Striking & Popular 1940s Hairstyles For Short Hair

The 1940s were a unique era of style. With cinematic classics like Casablanca, The Pride of the Yankees and Gone with the Wind driving fashion trends forward with their charismatic and remarkable wardrobes, it’s no wonder that this decade was one of the most fashionable in history. This was also true for hairstyles, with a large range of inspiration being pulled from the screen, as well as elements of patriotism for the time period. In this article, we explore some of the trendsetting and classic hairstyles from the 1940s for those sporting short hair.

The Victory Roll

One of the most iconic looks to emerge from 1940s is the Victory Roll. This hairstyle was popularized in America soon after the end of World War II and was seen as an embodiment of patriotism. It was originally worn by female pilots who wanted to fit their headsets under the locks of their hair and as such, had all their hair pushed/rolled back, hence the name ‘Victory Roll’. Nowadays, it’s still a very popular style, especially when paired with a headscarf or bandana, and there are tons of tutorials available to learn how to do it yourself.

The Pin-up Girl Look

The pin-up girl look was another classic hairstyle adopted during the 1940s. This look heavily defined the era, with the use of tight curls and waves beginning near the top of the head. For any ladies looking to get that classic pin-up girl vibe, all you’ll need is a curling iron, hair clips and some strong hold hairspray. First, curl your tresses in sections starting from the mid-length of your hair and going down, for voluminous body. Then, carefully lift and pin it at the roots, with bobby pins, pressing them firmly against scalp. Finally, spray and release to lock in your style!

The French Romantics

For those aiming for a more effortless elegance, French Romanticism is the way to go. This look involves cascading waves and ‘tousled’ texture, perfect for accentuating the face. To achieve this look, it’s all about embracing a rubbed out dry texture. Firstly, spray your mane with some texture tease, then using a brush lightly brushed through sections of hair to add body, before rubbing in dry shampoo for extra grit. The key here is to start styling your hair from the ends and working up using your fingertips to style hair and give maximum control of the finished look.

Beachy Waves

Finally, for a relaxed summer look the Beachy Wave is perfect for you! To imitate a windswept beachy look, all you’ll need is a flat iron and a sea salt spray of your choosing. To begin, use a comb to remove any tangles, then take small sections and clamp the flat iron against the hair before gently running it down the length of the strands. Once one section completes, move onto the next and repeat this process until all the hair is done. To finish the look, spritz on a generous amount of sea salt spray and you’ll be ready to walk along the beach in style!

The 1940s were a time for innovative, pioneering and trend-defining hairstyles and we hope this article has provided you with plenty of inspiration for your next look. Whether you’re opting for the Victory Roll, Pin-up Girl aesthetic or are just looking for a more beachy, laid-back style, there are countless choices available when it comes to 1940s hairstyles for short hair.

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