It gets chopped, cropped, curled, twisted and rolled. We poke it with hot sticks and straightening wands, and we lacquer it up with whatever is needed to make it last the day. Hair styles have certainly proven a versatile artillery in the ever-changing fashion and beauty trends throughout the decades.

Some hair styles stand the test of time leaving a lasting impression for much longer than others. There are many ladies who have tried at some point, to replicate the sassy, sexy, voluptuous style made famous by Brigitte Bardot. This classic, thick hairstyle still features in the fashion mags and red carpets of today.

And who, of the modern world, could forget the iconic style made famous by Jennifer Aniston? She hasn’t had to change her hair style for more than 20 years since the famous Friends franchise hit our screens back in 1994.

Intrigued with statement hair that defined the 20th century, lasting out two world wars, the great depression, and the onset of a connected world through the world wide web, the team at Ashley and Ilona have compiled the following list showcasing some memorable hair trends.

1920’s Hair Styles

The end of World War One defined the way women presented themselves. No longer striving to look older, in the 1920’s women starting taking steps to look younger. Loose fitting garments and hemlines to the knee emerged. Short hair styles, including the bob, were popular as they worked well coupled with headbands, floppy bows, or the iconic felt cloche hat that was worn titled to the side. Partnered with flapper dresses, this style defined the decade.

1930’s Hair Styles

Emerging in the 1930’s were dramatic parts, pin curls, finger waves, the high-drama Hollywood starlet look. Jean Harlow curls were highly-fashionable during this decade.

1940’s Hair Styles

The 1940’s hair styles were dominated by rolls and twists. Victory rolls, pin curls, barrel curls, and snoods. Marilyn Munroe hurdled onto the hearts of many men from this time.

1950’s Hair Styles

Hair in the 1950’s was a little more varied. Short waves and curls with cocktail hats, pixie cuts, sleek chignons, hair styled flat to the head. Long hair was worn in pony tails with short fringes, or in a French pleat. Audrey Hepburn was a style icon of the 1950’s with her short fringe and neatly styled hair.

1960’s Hair Styles

And here with have the introduction of backcombing and bouffant hair that still feature prominently today. The daring asymmetrical cut was borne, along with the inverted bob. Long flowing hair was worn with headbands. The 1960’s was about fun and frivolity.

1970’s Hair Styles

The 1970’s allowed for a little less “fluff” and hair trends permitted more of a natural look using accessories to dress it up a little. Layers, centre parts, crimping, braids, and flick fringes were all popular choices. Farrah Fawcett featured prominently in this decade.

1980’s Hair Styles

And along came the reliance on an abundance of hair spray! Hair in the 1980’s was all about big fringes, curled, permed, and bouffed-up hair. Okay, and we can’t go without mentioning the 1980’s-defined mullet haircut; think Jason Donovan, Pat Cash, and who can forget MacGyver and Cher’s 1980’s style.

1990’s Hair Styles

The 1990’s were still big, but nowhere near as supernatural as the previous decade. Women started to settle their styles a little, with less of the bouffe and more of the natural appeal. In 1994, ‘Rachel’ was introduced on our TV screens, which saw the onset of women racing to the hairdresser to mimic her layered bangs and soft, sweeping hair.

Hair through the ages certainly defined and shaped fashion. Hair styles have, and always will be, a reflection of our unique personalities and that of fashion trends. Whether we chose to wear it long, short, or not at all, it is often our hair that draws attention and offers an abundance of confidence when worn well.

Wanting to explore hair trends of this time a little further? Join our Ashley and Ilona Vintage Hair and Makeup Workshop coming up in September. Get some hands-on styling advice by expert Mistress Chrissy, one of Australia’s foremost vintage stylists. Book your tickets online now!