Hairstyles from the 1940s

Here's how to create a 1940s updo for yourself.  Brush your hair back and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it with the hair elastic. Split the ponytail in two. Using a comb, tease each half. To do this, place the comb in the section of hair, about halfway down the length of the section, and then comb it back towards the elastic.  Take one section, twist it under, and secure with bobby pins. Do the same with the other side. If you want the sleek look of 1940s hair, smooth out stray hairs and spray in place.

1940s Hair: The Peek-a-Boo Bang

The style made famous by 1940s starlet Veronica Lake is the kind of 1940s hair that never goes out of fashion, and it’s super-stylish.  Wash hair and dry until it is barely damp.  Part your hair deep on one side.  This is important to get the peek-a-boo effect over one eye.

Using a 1-inch diameter curling iron, curl small sections of hair, beginning at the top. Each time, do not unwind the curling iron, but open it up slightly and slide the curl off the barrel. Then pin the curl in place with a bobby pin. After you’ve done all the curls and have them pinned in place, wait a few minutes for your hair to cool. When your hair is cool, remove the bobby pins. Use your fingertips to loosen the curls into waves. Because one side is parted so deeply, the other side will have hair that partly covers one eye. You can put a bobby pin in the wave over the eye so that you can see.  Otherwise, glance seductively out from your peek-a-boo bangs and charm everyone.

The 1940s may have been 60 years ago—but 1940s hair is timeless and ultra glamorous!

Retro hairstyles are hot right now—from 1940’s retro hairstyles like finger waves to modern versions of the 1960’s bouffant. These looks are pure glamour, and they are fun choices for everyday glamour, special occasions, weddings, and proms. You could even work a more extreme retro hairstyle, like Swiss Miss braids into a party costume.

The 1940’s retro hairstyles are glamorous and womanly, reminiscent of war brides looking their most beautiful to welcome home husbands from the war.  Hair in the 1940’s was done in the most elaborate ways. Some of the more classic styles included pin curls, perfectly placed finger waves, or a classic 1940's updo.  1940’s retro hairstyles required mastering a few techniques.  And, because of the lack of modern hair appliances like blow dryers, they also required patience.

Recreating 1940’s retro hairstyles is not as labor intensive today, because we have modern technology such as curling irons and personal hair dryers.  Getting that deep side parted Veronica Lake “peek-a-boo bang” style doesn’t require sleeping in curlers.  Creating 1940’s victory rolls or pompadours takes some practice—however, people will appreciate the effort you put into these retro hairstyles, because they look sexy and up-to-the-minute when paired with modern fashions.

Combined with today’s fashions, vintage hairstyles create a fresh look with elements of the classic and modern.  Do you want to learn how to create vintage hairstyles?  Well, you're in good company.  We're going to look at some of the most popular 1940's vintage hairstyles…

Popular 1940’s Vintage Hairstyles

It would be hard to find more glamorous looks than 1940’s vintage hairstyles.  With pin curls and updos with side rolls, 1940’s vintage hairstyles were meant to be noticed.  Two popular 1940s vintage hairstyles are the pompadour for women, which pairs “big hair” in front with sleek hair in back, and the basic updo.  Both are glamorous styles for when you need to look chic and polished.

Another 1940’s vintage hairstyle is the basic pin curl set.  The old fashioned way to create pin curls is to wash hair at night, wait until it is almost dry, take small sections of hair and curl them around your fingers.  Then pin them in place with bobby pins.  When you wake up in the morning, take the pins out and comb hair with your fingers.

In the video below, Amanda Hallay shows you how to use a modern-style "rat" to create 40's hair like Betty Page and Ingrid Bergman. 

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.