~Recreating Hair styles of the 1940s~

[RhodoraM21]

Hi girls! I haven't been saying much due to work and all that comes with it.Since you ladies know alot of vintage hair do's i was wondering if you could help.Now my question is---

When setting your hair for a hair do what's the best thing to use-

Hot curlers
Pin curls
Curling Iron
Rag curls
etc...

Since my hair is kinda short due to that i had to be my friends model for a Hair stylist event.My hair was cut in layers all over!!!! Worst thing of all they made me look like some broad from the Beverly Hills 900210!!!!!{ }. they have grown since but i have a harder time doing my hair.Any of you ladies have any advice? Any help would be swell.

[jitterbugdoll]

I can relate to the short hair issues--a few years back I had the worst hair cut (I asked for Marilyn Monroe's short 1950s 'do, and it was not for me ). Took forever to grow out, but while dealing with it I found that the best hot curlers to use were a brand called 'Hot Sticks'. They look like rubber perm rods and heat up nicely, and so create a faux pin curl effect. I believe they still sell them in stores, although under a different name.

In terms of cold sets, I strongly recommend them over hot sets (although hot sets are great for touch ups and days when you don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t have time for a wet set.) I can get 2-3 days out of a wet set, and my hair will remain curled until it becomes wet again. I have tried sponge rollers, rag curlers, and pin curls, and you will get a slightly different look with each method. Pin curls would be the authentic 1930s-40s setting technique; however, they do take some dexterity and practice to master. Rag curlers work well, especially for a cold (completely wet) set, and were also used in the 1940s. But, they take a bit of practice as well (this is probably my current favorite setting method, though.) Sponge rollers work well when it comes to getting a consistent set--when I use this method I know exactly how the hair will curl (with pin curls/rag curls, you will get some random curls if the hair is not carefully rolled.) The only trouble is that they are a tad uncomfortable to sleep on, as opposed to the other aforementioned sets.

For a wet set you definitely need some type of setting lotion--there is a nice hair thread which discusses everyone's favorites (do a search of the archives, as there are a few threads devoted to ladies hairstyles.) And make sure that your hair is completely dry before you remove the curlers; otherwise, you will be left with a wavy, wild mess!

This website helped me the most when I first learned how to set and style my hair:
www.nocturne.com/swing/hair

Hope this helps!

[jitterbugdoll]

I forgot to mention that shorter hair is also very authentic when it comes to 1940s styles, and is much easier to work with when learning vintage sets. So don't fret!

[RhodoraM21]

Minutes ago i was reading the post on "Suits".WOW!! you posted some wonderful pictures, and your suits ahhh just to die for a must for a girl who wants to look classy.I notice that now in days is so simple to style your hair, one look that i just hate and it kills me is "Just got out of bed,don't hand me a brush OK" God thats just uhhh.I love the way how women would look so classy and glamours, its sad to know that in the years we are living there is non of that.Pin curls hmmm, you have to learn to master the method of doing the set of pincurls.I use to do that when my hair was medium and no layers and the result was so nice.

But now that my hair is well so to say "modern" that's of course if i don't set it up in curlers or etc, it takes more time to do and if it wont come out the way i think it looks good i just wont go out.So many times i just wear a nice head scarf.I have a bunch of stuff to do old period hair styles but my hair is hard to manage,and i always say if your dressed vintage your hair and make up are just essential to finish the look.You always have pretty hair i notice in your "photo shoot" tread your hair look really nice.Like a year ago i got a perm wave it was nice it gave me the hair look like jean harlow with a hint softer wavers but is hard to maintain since you have to use certain products so the perm wont just wash off.The worst thing of all my hair takes forever to grow { } i guess everybody has different type of hair problems.

[Angelicious]

I forgot to mention that shorter hair is also very authentic when it comes to 1940s styles, and is much easier to work with when learning vintage sets.

Drat.

The worst thing of all my hair takes forever to grow i guess everybody has different type of hair problems.

Yup... We've had a few on here bemoaning their fine hair which won't take curls; I have the opposite problem, with a bit of natural curl, which is nice, but TOO MUCH HAIR! I got my hair done for the school ball way back when, and the stylist did what she normally did, and still had half a head of hair to go!

On the plus side, I can do reverse rolls (or at least a lot like them?) without rats. On the minus side, I can't do a full head of pincurls without help, and it takes about an hour just to pin them in (I think my hair might be getting too long now anyway). Snoods and hairnets are My Friends.

If anyone has any clues for people at either extreme (fine/thick hair), that would be great...

[Vanessa]

For best results with my long, very fine hair, I use a cold wet set with a bit of styling aid (setting lotion/spray) and pin curls. I love pin curls. . . I've gotten to the point where I can do my whole head in 20-30 minutes. For a more controlled set of the curl I use foam rollers.

[carpecaligo]

I have the opposite problem as well, I have a head full of thick, ringlet style curls. (think Shirley Temple, only longer and dark)
Trying to achieve 40's waves results in disaster - somewhere between 80's big-hair and a fro after a thunderstorm.

[ITG]

Like jitterbugdoll, I use hotsticks periodically and love 'em as they are quick and easy. I notice the curl lasts longer if I roll my hair right after I wash and dry it (as opposed to the next the morning).

[CherryRed]

I have had very thick naturally curly hair most of my life. About 6 yrs ago I had it straightened. Since it grew out my hair has had less curl than it did when I was younger. Since having my son my hair has thinned some. My hair actully does better with vintage styles than modern. I haven't done anything really complicated yet. I use the larger pink foam rollers and hair gel and I get a look similar to Deanna's in my avitar picture. I want to get some better setting lotion as soon as payday rolls around.

[Dahlia]

http://www.suspense-movies.com/stars/betty-grable/

Any suggestions on how to create the hairstyle on the right of the page? I assume there are rats involved, but really, I'm not even sure I would know how to use those...