The 1930s brought a truly special shift in women's hair fashion, moving away from the sharp, often boyish cuts of the decade before. It's almost as if the world was ready for a softer, more elegant approach, and hair certainly delivered. This era, in a way, gave us some of the most enduring and beautiful looks, shaping how we think about vintage glamour even now.
Looking back, 1930s hairstyles can be defined by one major trend, which is that of gentle undulations and refined shapes. With a softer look than the sleek bob and tight ringlets of the 1920s, women began wearing their hair in ways that truly celebrated grace. It's really quite something to see how these styles caught on, and they remain inspiring for many today.
This article delves into the most iconic 1930s hairstyles for women, exploring their origins, the celebrities who popularized them, and tips for recreating these vintage looks today. We'll also touch upon the dapper styles for men, because, you know, they had their own cool looks too. Be inspired by these 1930s hairstyles, as they clearly show how some beauty trends simply never fade.
Table of Contents
- The Essence of 1930s Women's Hair
- Men's Hairstyles of the 1930s
- Recreating 1930s Hairstyles Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About 1930s Hairstyles
The Essence of 1930s Women's Hair
The 1930s will surely be remembered for the hair inspirations it left behind, truly. The decade gave us the real definition of what a beautiful hairstyle was, shifting quite a bit from what came before. Like other aspects of fashion in the 1930s, hairstyles swung the opposite direction that they took in the 1920s, which is interesting to think about. The styles of the 1920s had two distinctive characteristics, often very sharp and short. This new era brought something different, something softer and more refined, which was quite a change.
The Reign of the Wave
Shorter waved hair defined the nineteen thirties coiffure, basically. Hair was primarily worn at chin or just above shoulder length with deeply set waves, which was a very popular look. Elegant waves for women, as seen on blonde bombshell Jean Harlow in 1930s images, show that in the 1930s, the major trends for hairstyles were all about waves. You would have seen diagonal waves quite often, too. The permanent wave was a popular method to get these looks, even if the scary perming machines were all the rage, and no self-respecting beauty could really avoid them.
Ready to rev up your wave prowess? Finger waves, for instance, were a hallmark of the era, creating a sculpted, artful look that sat close to the head. These waves, in a way, just screamed sophistication. Marcel waves also continued their popularity from the previous decade, offering a similar, yet distinct, crimped effect. These techniques were essential for achieving that signature 1930s silhouette, and they really do look stunning.
Iconic Short and Mid-Length Styles
With a softer look than the sleek bob and tight ringlets of the 1920s, women began wearing their hair in more flowing, gentle styles. The bob, while still present, evolved into a softer, wavier version, often styled with brush curls or those signature finger waves. This chic, flirty hairstyle has stayed popular through the decades, and it's easy to do at home, you know. Whether you think you were meant to be a lady of the thirties or you just want to try something new, these styles are still very appealing.
The overall length tended to be at the chin or just above the shoulder, which really highlighted the wavy texture. This particular length allowed for versatility, letting women achieve that glamorous, sculpted look without the commitment of very long hair. It was, in some respects, a very practical yet incredibly elegant choice for the time. This length also worked well with hats, which were still a big part of fashion.
Elegance for Longer Hair
While shorter, waved hair was dominant, longer hair still found its place in the 1930s, often styled with incredible grace. Learn how to style long hair in the 1930s with chignons, curls, waves, and pageboys. Discover timeless elegance with our guide to 15 1930's hairstyles for long hair. From glamorous Hollywood waves to intricate braids, you can really unlock the secrets of vintage beauty with these ideas.
Chignons, which are elegant knots or buns at the nape of the neck, offered a sophisticated updo option. These were often adorned with snoods, which were decorative nets or bags that held the hair, adding a touch of charm and practicality. Curls and rolls, like the victory roll (though more prominent in the 1940s, its roots were certainly here), also played a role in styling longer hair, creating volume and soft frames around the face. These styles, you know, brought a different kind of glamour.
Hollywood's Influence on Hair
Just as fashion evolved in the 1930s, so did hairstyles and beauty trends, reflecting the cultural and social changes of the era. You will discover how the Hollywood glam truly shaped the looks of the day. Learn about the classic hairstyles of the 1930s, inspired by Hollywood celebrities and influenced by waves, curls, and sophistication. See how women wore their hair in the 1930s, from short and wavy to long and curly, and get inspired by the glamorous and elegant hairstyles of Hollywood stars like Bette Davis.
Celebrities like Bette Davis and Jean Harlow were true style icons, setting trends that women everywhere eagerly copied. Jean Harlow, with her famously platinum blonde, soft waves, personified the era's allure. Bette Davis often sported chic, wavy bobs that highlighted her expressive face. These stars, quite literally, made these hairstyles famous, showing everyone what a truly beautiful look could be. Their images in magazines and films meant these styles spread far and wide, influencing countless women, and that's just a little bit amazing.
