Looking back, 1930s hairstyles can be defined by one major trend: waves. With a softer look than the sleek bob and tight ringlets of the 1920s, women began wearing their hair in more feminine styles, with parts sweeping to the side or down the middle.
At the beginning of the decade, short hair reigned for men’s and women’s hairstyles. Popular 1930s hairstyles include finger waves, pin curls, and Marcel waves.
1930s Hairstyles
But as the 1930s fashion trends marched on, women started opting for longer hair. Lengths reached shoulder length, with some choosing to pin their hair underneath. Bangs also took the spotlight as women wore short fringes at the front.
Long Waves
Despite short hair being all the rage in the 1930s, long hair was also on-trend. Stars like Vivienne Leigh showed off long waves that ran down the back. But to cheat a short look, a faux bob was pinned underneath.
The look is great for formal events. In addition, women often wore hair in a ponytail or loose and commonly curled.
Platinum Blonde Curls
Another notable hairstyle was platinum blonde curls. Most women wore their natural hair color as dyes were not well-advanced during the 1930s.
However, blonde stars like Jean Harlow dyed their hair. In fact, Harlow is how we got the term platinum blonde with her shockingly light tresses.
This striking, ultra-light blonde shade stood out in the black-and-white films of the era, creating a glamorous and bold statement.
Short Tight Curls
Short hair was quite popular in the 1930s. The bob was still a common style, and women could wear it in various ways. It could be in sculpted curls or straightened, parted down the middle or off to one side, and worn loose or pinned up.
Chic bangs could also be featured. At the time, stars like Carole Lombard were famous for their curly hair and fringe styles.
Voluminous Bob
With more body than the previous decade, the 1930s saw the rise of the voluminous bob, as shown by Greta Garbo. To get that curly and wavy look, women would place their hair in pin curls overnight so the style would stay in place.
Wearing one’s hair straight wasn’t a popular look. Taking the pins out so the curls fall, women could comb their hair out so that not all the strands were tightly curled for a looser option.
Hair Accessories
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins became popular a decade before, but when it came to 1930s hairstyles, they were still an excellent way to keep hair in place. During this time, bobby pins were often worn independently or as part of an elaborate hairstyle.
Everyday women used vintage hair accessories and pins to adorn their hair and upgrade their overall look. Pins were also a good way to create a faux bob hairstyle.
Clips & More
Hair accessories like clips, combs, headbands, and even hats are ideal for adding glamour to vintage hairstyles. Simple metal hair clips, often embellished with rhinestones or mirrors, offer both style and utility, enabling one to secure hair back or check makeup on the go.
These accessories complement both straight styles and classic finger curls, enhancing any look with sparkle.
1930s Hairstyles Now
The wavy hairstyles of the 1930s live on today, although many women wear their hair in less defined waves than decades ago. Many of today’s modern hairstyles and haircuts are based on old-fashioned trends and styles that have just been updated and brought back into the mainstream.
Films like “The Aviator” and “Water for Elephants” also showcased curly coifs of the decade. In modern times, finger waves are often only seen at formal events and red-carpet settings.
Often, the hairdos will have a smooth, flat top with curled ends, a great look for long hair.
To achieve a modern 1930s hairstyle, create soft finger waves or pin curls using a curling iron or flat iron for quicker styling.
Then, set the waves with light hairspray for hold. Finish the look with a side part, and add a sleek accessory like a jeweled barrette or hair clip for a contemporary twist on the classic style.
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