Pompadour Updo

If one hairstyle defined the fashionable woman of the early 1910s more than any other, it was the grand pompadour updo, and this stunning example is a reminder of just why that style captured so many hearts. This look is bold in its architecture yet refined in its details.

The hair, a deep and lustrous near-black brown, has been swept upward and outward from the face in dramatic waves. These are not tight curls or loose ringlets. They are broad, sweeping movements of hair that billow away from the head before being caught and secured at the crown and sides. The effect is almost sculptural, as if the hair were carved rather than simply styled.

At the top of the arrangement sits a small but eye-catching hair comb adorned with pearls and gold detailing. It is the perfect finishing touch: just enough ornamentation without overshadowing the hair itself. The comb nestles into the waves as though it belongs there, which in a way it does. Hair accessories like this were very much a part of the well-dressed woman's toolkit during this era, and choosing the right one was considered an art form.

Edwardian hairstyle, adorned with a hair comb

The second shot, showing the same woman from a slightly lower angle while seated, gives a wonderful sense of how this style would look in social situations. The hairstyle holds its shape beautifully in this position, maintaining its structured elegance even as the woman herself is in a relaxed, natural pose. This is a key quality of any great updo: it should look as polished in motion as it does standing still.

The high collar of her cream lace blouse frames the neckline perfectly. The exposed neck and jawline are characteristic of this hairstyle. The upswept hair draws the eye upward and elongates the overall silhouette, creating a look of great poise and stature.

What is perhaps most impressive about this hairstyle is how much volume it achieves. Even with no backcombing in sight, the waves are full and lifted, creating a crown effect that adds noticeable height. Achieving this took real skill from both hairdresser and wearer. Combs, pomade, and countless pins were all part of the process, and the result was expected to last through an entire evening of social engagements.

Today, this style translates beautifully for formal occasions. With the right tools - a wide-barrel curling iron, strong-hold hairspray, and the patience to tuck and pin the hair with care - this Edwardian hairstyle can absolutely be brought back to life.

©Hairfinder.com

See also: Vintage Hair