I really like the look popular in the 1930s and early '40s with shorter, curled hair. But for those of us who have longer hair for other types of hairstyles and don't want to cut it, here is a mock-up 1930s style. 

My hair is just past my shoulder blades. I don't know if this would work for hair longer than that. Let me know if you try it!

 

You will need: 

lots of bobby pins that match your hair

hand mirror

hairspray

2 small barrettes (optional)

Preparation

Brush hair, dampen with a spraybottle if needed. Hair should not be really wet–you may need to experiement to find the best wetness. If it is too dry the bobby pins tend to slide out; if too wet it won't lay nicely. I like to do mine after it's been washed and is mostly dry. It's important too that your hair is not too slippery, so if you are preparing to do this hairstyle it might be best not to use conditioner the last time you wash your hair.

(Don't mind the clip – I just put it in to make sure the hair on the top of my head lays the right way.)

 

Hairstyle

1. Part hair in the middle on the back of your neck. You will work with one side first, then the other.

 

2. I always start on the right side. At the nape of the neck take about a 1 in. section of hair on the right side.

 

3. Slide your left hand up close to your head, and with your right hand wrap the section around your left hand's fingers. I wrap in a clockwise motion – I don't think it really matters which way you wrap as long as each one goes the same way.

4. When wrapped, tuck the end between the fingers of your left hand that are now through the wrapped curl.

5. With the fingers of your left hand that are holding the end, pull the end in and turn the roll closer to your head as you remove your fingers. Keep ahold of the roll until you pin it, though.

 

6. Slip a bobby pin in on each end of the roll against your head. The roll needs to be tight against your head, so use more bobby pins if necessary. Usually I just need to use one per each end of the roll. Complete roll:

 

7. For the next roll, take the next section of hair toward your right ear.

 

8. Complete this roll like the last one. When you pin it, make sure it is snug against the first one.

 

 9. Continue doing the 2nd roll up the right side of your head until all the hair is used up.

10. Now on the other side, do the same thing.

 

 

11. Again, tuck the finished roll close to the last one when you bobby-pin it.

12. Keep doing this roll up the left side of your head until the hair is used up. The rolls may make "ridges" up the back of your head – you can bobby-pin these ridges down when you're done for a more historically accurate look of smooth-top head and a U of curls.

13. Now to finish it, check it in the mirror and catch any stray ends with bobby pins, or smooth a curl that looks rough. It's fairly easy to hide bobby pins in this style. Mist it with hairspray if needed – I've found this style stays very well even in the wind. Just check it occasionally throughout the day to make sure there are no loose ends sticking up. As you can see below, I need a bobby pin in the top right corner yet.

Side view:

 

You can use a barrette above each ear if desired to cluster back the curls – also a 1930s look.

(I know, my bangs aren't period correct! You can pin them back if desired.)

 

After the Hairstyle

What I like best about this hairstyle is that it goes with so many styles of hats! From 1930s hats…

To 1940s hats..

And even 1950s!

There is an added benefit to this hairstyle, too – a sort of a bonus! If you do this in the morning, by night you will have the loveliest pin-curl ringlets when you take out the bobby pins. It's perfect for setting your hair all day in an attractive, retro hairstyle, then having ringlets or waves for an evening hairdo. I'll share after photos when I have time.

 

So long till next month!

~Kristen – Verity Vintage Studio

Look for my new tutorials posted sometime during the first full week of every month. Hairstyles, crafts, repurposing, etc.