16 1910s Hairstyles for Long Hair with Edwardian Puffs

The 1910s represented a pinnacle of romantic hair design. Long hair was more than a trend; it was a canvas for structural artistry and volume.

Edwardian puffs defined this era’s silhouette. These voluminous shapes relied on strategic padding and careful pinning to create a soft, airy appearance that complemented the decade’s flowing fashions.

Modern enthusiasts often look to the 1910s for sophisticated inspiration. Whether for a historical reenactment or a unique formal event, these styles offer unmatched elegance and height.

Explore these timeless techniques to master the art of the puff. Each style showcases how long hair can be transformed into a masterpiece of early 20th-century glamour.

1. The Classic Gibson Girl Pompadour

The Gibson Girl pompadour is the quintessential silhouette of the early 1910s. It focuses on massive volume around the entire hairline, creating a “halo” effect that softens the facial features.

To achieve this, hair is brushed forward over a “rat” or padding made of mesh or synthetic fiber. This structure provides the necessary support for long hair to sit high without collapsing throughout the day.

The remaining length is typically gathered at the crown and pinned into a loose, decorative bun. This style prioritizes a rounded, symmetrical puff that looks effortless despite the internal engineering required.

2. The Low-Slung Nape Puff

While many Edwardian styles reached for the sky, the low-slung nape puff focused on volume at the back. This style involves creating a wide, padded roll that sits just above the collar.

The front of the hair is usually parted in the center or slightly to the side. The sides are then swept back loosely to join the voluminous roll at the base of the neck.

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This look was particularly popular for daytime activities and more practical engagements. It provides a grounded yet sophisticated appearance that keeps long hair secure while maintaining the signature Edwardian width.

3. The Psyche Knot with Front Volume

Inspired by classical Greek imagery, the Psyche knot was a favorite for 1910s evening wear. It combines a high, protruding bun with a soft, puffed-out front section.

The front hair is teased or padded to create a gentle “pouf” that stands away from the forehead. This creates a beautiful profile view that was highly sought after in Edwardian photography.

The back is coiled into a tight, artistic knot that sits high on the head. The contrast between the soft puff in front and the structured knot in the back is stunning.

4. The Double-Sided “Teapot” Puffs

This style emphasizes width at the temples rather than height at the crown. It features two distinct puffs of hair that frame the face, often resembling the handle of a teapot.

Long hair is divided into sections, with the side portions heavily padded to extend outward. This creates a broad silhouette that was very fashionable during the mid-1910s transition.

The center remains relatively flat or slightly waved, directing all the visual interest to the sides. It is an excellent choice for those looking to balance a narrow face shape.

5. The Titanic-Era Triple Roll

Named for the era made famous by the iconic ship, this style uses three distinct padded sections. One puff sits at the front, while two more sit at the sides to create a continuous ring of volume.

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The hair is meticulously rolled over long, cylindrical pads to ensure the shape remains consistent. This provides a very formal and “finished” look suitable for high-society events.

The top of the head is usually left with a small opening where the ends of the hair are tucked and pinned. This creates a “nest” effect that can be decorated with pearls or combs.

6. The Braided Halo with Center Puff

This style integrates the length of the hair into functional decoration. A large puff is created at the very front of the hairline to provide the necessary Edwardian height.

The remaining long hair is braided into one or two thick plaits. These braids are then wrapped around the head like a crown, sitting just behind the initial puff.

This combination of textures—the smooth, airy puff and the structured braid—creates a complex and beautiful look. It is also one of the most secure styles for long hair.

7. The Marcel Wave Side Puff

By the 1910s, the Marcel wave was becoming a staple of high fashion. This style incorporates those deep, rhythmic waves into a voluminous side-swept puff.

The hair is first waved using heat or setting lotion to create a “S” pattern. These waves are then lifted and pinned over padding on one side of the head to create an asymmetrical puff.

This look is inherently romantic and slightly more modern than the traditional pompadour. It allows the natural shine of the hair to be highlighted through the undulating wave patterns.

8. The High Crown “Beehive” Puff

Long before the 1960s, the 1910s had its own version of the beehive. This puff is centered directly on the top of the head, creating significant vertical height.

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Long hair is brushed upward from all sides and gathered at the peak. Padded inserts are placed underneath the hair to give it a solid, rounded structure that won’t lean or wilt.

The ends are often curled and allowed to spill out from the center of the puff in small ringlets. This adds a youthful and decorative touch to a very structural hairstyle.

9. The Wrapped Grecian Coil

This style focuses on a continuous flow from the front puff to the back coil. It eliminates harsh lines, favoring a soft transition that follows the natural curve of the head.

The front section is puffed upward and then directed backward in a series of loose twists. These twists are then incorporated into a large, flat coil at the back of the head.

