Perfume & Fashion

Throughout 1925 the shingle and close-clipped bobs became increasingly popular, each week seeing new fans take up the fashion. Most women sought expert advice and unbiased opinions before getting their hair cut short.

In 1925, because of the many bobs, the line of the coiffure of the unbobbed lay close to the head, but the size of the head, its shape, and the amount of hair were matters that had to be taken into consideration so that a successful and becoming bobbed hairstyle was achieved. Women strived for a balance in their figure so the size of the hairstyle was carefully considered.

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 to long hair was styled in a long flat roll at the base of the neck. The line of the hair followed the contour of the head and the long roll, or chignon, gave the effect of the bob.

This hair arrangement was adorned with a back band of flat hand-made roses and petals in the various pastel shades. 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. An elastic strip of was often used across the back under the coil of hair.

Girlish simplicity was displayed in the smart all-around bandeau effect which was especially good for the regulation bob. A fashionable bandeau was constructed from a band of No 9 gold ribbon with three hand-made, silk orchids and green 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. This effect may be imitated with long hair, by dividing the front and the back hair at the ears, coiling the back portion close to the head high at the back, and then combing the front portion over it, swirling this around and tucking 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 finger waving suited the shorter close cut bobs that became the fashion.