The shingle and close-cut bobs rapidly increased in popularity during 1925 with ever increasing numbers of women adopting these styles. Most women sought expert advice and unbiased opinions before getting their hair cut short.
In 1925, the size of the head, its shape, and the amount of hair were matters that had to be considered so that a successful and becoming bobbed hair arrangement was achieved. The size of the hairstyle was considered in relation to the rest of a womens figure.
Because bobbed hair or the shingle effect did not conform agreeably with the dignity of evening clothes, it was quite imperative that the hair be dressed and that the decoration be chosen to exemplify the period expressed in the gown. Medium-long hair was arranged in a long flat roll at the nape of the neck. The hair-line following the contour of the head and the long roll, or chignon, gave the effect of the bob.
This hair arrangement was decorated with a back band of flat hand-made roses and petals in various pastel colors. The centers of the roses were finished with tiny glass beads.
Using this same type of hair arrangement, girls with a round face found the tiara-effect head-dress very pleasing. A wide band of silver ribbon was used to make the tiara and it was covered with tiny hand-made flowers of ombre chiffon in rose coloring finished at each ear with a large rose of the chiffon surrounded with gold petals. A strip of elastic was sometimes used across the back under the coil of hair.
The standard bob was enhanced by the girlishly simple but smart all-around bandeau effect. A typical bandeau consisted of a band of No 9 gold ribbon with three hand-made, orchid silk flowers and green foliage leaves appliqued across the front. The band could be fastened with a snap under the rose at one side, or a small piece of elastic was used under the flower and the bandeau slipped down over the head.
One of the most popular hairstyles was the shingle cut, using a wide natural looking wave. To imitate this effect with long hair, divide the front and the back hair at the ears, coil the back portion close to the head high at the back, and then comb the front portion over it, swirl this around and tuck the end in low at one side, as for the French twist.
Plaited cocardes (rosette or ornament of ribbon) of royal-blue maline finished in the center with tiny pink rose-buds and joined with variegated silver tubing were also used to make an interesting head-dress.
To disguise the poor neck line of a shingle or to hold up the growing locks, a green silver tubing lattice-work head-dress was very effective. Where the green silver tubing crossed, tiny hand-made rosebuds were applied.
Following years would see a rapid uptake of finger waves, as the styling of finger waving complemented the shorter close cut bobs that now dominated the hair fashions.
Tags: 1920's hairstyles, bob, finger waves, shingle