Men's Hairstyles of the 1930s
The 1930s wasn't just about women's hair; men also embraced distinct styles that reflected the era's dapper aesthetic. An examination of popular 1930s hairstyles offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the era. This involves researching the prevalent styles for both men and women, and it's quite fascinating, actually. For vintage fashion fans that will like to recreate some of the greatest fashion styles, considering men's looks is a must.
1930s men's hairstyles and facial hair history reveal a lot about the period. Learn how to style your hair in the 1930s way for straight, wavy, and curly hair types. Find out how to get the pageboy, bob, slick back, and fringe hairstyles for men. The slick back was incredibly popular, often achieved with pomade to keep every strand in place, creating a very polished and neat appearance. This look, in a way, conveyed professionalism and sophistication, which was highly valued.
Beyond the slick back, men also sported variations of the bob and pageboy, particularly if they had longer hair. Fringes were sometimes styled, though often kept neat and to the side rather than hanging over the forehead. What mustaches were trendy for guys? Thin, pencil-line mustaches were quite fashionable, adding to that refined, gentlemanly look. Looking for hairstyles to rock your look this season? Take a look at these cool 1930s men’s hairstyles to choose your perfect look! They offer a lot of character, to be honest.
Recreating 1930s Hairstyles Today
Don’t you just love those elegant 1930s hairstyles? The soft, romantic curls, the glamorous waves, the iconic hair rolls—everything about the style of that era just screams elegance. I simply love doing up my tresses in vintage ways. The good news is, these looks are still being adopted by women up to date, and they are imitated by every subsequent generation with just a slight change. These 1930s hairstyles are examples of truly timeless beauty.
Learn how to recreate the glamorous and versatile hairstyles of the 1930s, from finger waves to victory rolls, from chignons to curls. Discover the historical context, the Hollywood influences, and the hair coloring and textures that defined the era. Learn how to achieve 30s hairstyles such as finger waves, wavy bobs, and brush curls with modern products and techniques. It's really quite achievable with a little practice.
For finger waves, you'll need a good setting lotion or gel, a fine-tooth comb, and duckbill clips. The key is to create those distinct "S" shapes in your hair while it's wet, securing them until dry. For soft waves, a curling iron or hot rollers can help, brushing them out gently for that authentic, brushed-out look. To get that particular softness, you might want to use a wide-tooth comb. See photos of Hollywood stars and tips for creating optical illusions of short hair, even if your hair is long. This can be a fun trick, you know.
For updos like chignons, practice makes perfect. Use pins to secure your hair neatly at the nape, perhaps adding a decorative snood for an authentic touch. Remember that the goal is often a smooth, polished finish with soft waves framing the face. Modern products can help hold these styles without making them stiff, which is a definite plus. For more inspiration on classic hair techniques, you can explore resources like Glamour Daze, which often features vintage fashion and beauty, including delightful features from 1930, like women’s hat styles. The cloche hat that had covered all the hair and much of the face in the 1920s, for instance, gave way to styles that allowed more hair to show.
These styles are not just for costume parties; they can be adapted for everyday wear, adding a touch of vintage charm to any look. Learn more about vintage beauty trends on our site, and for specific styling tips, you can always link to this page our hair styling guides. The versatility of these looks, from pin curls and waves to back rolls and poodle curls, means there’s something for everyone, and that's truly wonderful.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1930s Hairstyles
What was the most popular hair length in the 1930s?
The most popular hair length in the 1930s was typically chin-length or just above the shoulder. This length was ideal for creating the deeply set waves that were so characteristic of the era. It allowed for that soft, elegant look without being too long or too short, which was a nice balance.
How did Hollywood influence 1930s hairstyles?
Hollywood had a massive influence on 1930s hairstyles, really. Movie stars like Bette Davis and Jean Harlow became style icons, showcasing the latest trends in films and magazines. Women would often imitate their glamorous waves, soft curls, and sophisticated updos, making these celebrity-inspired looks incredibly popular across the country, and that's just how trends spread.
Are 1930s hairstyles still relevant today?
Absolutely, 1930s hairstyles are very much still relevant today. Some hairstyles never get outdated; in fact, they get famous as time commences. 1930s hairstyles are still being adopted by women up to date, often adapted for modern wear. Their timeless elegance and sophisticated appeal make them a popular choice for vintage enthusiasts, special occasions, or simply adding a touch of classic glamour to an everyday look, which is quite nice.
The 1930s gave us so many beautiful hair inspirations, really. From the iconic finger waves to the sophisticated chignons, these styles continue to charm and inspire. Whether you're looking to recreate a full vintage look or just add a touch of old-world glamour, the 1930s offers a wealth of beautiful ideas. So, why not give one of these timeless looks a try? You might just find your new favorite style.
