As you explore the elegance of the 1930s, you’ll find that the era’s hairstyles were as diverse and sophisticated as the tumultuous times they emerged from.
Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, fashion and beauty found a way to flourish, with women’s hairstyles being an integral expression of the period’s glamor.
From the sculpted waves to the meticulous updos, these styles not only defined a decade but have also transcended time, continuing to inspire looks today.
Imagine your hair fashioned into the iconic finger waves, a technique that added undulating elegance to the locks of 1930s women, or picture the glamour of movie stars with their luxurious curls and meticulous styling. The fashion role of hair during this era cannot be overstated. Finger waves, victory rolls, and the chignon were not mere trends; they were statements of poise and resilience.
Whether you’re reviving the vintage charm for a themed event or incorporating elements of the 1930s into your modern hairstyle repertoire, the decade offers a variety of styles to choose from. The soft waterfall waves and elegant French twists lend themselves well to today’s hairstyles, proving the lasting legacy of 1930s hair fashion and its ability to adapt to each person’s unique look.
Historical Context of 1930s Hairstyles
While the 1930s were marked by the Great Depression, your resilience and ingenuity reflected in fashion trends, easily traced through hairstyles that blended practicality with glamour inspired by Hollywood films.
Influence of the Great Depression
The economic hardships you faced during the Great Depression greatly influenced fashion. You sought hairstyles that were not just stylish but also economical.
Owning to limited salon visits, you favored styles that could be managed at home. Versatile cuts allowed you to transition from day to practical work hairdos to more elegant styles suitable for evening occasions.
Silver Screen Inspirations
As a lover of Hollywood films, you mirrored the silver screen sirens whose locks you admired on the big screen.
Despite the hard times, you turned to cinema for escapism, and this was mirrored in the glamorous waves and curls that dominated 1930s hairstyles. Stars like Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo set trends with their meticulously styled hair, promoting a sense of normalcy and splendor in difficult times.
Popular Women’s Haircuts and Styles
In the 1930s, women’s hairstyles were an artful expression of femininity and glamour. The styles ranged from short and chic to long and elegant, with an emphasis on curls and meticulous details.
The Bob and Its Variations
The bob was a staple haircut for women in the 1930s, known for its versatility and style. Short hair was often cut in a bob style, which could be worn plain or with stylish waves and curls.
Variations like the curled bob added more volume and bounce, making this a popular choice for many women.
Long Hair and Updos
For those with long hair, the 1930s brought the beauty of updos to the forefront. Styles like the elegant chignon bun were commonplace among those looking to showcase sophistication. It wasn’t just about keeping long locks tidy; it was about creating a stylized look that exuded grace.
Curls and Waves
Curls and waves were the hallmarks of 1930s hair fashion. Using a curling iron, women created tight pin curls and finger waves for a more structured look. Alternatively, soft and romantic waves offered a more relaxed and natural appearance, demonstrating the era’s love for texture and movement in hairstyles.
Accessories and Embellishments
No hairstyle was complete without the right hair accessories. Bobby pins were essential not just for practical uses but also as a fashion statement. Clips and decorative combs added a touch of glamour, and many women embraced the platinum blonde trend, using hair accessories to complement their striking new hair color.
Iconic Hairstyle Trends
During the 1930s, the world of hairstyling blossomed with diverse trends, from the elegance of Marcel waves to the glamour of Hollywood actresses like Jean Harlow. You’ll see how women of that era used their hair to make a statement, adopting styles that embodied the perfect mix of sophistication and flair.
Marcel Waves and Finger Waves
The Marcel wave, created with a hot curling iron, was a staple for women seeking a polished look. This technique created deep waves that stayed in place, offering a sense of elegance and poise. Finger waves, on the other hand, were sculpted by hand with gel or lotion, resulting in sinuous shapes along the scalp. Actresses like Bette Davis often sported these waves, conveying the chic fashion of the time.
Soft Waves and Tight Ringlets
Beyond the characteristic shape of Marcel and finger waves, the ’30s was also a decade of soft waves that presented a more natural and feminine look. The waves were typically parted to the side or down the middle for a sweet allure. In higher contrast were the tight ringlets that some, including child star Deanna Durbin, wore to frame their faces with bouncy curls that provided volume and a youthful glow.
Glamorous Movie Star Hairstyles
The influence of silver screen icons like Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, and Vivien Leigh was undeniable, as their hairstyles defined the meaning of glamour in the 1930s.
Jean Harlow’s signature Hollywood waves epitomized the ultimate in film star sophistication, while Greta Garbo’s sleek styles captivated audiences with their mystery and allure. Joan Crawford’s forceful personality manifested in her strong, stylish coiffures. Adopting these looks made women everywhere feel a touch of that movie star magic in their everyday lives.
Hair Coloring and Textures
When you dive into the vibrant world of 1930s hairstyles, you’ll notice groundbreaking trends in both hair coloring and texture that defined the era. From high-contrast color choices to the battle between curls and sleekness, each style made its own statement.
