Eton crop

The Eton crop is a type of very short, slicked-down crop hairstyle for women.^[1]

Popularity

It became popular during the 1920s because it was ideal to showcase the shape of cloche hats.^[1] It was worn by Josephine Baker, among others.^[1] The name derives from its similarity to a hairstyle allegedly popular with schoolboys at Eton.^[2]

History

The Eton crop appears to have emerged in Britain in the mid-1920s: the first use of the phrase in The Times is in September 1926. ^{[citation needed]}

Description

It is a severe hairstyle, emphasising the shape of the head and focusing interest on the face. In June 1927 Margot Asquith, Lady Oxford, derided: "Women with neither backs nor tops to their heads, and faces as large as hams, appear at the King's Drawing Rooms with the nuque of their necks blue from shaving...".^[3] By 1930 it had become outmoded among the most fashionable.^{[citation needed]}

In culture

A critic reviewing a collection of society portraits notes: "Hairdressing is in a state of transition. There is an Eton crop, there are many soft shingles, and there are a few heads where the hair is being let grow."^[4]

It was the haircut of choice for the more masculine lesbians in the lesbian subculture, particularly in England, during its time of popularity.^[5]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Vargas, Whitney. "Head Start." Elle (Sept. 2007): p190.
^ Oxford English Dictionary, 1989 edition.
^ ASQUITH, M. Lay sermons, 1927.
^ The Times, Wednesday, May 14, 1930; pg. 19; Issue 45512; col F
^ Gay Life and Culture, 2006

External links

Caulton, Geoff. "Twenties Hairstyle - Eton Crop". Photo Detective. British family photographs (1901-53)

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[vargas-1] Vargas, Whitney. "Head Start." Elle (Sept. 2007): p190.

[2] Oxford English Dictionary, 1989 edition.

[3] ASQUITH, M. Lay sermons, 1927.

[4] The Times, Wednesday, May 14, 1930; pg. 19; Issue 45512; col F

[5] Gay Life and Culture, 2006

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