10 years later, women were living in apartments alone or with friends; they had careers and a vibrant lifestyle. 1930s hairstyles reflected those changes: As more women joined the workforce, they had money to spend on going to the salon. And with newer hairstyling tools, they had lots of options. 1930s hairstyles could seem as more romantic hairstyles than the defiant bobs of the ’20s. To accentuate hair, women used snoods, combs, flowers and cute little hats to show off their personal style. 1930s hairstyles hallmarks are waves—particularly Marcel and finger waves. Marcel waves are controlled, set waves that are placed in the hair via curling irons. Finger waves are created with fingers and a comb and form that distinct “S” shape. Watching period movies, you’ve probably fallen in love with 1930s hairstyles. Good news: Updated 1930s hairstyles are on the fashion runways, in music videos and of course, real life. Check out our fave looks from the era below:
1. Finger Wave Bob
Get romantic with structed finger waves. When hair is wet, apply a dollop or two of TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Gel to hair from crown to roots. Then, with a comb and your fingers, create S-shaped waves where ever you want them. Use bobby pins to keep waves in place until dry.
2. Structured Updo
While their mothers wore Gibson Girl updos, women in the 1930s, wanted updos that were more practical, as they were working. This updo’s a precursor to a pompadour. Hair is back-combed (teased) to create volume, then pinned into place. To get that volume, start with TIGI Copyright Custom Care Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Then prep hair with Dove Style+Care Volume Amplifier Mousse. Blow-dry hair with a round brush. Back-comb, and then style.
3. Curls and Flowers
Flowers and curls was a very big trend in 1930s hairstyles. Very curly hair was cut into layers, and often pinned into a simple bun where the curls reigned in a controlled style. Women would tuck a flower or two behind an ear and pin the flower(s) in place.
4. Waterfall Waves
Long staggered waves, waterfall waves or Marcel waves—you can use any of the three terms—was a hallmark of Hollywood stars. To create the classic style on your long tresses, follow our tutorial.
5. French Twist
The French Twist sounds like a special coffee drink or a decadent dessert. And just like it sounds, the updo can be worn any time you’re feeling extra special. Use Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray to keep the updo up all day (and night) long.
6. Curled Bob
Women in the 1930s loved and wore teeny cocktail hats on a night out on the town. (Sigh!) To get that same vibe now, use a flat iron to add waves to your bob. Then wear a headband with attached netting (or D.I.Y. it, even), and you’re ready for your night out.
7. Pin Curls & Front Wave Short Hair Updo
Really up your hair game with this Old Hollywood glam updo. Beauty vlogger Mini Marley has a video tutorial that gives step-by-step instructions on how to recreate this style at home.
8. Finger Waves and Low Pony
Long hair gets to shine with this style. To add finger waves to your hair, use TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Gel to the front of your hair from crown to roots. Then, with a comb and your fingers, create S-shaped waves where ever you want them. Use bobby pins to keep waves in place until dry. To create the looser S-shaped waves for the pony, spritz on Nexxus Promend Heat Protecting Mist to damp hair, let the spray dry. The heat protecting mist protects hair against damage from heated tools, while it makes hair look shiny. Once spray is dry, use your curling iron to create loose waves.
9. Glitter and Curls
Use our tutorial on how to create cascading waves. Add some glitter to your hair, and the look is complete.
10. Curly Pixie Photo
Curly hair is defined with slicked-back sides and height on top. To create volume at the crown, when hair is damp spray TIGI Copyright Custom Create Volume Lift Styling Spray only at the roots. Then use your fingers to lightly pull the hair up, and blow-dry the hair in place.
11. Long Curls and Flowers
Long hair is defined with controlled Marcel waves, and then highlighted with a fresh (or silk) flower.
12. Rolled Bun
A rolled bun or Gibson Tuck can be created with any hair length, starting with a lob and beyond. The sleek bun is anchored at the nape. To accessorize the style, you could add sprigs of fresh flowers, or place a jeweled barrette on either side of your head.
13. Marcel Waves Bob
Make a center part, and create long-lasting Marcel waves with your bob. After styling, spray Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray to ensure that your styles last all day and into the night. The hairspray offers firm control, but won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a helmet.
14. Snood
Add a snood to a ballerina bun to create a retro vibe. A snood was a 1930s hairstyle accessory that was worn for big events like parties and proms (and then became an essential once women started entering the factories 10 years later). The actual snood is a small fabric, usually netted bag that covers a bun. It had either an elastic opening or was pinned into place. The snood was festooned with rhinestones and embroidery. You can still find snoods in stores and online.
15. Twisted Ringlets
Heart-shaped and oval-face shapes shine in this 1930s hairstyle for long hair. Prep hair with Nexxus Exxpand+ Volumizing Whip. The lightweight styling mousse adds volume, shine and control to your hair. Using a paddle brush, blow-dry hair on low. Then create a center part and section hair. Using our curling iron for long hair tutorial, create vertical long curls. After you’ve finished styling it, protect your look with long-lasting hold Nexxus Styling Maxximum Finishing Mist.
16. Wavy Bob
1930S hairstyles are all about waves and curls. To make straight lobs and bobs wavy, follow the steps in our pin curls tutorial so you can create this style in your sleep! Another option is to put hair in foam rollers before bed. After releasing the pin curls or taking off the rollers, gently brush out curls into waves. Before styling, when hair is damp spray Nexxus Diametress Volume Lavish Body Gel Spray all over your hair and comb through. This gel spray is uber amazing on thin, flat hair, as it helps plump up strands. For regular and/or thicker hair, it’s a great lightweight styling aid that enables you to have wondrous waves and curls.
17. Side Swept Marcel Waves
Create a sense of drama and mystery! Lobs and bobs get a deep side part, hair is swept to the side, then Marcel waves are created with a curling iron. To get that super glassy sheen to hair, use Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray to finish your style.