This style is particularly effective for very long hair, as the length allows for multiple wraps around the central coil. It creates a dense, rich texture that looks very expensive.

10. The Wide Winged Pompadour

The winged pompadour is characterized by puffs that extend laterally beyond the ears. It creates a very dramatic, wide silhouette that was popular for formal portraits.

Padding is placed specifically at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions of the head. The hair is smoothed over these pads, creating “wings” of hair that frame the upper face.

The back is usually kept simple to allow the width of the front to remain the focal point. This style requires a significant amount of hair to cover the large pads used.

11. The Artist’s Messy Puff

Not every 1910s style was perfectly groomed; the “Artist’s” look favored a more lived-in aesthetic. This puff is created with less tension, allowing wisps of hair to escape.

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The volume is achieved through light teasing rather than heavy padding. This results in a softer, more translucent puff that catches the light differently than structured styles.

The bun at the back is often pinned loosely, with some ends left to curl naturally. It conveys a sense of bohemian elegance and creative spirit.

12. The Ribbon-Bound Side Puff

Accessories were vital in the 1910s, and ribbons were often used to define the shape of a puff. This style features a large puff on one side held in place by a silk ribbon.

The ribbon is wrapped around the base of the puff, helping to lift it and provide a color contrast. The rest of the long hair is often braided and coiled on the opposite side.

This asymmetrical balance is very characteristic of the mid-1910s. The ribbon adds a touch of femininity and can be coordinated with the wearer’s outfit.

13. The Padded Tapered Roll

This style features a roll that starts thin at the temples and grows thicker as it moves toward the back. It creates a tapered puff that follows the jawline.

Long hair is rolled inward over a tapered hair rat. This technique keeps the hair away from the face while still providing the volume necessary for the Edwardian aesthetic.

The result is a very clean and sleek look that works well for daytime wear. It is one of the more “sporty” options of the era, though still quite elaborate by modern standards.

14. The Triple Bun Gala Coiffure

For the most formal evening events, one puff was simply not enough. This coiffure features a large front puff and three smaller buns arranged vertically at the back.

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The front puff provides the necessary height, while the triple buns provide a complex texture from the rear view. Each bun is usually slightly puffed before being pinned.

This style requires a great deal of long hair to execute without looking sparse. It is a masterpiece of hair engineering that showcases the wearer’s hair length and volume.

15. The Soft Wave Bonnet Puff

Designed to be worn under the massive hats of the era, the bonnet puff is flatter on top but very wide at the sides. It ensures the hair is visible even when a hat is worn.

The hair is puffed out at the ear level, creating a “shelf” for the hat to rest upon. This prevents the heavy millinery of the 1910s from flattening the hairstyle.

Even without a hat, this style provides a unique, horizontal volume that is very striking. It relies on wide, flat pads placed just above the ears.

16. The Twisted Rope Crown Puff

This style uses twisted sections of hair to create a textured puff. Instead of a smooth surface, the hair is divided into ropes and then puffed outward.

The twists are pinned over padding to maintain the Edwardian shape while adding a spiraled texture. This is a great way to manage exceptionally thick and long hair.

The back is usually finished with a simple, low bun to keep the focus on the intricate twists at the crown. It offers a modern-feeling take on a classic historical silhouette.

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What are Edwardian hair “rats”?

Hair rats are internal padding tools used to create volume. In the 1910s, these were often made from the wearer’s own shed hair collected from a brush, stuffed into a fine mesh bag. Today, they are usually made from lightweight synthetic foam or mesh and come in various shapes like donuts or long cylinders.

How do I get volume without teasing?

To achieve volume without the damage of teasing, use structural padding (rats) or hair extensions. By brushing your long hair over a pre-shaped pad and pinning it securely, you can create the signature “puff” without having to backcomb your natural strands.

Can I do these styles with thin hair?

Yes, you can certainly achieve these looks with thin hair by relying heavily on padding and “crepe” hair. Crepe hair is a wool-like material that can be added under your natural hair to mimic bulk, allowing you to create large Edwardian puffs that look full and thick.

What accessories were common in the 1910s?

Common accessories included large ornamental combs made of tortoiseshell or silver, silk ribbons, and elaborate hatpins. For evening wear, women often used “aigrettes” (feathered ornaments) or headbands adorned with pearls and jewels to accent their voluminous puffs.

How long does it take to style these?

Authentic Edwardian styles are complex and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The process involves sectioning, placing pads, smoothing hair over the structure, and ensuring everything is pinned securely enough to hold the weight of long hair.

Are these styles suitable for modern formal events?

Absolutely, many of these styles are perfect for modern weddings, galas, or prom. The “messy” versions of these puffs are especially trendy, as they offer a romantic, vintage-inspired look that feels sophisticated and unique compared to standard modern updos.