How to Cut 1940s Hairstyles

Hair must be cut short and layered to achieve the 1940s look.

The iconic hairstyle of the 1940s has short layers, big, bouncy curls, a side part and sweeping bangs. According to Rockabilly Hairstyle, it's known as the "rockabilly haircut" and the "middy haircut." Still being copied by women in the 21st century because of its glamorous and feminine look, this hairstyle has roots in the cultural effects of World War II. Hair was kept short and low-maintenance for practical reasons, with curls and volume for a hint of femininity to boost the morale of men on the front line.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towel
• Hairbrush
• Large mirror
• Hair clips
• Tape measure
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Hand-held mirror
• Rollers
• Hairspray
• Hair pins

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with shampoo and then conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for three minutes so that your hair is smooth and easy to style.

2. Pat your hair gently with a towel so that it is not dripping wet when you begin cutting it.

3. Brush your hair to ensure that it is not tangled and is easy to part and section.

4. Measure the first section of hair, which will compile the bangs. It should be five inches wide across your head and four inches long down your forehead, so you must section off enough hair to create these dimensions. Clip the remaining hair up with a hair clip.

5. Take the scissors and cut in the bangs according to the measurements given. When you have done this, clip the bangs on the top of your head at the very front so they are out of the way.

6. Brush the rest of your hair into a side part (you can choose which side of your head you would like to have your part). Divide the parted hair (excluding the bangs, which are clipped up) into two equal sections -- a top layer and a bottom layer.

7. Clip the top layer of hair to the top of your head so you can access the bottom layer on its own. The bottom layer will be the longest part of your hair. Cut this layer of hair to four inches all over and then clip it to the side of your head so that you can access the top layer of hair on its own. You will need a hand-held mirror to view the back of your head while cutting this section.

8. Remove the clip from the top layer of hair (leave the bangs clipped up) and do the same as above, cutting this layer to four inches long all around the head. You will need a hand-held mirror while cutting the back of your hair. Although both sections of hair have been cut to four inches, the top section of hair will appear shorter than the bottom section because it is closer to the root -- this is the desired "layered" effect.

9. Take the remaining clips out of your hair. You have finished cutting and can now style your hair.

10. Place rollers into small sections of your hair (depending on how big your rollers are), starting from the front of your head and working your way to the back. Your bangs should be placed in a roller on their own. Make sure your hair is damp so the rollers can mold the hair into curls as it dries.

11. Remove the rollers when your hair is completely dry so you can apply the finishing touches to the 1940s style. Pin the bangs up with a hairpin so that they are swept up away from the face and directly above the forehead. You can pin some of the curls on the side of your head by rolling the curls into a circle away from your face and pinning them to the top of your head. These are called "victory curls."

12. Spray your hair with hairspray for three to five seconds. Be sure to hold the canister ten inches away from your head and keep your eyes closed. This will hold your hairstyle in place for longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend if she can help you with the back of your hair, as it can be difficult to reach and cut accurately.

• Print out pictures and do research on the Internet so you can see exactly how the 1940s hairstyle should look.

• Give yourself enough time to do the haircut; it shouldn't be rushed.

• Always take great care when handling scissors because there is a risk of cutting yourself. If you can't reach an area or see a part of your head, use a mirror and ask someone to help you.

• If you are not experienced at cutting hair, ask your hairdresser to do it for you or give you some tips before you attempt to do it yourself.

References

• Rockabilly Hairstyle: How to Create a Rockabilly Hairstyle

Resources

• YouTube: Cut for a 1940s Hairstyle
• Hairstyle Twist: 1940s Hairstyles