How to Do Rockabilly Hairdos

The rockabilly hairstyle, first popularized in the 1940s, had a major resurgence in the 1980s, when the StrayCats--and later copycat rockabilly bands--hit the airwaves. Today, stars like Gwen Stefani tap into rockabilly culture with cool hairdos that channel the rockabilly style of years gone by. Here's how to create your own rockabilly hairstyle.

Things You'll Need

• Clean hair
• Setting lotion
• Hair dryer
• Bobby pins
• Aerosol hairspray
• Broach, flower or decorative barrette (optional)

Instructions

1. Whether you're a guy or a gal, you will need to start with the right cut. Download and print some pictures of your favorite rockabilly hairstyles and head to the salon. Tell your hairdresser to create a modified version of the cut if you don't want to have rockabilly hair every day.

2. Find a great setting lotion. You'll usually find the best ones at a beauty supply store or beauty salon. Ask the salespeople to help you find one.

3. Give yourself plenty of time. You will want to set your hair five or six hours before you plan to show off your rockabilly hairdo.

4. Wash you hair, apply the setting lotion and then dry your hair until it is almost damp.

5. Create a "wave" in the front of your hair. Do this by following the natural wave of your hair and work with your natural part. Comb out sections of the wave until they are very smooth. Then roll curls and use bobby pins to pin the curls back onto your head. The pin curls should be tight, but not too tight, because you will end up with a major case of frizzy hair if you are not careful.

6. Curl the sides and back of your hair similarly if you're a gal. People with shorter hair get to skip this step.

7. When your hair dries, brush it out until it looks smooth. If you hair does not hold curl well, do not overdo the brushing. You want your rockabilly hairdo to look smooth, soft and touchable.

8. Pull your hair to one side and secure it with a rubber band, making sure to keep your rockabilly wave free. People with short hair also get to skip this step.

9. Create rockabilly rolls. For your rockabilly do, you can create one, two, three or more rolls with your hair. To do so, you simply wrap the hair around the base of a curling iron (not heated) and then secure it with pins.

10. Adjust the wave in front. If you'd like, you can also add fun broaches, pins or flowers to your hair.

11. Spray and you are ready to hit the town with your rockabilly hairdo. Use an aerosol hairspray on the entire hairdo. Try to use just enough to hold your style without rendering it stiff or untouchable.