How to Do the Marcel Waves, Step-by-Step Tutorial, 1920s

By | June 28, 2017

The Marcel waves reached their height of popularity during the '20s, about 15 years after the first electric curling iron was invented.

At the time, waving was the primary way that women managed and grew out their bobs. Hair irons were sold touting that they "feminised" the short cuts young girls would come to regret. You see, bobs were a lot more edgy 100 years ago.

The rad thing about this Marcel waving technique, is once you've gotten the hang of it, it can take just a few minutes to 'texturized' a low, messy bun, or you curl your whole head for a festival vibe. Here's some of vintage photos showing a step-by-step tutorial on how to make the Marcel waves:

h/t Okinawa Soba