Hairstyles Inspired by the 1940s
In the 1930s, tight fingerwaves and slick pincurls gave way to softer, more flowing hairstyles. This trend continued into the 1940s, but curls and waves were created with more volume and intricate patterns and pinning. Large rolls, twists and waves accented the face. Hairstyles inspired by this era work well for an elegant updo, glamorous, romantic look or retro rockabilly style. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pinned Hairstyles
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Women created rolls, waves and curls by pinning up wet hair and applying setting spray. Pins were removed when the hair dried to loosen curls and waves, but hair was often pinned back up in an updo--all hair up--or halfway, with high rolls, curls and waves pulled back from the face. For a quick 40's-inspired look, simply part your hair to one side, and loosely twist your bangs and front hair back, pulling it out slightly and pinning it into place on your head near the end of your eyebrow. Repeat on the other side, this time pulling the twisted hair tightly. Pin the rest of your hair up, wave it, or put it in a hair net or scarf.
Snood and Scarf Styles
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Women wore hair nets, or snoods, during the 1940s because they began to enter the workforce. Since shoulder-length hair was the style, women gathered it in a snood or head scarf to keep it from their faces. Get this retro look by gathering your hair in a low pony tail with its end gathered in the hair tie. Fan out the loop of hair, and place a hairnet over, pinning it into place. You can also forgo the hair tie and simply gather lose hair with a hair net, or pin up your hair and use a retro-inspired hair clip with mesh netting on it.
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Soft Waves Styles
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Stars like Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner boasted shoulder-length hair with soft waves for a glamorous, alluring style. Waves were set with pins or giant rollers and sprayed with setting spray. Waves were most often brushed out, then sprayed again, at least around the face or bangs area, to combine soft and sleek texture. Use jumbo rollers and brush out your waves to achieve this look, or hand roll wet hair--use large rolls--and pin it into place, applying a light layer of hairspray. Let the do dry, then loosen and brush through your waves, or use your fingers to avoid frizzing.
Reverse Rolls and Pompadour Styles
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The reverse roll and pompadour coifs fashionable in the 40s mimicked the fashion silhouette shoulder pads created during this period. Figures like Argentine actress and first lady Eva Peron donned this style. As the name implies, reverse rolls are rolled away from the face. They're created by parting the hair on both sides of the head, front to back, and a third part across the back. Brush hair forward, then roll it back loosely into a large roll, pinning it crosswise, adjusting roll size for your face shape and size. Create a pompadour look by backcombing, inserting a comb into hair pulled straight up, then pushing it down toward your roots, creating a cushion of teased hair. Pull hair below the teased cushion up and over it. Repeat until you have an updo with plenty of height at the crown. Pin bangs up and away from your face.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images
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photos would be helpful!
