sits beside curved sections separated by visible part lines.
Ask your stylist about keeping those sections distinct rather than blending everything into one loose wave.
shoulder-length swept curls
Don’t want to go short? This longer, vintage-inspired option has a lifted front section and large curls resting around the shoulders.
I especially love the side tucked behind the ear. Try that detail if you want to show a small gold-colored earring like the one here.
short curls and looping edges
This is another short style, but it’s a little different from the smoother waves above. Small curls cover the top, with tiny loops following the hairline.
The spiral at the temple is my favorite part. Keep a close-up of that detail to show your stylist.
orange scarf and front curls
I love this orange scarf with the little curls peeking out at the front. The long ends hang down the back, so there’s plenty of color beyond the knot.
This is a modern scarf look rather than a period reference. Borrow the exposed front curls if you want your hairstyle to stay visible under a wrap.
lifted waves and low curls
How gorgeous is that front wave? It lifts above the forehead before sweeping toward the fuller curls on one side.
The other side is smoother above the ear, with a rounded curl cluster behind it. I’d keep that arrangement if you’re planning to wear long earrings.
short bangs and a sparkling band
This bob pairs short, separated bangs with a wide sparkling headband. I love the rounded ends beside the cheeks.
The picture is labeled “1910’s,” so it shouldn’t serve as proof of a 1920s hairstyle. You can still borrow the headband placement for a vintage-inspired party look.
low hat and peeking curls
Sometimes the accessory is the detail worth saving. This low, rounded hat covers most of the hair, leaving just a few short curls visible beside the face.
Read also: 20 Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair Worth Saving
Use the picture for hat-and-hair placement rather than a full hairstyle reference. I love those little ends peeking below the brim.
waved bob and a little veil
I am obsessed with this waved bob. The rows of glossy curves are so pretty with the small white net veil across the forehead.
If you’re collecting bridal hair ideas, save this combination. The dangling earrings add sparkle without covering the waves.
long cascading waves
Last but definitely not least, we have these gorgeous long waves. I love how the large curves continue from the lifted front section all the way down.
This is a longer glamour-inspired alternative rather than a close-set 1920s style. Ask for those broad, connected waves if you want to borrow the shape.
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