40's Hairstyles – Updos, Bangs & Pompadours 1940's Style

40's hairstyles are sexy and super-stylish.  1940's updos, pompadours and bangs are some of the most coveted styles. 

Actress Veronica Lake was famous for a classic 1940s hairstyle: cascading waves tumbling from a deep side part.  This style was sometimes called the “peek-a-boo bang,” because the deep side part allowed hair to fall seductively over one eye, partly hiding one side of the face.  Women today still wear similar styles, because they are flattering to most faces.

The classic updo also became popular in the 1940s.  Less labor intensive than victory rolls, the updo never goes out of style.  Once you master the updo or pompadour, it’s a great trick when you have to go to work and your hair just isn’t cooperating. Finger waves and pin curls, seen on legends like Judy Garland and Joan Crawford were also representative of 1940s hairstyles, where glamour reigned and hair was anything but “wash-and-go.”

40's Hairstyles Sported by Celebrities Gwen Stefani & Dita Von Teese

The elegance of 1940s hairstyles is not lost on the stars of today.  Burlesque artist/model and actress Dita Von Teese often chooses glamorous 40s finger waves to go with those ultra-feminine, cinched waist gowns she favors. 

Musician Gwen Stefani has been seen in a number of 1940s hairstyles such as the reverse roll. She has also rocked the finger waves and Veronica Lake styles with her platinum tresses.  Another popular musician, Katy Perry wowed the crowds at the 2009 Grammy Awards and the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards wearing her black wavy medium length hair in sexy 1940s waves. These are all great looks that you can try when you really want your hairstyle to stand out for its glamour.

There’s no doubt about it.  The “Greatest Generation” of men and women, who worked so hard on the home front, gave today's generation much to imitate, right down to the glamorous 1940s hairstyles.