1940s hairstyles

The 1940s were definitely not a time of soda shops and make up woes. Due to the Second World War this period was tough for many. People lived on a diet of bread, vegetables, meat and fruits unlike the fancy cuisines we are so used to nowadays. Luxurious cars were meant only for the privileged few; others had to rely on bicycles or had to walk to reach their destination. Such was the life back then.

Fashion was prevalent in many forms during the 1940s. Svelte dresses and elaborate hairstyles were very much flaunted by only the fortunate sections of the society. Country folk wore long dresses with big socks and wooden shoes. People back then also loved to go parties, which were definitely different from the disc culture we see today. Hardworking and fashion conscious to a certain extent, people in the 1940s did have their share of ups and downs.

Hairstyles in the 1940s were vivid and elegant. These were elaborately planned when young girls went to meet young soldiers at a secret rendezvous. It was this period that also saw the invention of the computer and the appearance of the first bikinis as well! Women did their best to dress themselves up for that most looked forward ball and used creative ways to dress up their tresses to go along with their fabulous gowns. Many are sporting some of the 1940s hairstyles today.

1940s Hairstyles

The 1940s saw lot of curls updos being used. The 1940s hairstyles were chic but it did take a lot of time to get one done the right way! Using rollers to curl the hair was a common factor during that period. Most women used soft curls to get a feminine look in the 1940s. Generally hairstyles were smoother at the crown, which was done so that the woman could wear a hat with ease. As time passed, hair was then piled up in mounds.

One of the popular 1940s hairstyles was the Chignon. This is derived from the French phrase 'Chignon du cou'. This hairstyle required one to pin the hair into a knot at the base of the neck. Of course, there were many versions of the Chignon seen in the society. The 1940s period saw the Chignon being worn with a headscarf while women worked in the factories. Women in China wore a low and knotted style.

Pin curls and ringlet curls were also one of the famous 1940s hairstyles. The pin curls were amongst the most basic types of curls. These could be done for the entire area of the head, but pin curls were mainly used to curl smaller portions of the hair. Such curls are also used to frame the shape of the face for a feminine look.

The Omelete fold was also one of the 1940s hairstyle that was frequently worn by many during that period. Here, the hair was parted at the back and the stylist used a crisscross effect for the hair to create folds.

The Do Rags were also worn in the 1940s. Here, a piece of cloth was used to cover chemically treated hair. Men, as well as women, used the Do Rag to keep their hair in place. Today, many well-known artists such as the 50 cents and Eminem use the Do Rags as a fashion identity.

For the 1940s hairstyles enthusiasts, here are some step-by-step instructions to create the Ringlet curls

Dampen you hair and part the hair front side to the back. Then create three rows of loose pin curls behind. Comb the front of the hair towards the upward side. Then comb it towards the backside. Turn these strands of hair over your thumb. Use the forward and the downward side; this will create a long ringlet curl. Insert a tissue on the inside of the ringlet. This should be done to maintain the shape of the curl. The ringlets will now have to be pinned down. Wear a net over the hair. Once your hair dries, you need to remove the pins and the tissue as well. Use your fingers to comb the hair from the front side to the back. This will help you have the 1940s Ringlet hairstyle the easy way.