The 1920s instantly bring to mind the iconic flappers—bold, stylish women who turned heads with their fringed dresses, dramatic makeup, and rebellious spirit. Beyond their fashion sense, they played a crucial role in shaping the freedoms women enjoy today.
Back then, sleek, straight hair wasn’t the trend it is now. Instead, curls were all the rage. Women would visit salons to have their hair twisted and pinned in place, a technique known as pin curls. After setting for a few hours or overnight, the pins were removed to reveal elegant “finger waves.” These waves could be styled close to the head in an S-shape for a polished look or left looser for a more relaxed, tousled effect.
Even though a century has passed, these vintage hairstyles still make appearances on red carpets, adding a touch of retro glamour. If you’re looking to incorporate this timeless style into your routine, there are plenty of ways to adapt it for different hair lengths.
For short hair, especially pixie cuts or cropped black hair, finger waves create a sleek, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with bold eyeliner and dramatic lashes.
With medium or long hair, the possibilities expand. You can set tight curls with pin curls and gently loosen them with your fingers for a softer effect. Brushing out the curls can create a more relaxed wave, and the amount of brushing determines the final look. You can also skip the finger waves altogether and leave some sections pinned for a chic, structured style.
Another option is to pin back part of your hair while curling the front section, or use pins to create soft waves around your face while tying the rest back. Letting pin curls out of longer hair can result in voluminous waves or add fullness to updos. Adjusting how much hair remains pinned can create the illusion of more or less volume.
There are countless tutorials online to guide you through the process. All you need are some bobby pins or duckbill clips and a clear vision of the style you want. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage updo, a sultry finger wave, or a mix of both with a half-up, half-down look, pin curls offer endless styling possibilities.
The best part? There are no strict rules—just experiment and have fun until you find a look you love.