Platinum Blonde and Other Colors
The 1930s saw a dramatic rise in platinum blonde hair, greatly influenced by Hollywood starlets. For you to achieve this iconic look, a rigorous bleaching process was involved, which was not without its risks. Films of the era celebrated this color, which spurred many to adopt the trend.
Other popular colors of the decade included rich auburns and chestnut browns, giving you a spectrum of shades to draw inspiration from.
Curly vs Straight Hair
The decade was also a showcase of varying textures in hairstyles, from the aspirational Marcel waves to the coveted curly hair looks. These waves were typically styled with a deep side part, which was a stylish way to frame your face. Meanwhile, tight finger curls were another go-to, often seen on shorter hairstyles to provide volume and movement.
Straight hair wasn’t the norm, but when worn, it was styled to perfection with sleekness achieved through oils and gels for a glossy finish. Whether your hair naturally cascaded in waves or was pin-straight, there existed a style to elevate your look fittingly to the era’s glamour.
Styling Techniques and Tools
In the 1930s, creating the perfect hairstyle was all about technique and the right tools. You’d see an array of curling irons and bobby pins in use, alongside new hair products that kept everything in place.
Curling Iron and Bobby Pins
Curling Iron: To achieve the era’s coveted waves or curls, you’d often reach for a curling iron. This tool was central to creating the faux bob, where long hair was cleverly tucked under to appear short, or the more structured pageboy hairstyle, which required a smooth, rounded under-curl at the ends.
- Bobby Pins: Once your hair was curled, you’d use bobby pins to secure the style. For something like victory rolls, bobby pins were indispensable. They held the rolls in place and were often hidden within the hair to maintain the illusion of effortlessness.
Hairspray and Hair Products
Hairspray: In the ’30s, keeping your hair in place meant using a lot of hairspray. This product, like the TIGI Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hair Spray, added a lasting shine and a firm hold, essential for maintaining elaborate hairstyles throughout the day.
- Hair Products: Besides hairspray, women utilized a range of hair products like gels and mousses to help shape and define their curls. The right product could make the difference between a hairstyle that drooped by noon and one that held firm from morning till night.
Fashion and Accessories
In the 1930s, women’s fashion was a blend of elegance and practicality, accentuated by accessories that were both stylish and affordable. Your look wasn’t complete without the perfect complement of hats, belts, and jewelry to express sophistication and charm.
Hats and Headwear
You’d find that hats were a staple in every woman’s wardrobe during the 1930s. From the snug-fitting cloche hats that hugged the head to the wider brims of fedora styles, the choices were abundant.
Often, these hats would be adorned with flowers or rhinestones, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. The use of headbands also became popular, often embellished with bows or feathers to give that extra panache.
Belts, Scarves, and Jewelry
To cinch in the waist and define the silhouette, belts were a practical yet stylish accessory. They ranged from skinny patent styles to wider leather versions, often in colors that matched your outfit or hat.
Scarves served as another versatile accessory, providing a splash of color or a sophisticated flourish when tied around the neck or in the hair. As for jewelry, think of understated pearl necklaces and brooches that added a genteel finish to your look. They were often used to give a simple outfit a more personalized feel with minimal investment.
Men’s Hairstyles in the 1930s
During the 1930s, men’s hairstyles were a statement of elegance and sophistication. Shorter hair lengths and stylish partings dominated the scene, giving you a wide array of classic styles to choose from.
Short Hair and Partings
Short haircuts were the norm in the 1930s, with side partings being particularly fashionable. The side part was often seen on men who preferred a more polished and professional look. For those with wavy hair, waves were skillfully incorporated to add texture and movement without sacrificing the neatness of the style.
Styling Products and Techniques
During this time, shiny Jazz Age hair fell out of favor, with more matte styling products coming to the forefront in the mid-1930s. You could use a bit of wax or gel to achieve the slicked-back look made famous by figures like Frank Sinatra.
Finger waves, although more complex, were also a technique utilized for creating a noticeable wave pattern in the hair, lending further elegance to the 1930s hairstyles.
Influence on Modern Hairstyles
The glamour of the 1930s continues to spark inspiration in today’s hair trends, with many vintage hairstyles being revived and adapted for a contemporary audience.
Retro Looks and Revival
You might find the allure of Hollywood waves reminiscent of the silver screen sirens, and these waves are making a comeback.
Perfect for red carpet events or themed parties, they give off that classic vibe of sophistication. Similarly, the side chignon, a hairstyle that encapsulates the elegance of the ’30s, is often spotted at weddings and proms, proving its timeless appeal.
Adapting 1930s Styles to Contemporary Fashion
For your daily look, adapting vintage hairstyles into modern hairstyles can be simpler than you think. You can transform a basic bob by adding some soft waves, channeling the 1930s but with a fresh twist suitable for the office or a casual day out.
Pin curls, although less commonly worn in their traditional form, have influenced contemporary styles where bits of hair are curled to frame the face, providing a subtle nod to the past.