Tutorial: A Basic 1940's Retro Hairstyle

[NikkiHorror]

Here's my tutorial on a quick-and-easy retro 'do.
This is the style we are trying to replicate, somewhat:



I have bangs, and a longer face, and we are doing a daytime look, so my version is different, but you can get that exact look using the following directions.

With prepped hair, (see below), the actually styling will take anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on how much pratice you've had. Don't get frusterated, the look does take time to perfect. This hairdo works on any length of hair, but if you have long bangs, you have to get more creative at the front by adding them into the side rolls. Retro styles will come out most authentic-looking with one-length hair cut into a U-shape in the back instead of straight across. (See Daniela Turudich's 1940's Hairstyles book for examples of this.)

Disclaimer: These are some silly and terrible pictures, so just forgive me and pay attention to the steps, lol




Things you will need:

-Hot Curlers (Curling irons take too long)
-Hair Brush
-Fine-toothed comb
-Hairspray
-Bobby Pins
-Flower (if you want)

To prep your hair for this style: Wash, conditioner, blow dry. Part your hair to one side and roll in hot curlers all over, setting with curlers coming towards your part. Spray all over with hairspray to lock in curl. Wait 10-15 minutes, take curlers out in a gentle spiral motion, (to get some ringlet action) spray again with hairspray. Gently break up curls by shaking your head and slowly running your fingers through them. If you have bangs, curl them under slightly. You are now prepped and ready to style.

Prepped Hair:


Let's Begin!
1. Make sure your side part is straight and neat.

2. Using your fine-toothed comb, take a section of hair from your part, to behind your ear and grasp section.

3. Tease/ratt/backcomb the back of the section.
4. Smooth out the front of the section with comb and tightly roll towards part. (Depednding on how tightly you roll your hair and how much hair you put into the section, your rolls will be bigger or smaller.)

5. Looking in the mirror, position the roll where you feel it's flattering to your face shape. If your face is long, seperate them farther out to the side like mine. If your face is round, you can have them higher on top of your head and closer to your part.

6. Pin roll in place with bobby pins crossing, (for added stability), until you can shake your head and your rolls won't move. Make sure it feels tight.
7. Hairspray the roll and smooth over with fine-toothed comb.

8. Starting on the other side of the head, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4.
9. Add flower on side where smaller roll is to balance out the look, if desired.

10. Softly brush out your super tight curls for a softer back intrest, if desired. You can also leave your curls springy and bouncy.
11. Tease the back crown of your head so your hair looks fuller.
12. If your hair is one length, make sure it is flipped UNDER, not out. If your hair is layered, try your best to make it look curly, not "flippy".

You're done, dolls!


HAVE FUN! I'd like to see pictures of your styles! And feel free to add your own Retro Hairstyle Tutorials in this thread!

[n_c]

oooo so that's how you do it! You make it seem so easy...thank you that was awesome!

[freaksinunif0rm]

I wish my hair was one layer so I could do two rolls XD.


You do make it seem so easy (and lovely plugs, by the way)!

[macface]

really nice.I love your style old fashined.

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by freaksinunif0rm

I wish my hair was one layer so I could do two rolls XD.


You do make it seem so easy (and lovely plugs, by the way)!

My hair is layered, too, unfortunetly. I'm growing it back out. I used to have super-long one length hair and I miss it But thanks for the compliment! They're heat-treated amber, I've been waiting forever to get em

[HayleyVengeance]

love it ! thanks !

[Amy_Atomic]

I just want to say that you are so pretty! And I love love love your tattoo

[neotrad]

Thank you super very much for doing this!
You're such a bombshell!

[snowkei]

I love the flower and hair style!So CUTE

[hyperRealGurl]

love it love it

[Ms.Maybelline]

I've been trying to do "rolls" for so long. I love them but I can never get them. No matter many tutorials i look at. UGH.

[tadzio79]

wow you look absolutely fabulous!!!

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms.Maybelline

I've been trying to do "rolls" for so long. I love them but I can never get them. No matter many tutorials i look at. UGH.

Honestly, it's not that hard . I have faith in you! Take it step by step and I PROMISE you'll get it

[makeupgal]

Very nice! Thank you so much for showing us how to do this.

[Sonya Adams]

So cute... I just put up this exact same tutorial with my photos on another forum like 2 or 3 days ago. LOL

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonya Adams

So cute... I just put up this exact same tutorial with my photos on another forum like 2 or 3 days ago. LOL

Wanna share the link? Maybe it will help other people who don't understand this one.

[Sonya Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikkiHorror

Wanna share the link? Maybe it will help other people who don't understand this one.

Sure... here you go!

http://punkrockdomestics.com/message...ic.php?t=14579

[Morgana]

love it! thanks for sharing

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonya Adams

Sure... here you go!

http://punkrockdomestics.com/message...ic.php?t=14579

Hah that's so funny, they ARE exactly the same! I'm totally signing up for that forum, how awesome. <33

[MxAxC-_ATTACK]

I dont have those cute awesome bangs that you do, although I should (i have a large forehead) but do you think this could be pulled off without them? I see the example picture is without them. would I do anything different ?

[Bernadette]

That looks amazing! I wish I had pretty hair like that! Even if I had enough hair to attempt something like this I would never pull it off, I'm retarded when it comes to doing hair :crap:

[NikkiHorror]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MxAxC-_ATTACK

I dont have those cute awesome bangs that you do, although I should (i have a large forehead) but do you think this could be pulled off without them? I see the example picture is without them. would I do anything different ?

You can totally pull off this look (and alot of other vintage looks), without bangs, it's actually easier that way. The women who had bangs back in the day were actually a minority, so most of the styles are done without them.

[MxAxC-_ATTACK]

thanks I am gonna try it out tomorrow.

I love how your two toned color makes it look .. Its amazing.

[indetails]

i LOVE your style! thnx so much for this. if only i could pull it off...

[MAC_Whore]

That is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing! The style and flower are so true to period, but the two colours give it a modern edge, making it your own. I love the 40s. That was some serious style! I am going to try this. I can't guarantee that it will look as good as yours, but I am going to give it a go. DH will love it!