Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Office or School hair styles?

Kaela

Vendor
Messages
115
Location
California

Hi there girls!
I was just wondering, going to work and school, I just am guessing what hairstyles would be appropriate for either. Something nicer, but still casual. For example, I usually wear side rolls, with the rest of my hair down. This doesn't always look best on me, and when I put my hair in pincurls, it frizzes from the humidity at school, so I have to stick with something where it's held up somehow. I've seen styles where the side reverse rolls are extended all the way around the nape of the neck, and those are handsome and becoming without being too casual. I haven't found any place that shows how they were done back in the day, all I find are pin-curling diagrams with out any further assistance than "pin securely." My biggest issue with side reverse rolls, top reverse rolls, and particularly top rolls in a sort of bang fashion, is that I have no clue what is the proper way to secure them. I tend to be in windy places, or I'll bump my tall hair somehow, so I over compensate with side-reverse rolls by securing them thusly: I comb my hair straight out and up a little, and put bobby pins on either side to prevent the hair from slipping either way, then I roll it up and around my finger with the bobbypins ending against my head, and place a couple pins perpendicularly to hold those pins where they are. I've tried other ways, but haven't found any way better. Does anybody know the actual authentic way to pin this??? I've looked everywhere and found nothing whatsoever about the details of securing these!
But, I digress, what do you ladies wear to the office or to school? I'm looking for a new casual 'do that isn't so drab or frizz suceptable!
Yes, as if we don't talk about hair enough, but there's so much to know!
Thanks, ladies!
 

jitterbugdoll

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,042
Location
Soon to be not-so-sunny Boston
One of my favorite office hairstyles is the 'Betty Grable Peek-a-boo' do. I do a modified version (not quite as big as Betty wore hers) of the original and often cheat by doing a French twist and leaving the ends out. This is a great look for those days when it is windy or your hair is not as cooperative as usual. I always garner complements from my co-workers when my hair is styled this way. Interestingly enough, my non-'vintage' sister taught me the style, as it was one of her favorite work 'dos. She used to pin up her hair up while wet (lucky girl has natural curls), so the style was great when she was rushed for time. Simply smooth the hair back as if you are making a ponytail and twist it while pulling upwards. Pin along the base of the twist (at the back/crown of your head), and fluff the loose ends forward. Use a few pins to anchor the fluff as well; I usually use three pins in the back and three in the front.

In terms of keeping your rolls nice and neat, two things make a big difference. Make sure you back comb a little for the necessary texture to hold the pins. Then, use 2-3 long, curved bobby pins (these are available at Target) to secure the roll--one in front, one in back, and one extra as needed. My rolls hold up through dancing, gusts of winds and even pouring rain--and I only use two pins per each. Back combing keeps the pins from sliding out.

For the roll that extends around the back of the head, it helps if you use a rat. This makes it easier to roll the hair and gives the pins a base to grab. Here is a site that offers directions for this style (thanks to Miss Joeri):
http://www.joeri.net/retro/

Another great 1940s way of controlling the hair and/or covering up a not-so-good hair day is the snood. These are wonderful fashion accessories, and they are great if you want to keep your hair nice and neat for a special occasion later that evening (for those of us that have to curl our hair, wearing a snood helps keep the curls tight and bouncy.) You can crochet your own or pick them up quite cheaply at a number of sources!

http://www.sydneyswingkatz.com/snood.html

Here is one place that sells snoods:
www.retrolamour.co.uk
 

Kay O'Hara

New in Town
Messages
19
Location
Canada
Kaela, anoother little trick that may be useful with your rolls..... my great-grandmother wore side rolls daily, unfortunately, her hair was extremely fine, and while back-combing is truly necessary for many vintage dos, she opted for another alternative. That being, she saved the loose hair (her own hair) that would accummulate in her hair brush thru daily brushings. This hair served as a mini or make-shift rat if you will, that she then rolled her hair around.... offering more texture, height to her roll, and a more secure fastening.

Kay
 

MissQueenie

Practically Family
Messages
502
Location
Los Angeles, CA
elsewhere said:
sorry 4 bad grammar... broke right arm last week!


Oh my gosh, Kristine! What happened?? How are you feeling, honey? I broke my right wrist about a year and a half ago playing soccer (and some ribs), so I completely understand what a painful hassle it is! Good lord.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
107,030
Messages
3,026,709
Members
52,533
Latest member
RacerJ
Top