Forties Hairstyles for Short Hair

Retro hairstyles take time and patience but are worth the sexy look when you're finished styling.

Hairstyles from the 1940s were the ultimate display of glam and elegance. They were exemplified with fat victory rolls, and curls in contemporary style. The beautiful, swirling hairstyles are still common and stylish today, set with a side part and finger waves. If you have short hair you can still wear these styles in flattering shapes that highlight your femininity.

Things You'll Need

• Bobby pins
• Hair gel -- firm hold
• Hairspray
• Hair brush
• Comb
• Hairspray -- firm hold
• Silk scarf
• Butterfly clips

Instructions

Pin Curls

1. Pin your entire head of hair in pin curls with bobby pins. Dampen hair and comb in 1-inch sections. Pull each out and roll around your finger. Flatten them to your head and put two bobby pins in each curl in an "X" pattern to hold them in place.

2. Repeat the pin curl pattern around your entire head. Leave them in place for at least eight hours. It's best to set your hair this way at night to allow enough time to set.

3. Remove the pins in the morning or after the required time and gently fluff and shape your hair. This is the basic first step to most '40s hairstyles.

4. Brush or comb your hair to one side with a part and hold in place with a bobby pin for a short, curly bob.

Finger Waves

1. Start with wet hair. Add stiff-hold gel to the palm of your hands and spread through your hair.

2. Part your hair and comb it smooth across your head.

3. Using the palms and outer sides of both hands, crease your hair -- starting at the top of your head -- in sections, making waves. Push the between both hands until you have a thick wave and leave it in place. Use butterfly clips to hold the waves if necessary.

4. Repeat making waves across your head or in the areas where you want the soft waves. Try leaving the back straight and make the front wavy for variation.

5. Spray wet hair with firm-hold hairspray and allow it to dry.

6. Remove the clips when your hair is dry and carefully fluff your hair. Pull a comb through the dry hair to loosen the gel.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap a silk scarf around your head at night to hold pin curls and finger waves in place while you sleep.

• Creating retro hairstyles takes time and patience. To achieve the best results, allow yourself plenty of time to create a pin curl bob or a finger wave.

References

• 1940s Hairstyles and Rockabilly Glamour Retro & Vintage Hairstyles and Fashion: Hairstyles from the 1940s -- Updos and Bangs