Ever since I started focusing on vintage materials for TruLu Couture, I’ve come across some interesting facts. This, coupled with the recent addition of Mad Men to Netflix streaming, has kept me in a mind-flurry of vintage everything.
Something I didn’t realize is that hair dryers weren’t invented for personal home use until the early 1960’s! Could you image? What would we do without our flat irons, ceramic heat blow dryers and a limitless supply of “product?†I shudder to think of such things. It makes sense now when you think of the date-refusal cliché of “I have to wash my hair tonight.†Seriously, without a blow dryer, that could take all night long to accomplish. GAH.
So if you’re planning a vintage-style wedding or if you’re wanting a retro-inspired updo, here are some historical pics and modern versions to compare them to…
In the 1930’s, women were wearing their hair in soft finger waves, a very feminine and contrasting approach to the boyish bob of the rebellious flappers of the 1920’s.
The 1940’s saw lots of pin curls and up-do’s. The chignon made its debut. Western women generally wore theirs up high, adding a mountain of curls on top of the head (think Lucille Ball). East Asian women wore theirs low at the nape of the neck, as it was easier to wear hats with a smooth crown.
After the war, “Victory Rolls†were all the rage. “Victory Rolls†were originally the name for a fighter plane maneuver and American women adopted the term for the rolls of hair to celebrate victory in WWII.
1950’s hairstyles emphasized traditional gender roles. Women’s hair was long, curled and high maintenance. Glamour was all the rage and women attempted to achieve a look that implied “domestic goddess†with the impression that all household chores could be accomplished whilst still looking stylish. Yeah, right. Not without a big ol’ bottle of Prozac.
So do you want a modern version of some of these vintage styles? OK, here you go:
- via Hot 1940’s Hairstyles.com
I actually did my hair in a little vintage style when my husband and I went out to Copper for dinner. I basically created my own little faux bob, following the tutorial from ……love Maegan. I wore it with an old Free People 1950’s-esque dress, a wide black leather belt with cool hardware detailing and platform stappy heels with similar hardware. I think it looked cool! Anyway, I’m loving these vintage hair looks for weddings, or for just dressing up! Thoughts? Do tell.
