The 1930s saw a lot of waves. Women began to wear their hair more femininely with sweeping parts down the middle or on the side. This was a change from the sleek bobs and tight ringslets of the 1920s . In the early part of the century, women and men wore their hair in short styles.
As the longer-haired women trend grew, women began to opt for long hair . Some women chose to pin their hair under the shoulders. Women wore fringes at the front, and the focus was on the bangs. These retro hairstyles are amazing, and we think you will too! Find vintage photos of 1930s hairstyles here.
1930s hairstyles on actresses
LONG HAIR
In the 1930s long hair was also popular, despite the popularity of short hair. Women wore their hair often in a loose ponytail, or curled.
Vivienne Leigh, for example, wore wavy tresses down her back. To get a short hairstyle, pin a faux-bob underneath. This look is perfect for formal occasions.
In the 1930s, most women chose to wear their natural hair colour because dyes were still not widely available. Some stars, like Jean Harlow, dyed their hair. Harlow’s platinum blonde hair is the reason we call her that.
SHORT HAIR
In the 1930s, short hair was very popular. Women could still wear the bob in many different ways. The bob could be straightened or curled, parted in the middle or to one side and worn loosely or pinned. Short hairstyles can also feature stylish bangs. Carole Lombard, Marlene Dietrich and other stars were known for their finger waves.
TIGHT CURLS
Women would pin curl their hair overnight to achieve the curly, wavy style. Straight hair was not a fashionable look. Women could loosen up their look by removing the pins and letting the curls fall. Finger curls are another popular hairstyle. This style was popular in the previous decade and continued with 1930s hairstyles.
HAIR ACCESSORIES
Bobby Pins
In the 1930s, bobby pins were popular. They helped keep hair in place. In the 1930s, bobby clips were worn as a standalone accessory or to create elaborate hairstyles. Dorothy Lamour and other stars would add hair accessories and pins as a way to enhance their hairstyles. Pins can also be used to create a faux-bob hairstyle.
Clips and Accessories
Clips and accessories are the best way to give vintage hairstyles a little sparkle and glamour. There were many different accessories available including hats, hair bands, headbands and combs. It would be an easy way to dress even if you wore your hair straight.
A simple metal clip was the most popular accessory. It could be used to hold a section back away from one’s face, or above their ear.
Some hair clips had rhinestones, other embellishments or small mirrors so that women could check their makeup while wearing them. This would be great with classic finger curly hair.
The 30s: More hairstyles
1930s Hairstyles Now
Even though the wavy hairstyles from the 1930s are still popular today, many women have less defined waves than in decades past. Even for guys, many modern hairstyles and cuts are based upon old-fashion styles and trends that have been updated.
Curly hairstyles were also seen in films like “The Aviator” or “Water for Elephants”. Modern times, finger waves can only be seen on red carpets and formal occasions. Hairstyles with long hair often have a flat, smooth top and curled ends. Below are some modern hairstyles that evoke the 1930s.
