1940s Hairstyling Tips

The 1940s was an era of curls, side parts and elegant hairstyles.

The 1940s was the era of war. Foods were rationed in the United States and around the world, but women were still following style trends set forth by glamorous movie stars. The hairstyles of the day were elegant and beautiful. When wearing a 1940s costume or looking for an elegant style for a formal night out, the 1940s is an era with plenty of hairstyles to consider.

Peek-A-Boo Bangs

The peek-a-boo bang style was started by starlet Veronica Lake in the 1940s and is a classic and beautiful style for any woman. To get the style, the hair is parted to one side. The side with more hair is curled in small sections at the front to form tight curls. When removing the curling iron, the iron is opened and slides off the hair rather than unwinding. Pin the hair in place with a bobby pin until cooled. Then remove the pins and run fingers through the hair to create a wave. The style is simple and stunning.

Create Curls

Curls were the "in" look of the 1940s for hair. Regardless of the specific style, putting in curls was common. Women often used pin-curling methods to create the elegant curls. To recreate the pin-curl style of the 1940s, wash the hair and comb it out until it is only damp and no longer wet. Separate the hair into small sections. Wind a small section of hair around a finger to form a tight curl and then bobby pin it into place. Repeat with the next small section until the whole head is covered. Sections of hair are very small so the pin can hold it easily. Tie a scarf around your head and sleep through the night. Remove the pins in the morning and finger comb the hair to create beautiful curls and waves.

Side Part and Volume

Deep side parts were one of the main trends of the 1940s, regardless of your preferred style. When the peek-a-boo bang style was not preferred, another option was a deep side part and volume added to the hair to create a beautiful hairline. The bangs or front of the hair was curled up and back so it was away from the face and fell to one side with a part on the opposite side. The hair could then be left free to fall in waves or curls past the shoulders or put up into a French twist or a curly up-do for more formal situations.

Add Fresh Flowers

For an added touch to the style or for an evening style, women added fresh flowers as an accessory in the '40s. To get this look, put your hair up and then pin a flower to the hair using a bobby pin. The fresh flower not only creates a beautiful hair accessory, it provides a fresh and natural fragrance to your hair.

References

• Hot 1940's Hairstyles: Vintage Hairstyles
• Hairstyles Cut: 1940s Hairstyles
• Women's Hairloss Treatment Guide: 1940's Hairstyle Tips
• Retro Hairstyles: 1940s