Your Essential Vintage Toolkit
Before you begin your journey into vintage styling, you'll need to assemble a basic toolkit. You likely have many of these items already. Gather plenty of bobby pins that match your hair colour, along with some larger duckbill clips for sectioning. A
teasing comb, especially one with a pointed handle for creating clean parts, is a game-changer for adding volume. You'll also want a strong-hold hairspray, a good detangling brush, and a smoothing brush. For creating the foundational curls, you can use foam rollers for a no-heat approach or a curling iron for quicker results. Optional but helpful additions include a setting lotion to help curls last longer and a hair net to protect your finished style.
The Foundation: Prepping Your Hair
The secret to most successful vintage styles lies in the preparation. Many looks work best on hair that isn't freshly washed, as 'day-old' hair has more texture and grip. If your hair is too clean and silky, a spritz of dry shampoo at the roots can add the necessary hold. Before styling, ensure your hair is completely detangled. If you're using heat, always apply a heat protectant spray first. For many iconic looks, particularly from the 1940s and 50s, the process begins with a 'wet set' or by curling your entire head of hair. Creating a base of curls, even loose ones, makes the hair much easier to mould into classic shapes. Once curled, allow the sections to cool completely before brushing them out; this is key to making the style last.
Iconic Style 1: The Victory Roll
Perhaps the most recognizable 1940s hairstyle, victory rolls look intricate but are based on a simple rolling technique. Start by creating a side part. Take a section of hair at the front, from your parting down to your ear. For extra volume, gently tease the roots. Holding the section upwards, begin rolling the hair inward around two fingers, towards your scalp. Once you've formed a neat roll, carefully slip your fingers out and secure the shape against your head with several bobby pins, hiding them inside the roll as much as possible. Repeat on the other side. The rest of your hair can be left down in soft waves or pinned into a simple updo.
Iconic Style 2: The Simple French Twist
For a look of timeless elegance, the French twist is a versatile and surprisingly simple updo. Begin by sweeping all of your hair to one side. Create a vertical line of bobby pins down the back of your head, just off-centre, to anchor the hair. Now, gather the hair and begin twisting it upwards in the opposite direction, folding it over the line of pins. As you twist, tuck the ends of your hair into the 'seam' of the roll you've created. Secure the twist firmly against your head using U-shaped hair pins or more bobby pins, sliding them into the base of the roll to keep them hidden. You can leave a few pieces out around your face for a softer, more modern feel.
Iconic Style 3: Easy Finger Waves
Finger waves defined the 1920s and 30s and can be adapted for a modern look. This style works best on wet, product-loaded hair. Start with a deep side part on damp hair, and apply a generous amount of mousse or gel. Place your fingers flat against your head next to the part. Use a fine-toothed comb to push a section of hair forward to create a ridge, then comb it back in a 'C' shape. Hold this shape with your fingers and use duckbill clips to secure the ridge. Continue this S-shaped pattern down the section of hair. You can apply this technique just to the front portion of your hair for a vintage accent, leaving the rest wavy. The style must be set, either by letting it air-dry completely or by sitting under a hooded dryer.
