How to Pin Hair Up in 1930s Styles

Short hair expressed women as powerful during a time when women's rights were still being debated.

The 1930s were a time when women commonly wore shorter hair styles, such as the bob. It was also during the '30s that the finger wave style became very popular---a hairstyle now notable with old-school Hollywood and class. Website 1920-30.com suggests cutting the short hairstyle in a light layered look to achieve a wave style with more ease---promising that the layered finger wave gives off a more youthful look.

Things You'll Need

• Gel or mousse
• Wide tooth comb
• Curling iron with clamp
• Hair dryer
• Hair spray

Instructions

Finger Wave Styling For Any Length Hair

1. Towel dry your hair until just damp and add hair gel or mousse to your hair. Use about a quarter sized amount or two in short hair (bob), or three to four quarter sized amounts for longer hair. Comb the product through, coating every strand.

2. Comb your hair into a side part and then smooth down the top layer of your hair with your hands to emphasize the part. If the hair is too wet, lightly blow dry it to remove some moisture.

3. Smooth down the top layer. With your finger, lift the ends with your finger to create a layered curl. You may continue to smooth down the layer while it dries into place and lift the edge into the curl with finger.

4. Mist the top created finger-wave with hairspray to speed up drying and maximize hold.

5. Comb out another layer underneath the top to create another wave. Smooth with your hand, then lift the end with your finger like you did for the top layer. If you want a more drastic wave in any layer, use a curling iron with a clamp to smooth down the hair with the heat and curve the end up to create the wave.

6. Spray the layer lightly with hairspray as you did before to the first layer.

7. Continue to do these steps with other layers, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Try to do at least three layers with waves to enhance the look of the finger wave. Finish the style by smoothing down any rough layers, spray the hair for hold and blow dry into the style if any places are still wet.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to use mousse as a styling agent for a softer look, since gel is more concentrated and creates harder hold. For longer hair, using a curling iron to smooth the top of the hair and flip up curls in layers may be even easier. There are products on the market to be used specifically for finger waving. Shorter to medium hair lengths are more authentic for 1930s.

• Be careful spraying hairspray, it can irritate eyes. Always unplug curling irons; they can cause fires if left on unattended. Keep hair dryers away from water, they can cause electrocution. Be careful using heat on hair that has product in it, it may cause the hair to steam and dry out.

References

• 1920-30: 1920's-30's Hairstyling
• Beauty-And-The-Bath: Greta Garbo Hats, Scarfs, And Finger Waves

Resources

• Hair Finder: Vintage Salon Waving Lotion