The Effortless Gibson Tuck
Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Gibson Tuck is an elegant updo that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to create. It works for most hair lengths, as long as you can make a low ponytail. Start by gathering your hair into
a loose, low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Slide the hair tie down an inch or two from your scalp. Using your fingers, create a 'pocket' or opening in the hair just above the elastic. Next, take the length of your ponytail, twist it or fold it up, and tuck it completely into the pocket you created. The goal is to hide the ponytail inside this pouch. Secure the tucked hair firmly against your head using bobby pins, making sure to anchor the roll to your scalp and hide the hair tie. For added volume, you can gently tease the ponytail before tucking it in. This style is perfect for a chic, polished look in minutes.
Simplified 1940s Victory Rolls
Victory rolls are perhaps the most iconic hairstyle of the 1940s, named after a flight maneuver performed by WWII pilots. While they look complex, a simplified version can be achieved with a bit of practice. Start by sectioning off the hair at the front of your head where you want the rolls to sit; a deep side part works well. Take a section of hair, about two inches wide, and hold it straight up. Begin rolling the hair inward, starting from the ends and wrapping it around your fingers to create a tube-like shape. Once you’ve rolled it down to your scalp, carefully slide your fingers out while holding the roll's shape. Secure the roll by inserting bobby pins at the front and back, anchoring it to your head. You can shape the roll to be more rounded or pronounced before giving it a final spritz of hairspray to hold. Repeat on the other side for a classic two-roll look, or do a single roll for a simpler take.
Faux 1920s Finger Waves
True finger waves require setting wet hair, but you can create a similar S-shaped wave pattern with clever use of clips. This technique works best on a section of hair, typically at the front to frame the face. Start with a section of hair and use a comb to create the first curve of the 'S' shape. Place a long, flat duckbill clip along the ridge of the wave you just formed to hold it in place. Then, use your comb and fingers to push the hair in the opposite direction just below the first clip, forming the next part of the 'S'. Place another clip to hold this second ridge. Continue this process down the length of the hair section, alternating the direction of the wave and securing each ridge with a clip. Lightly mist with hairspray, let it dry completely, and then gently remove the clips to reveal a soft, sculpted wave.
The Foundational Pin Curl
Pin curls were the building blocks of almost every hairstyle from the 1930s to the 1950s. Creating a head full of pin curls provides a perfect base that can be brushed out into soft waves or sculpted into a specific updo. To create a basic pin curl, start with a small, one-inch section of damp hair. Starting from the end, wrap the hair around your finger toward the scalp. When you reach the scalp, slide your finger out and pin the flat curl to your head using a clip. Double-prong clips are often recommended over bobby pins to avoid leaving creases in the final curl. The direction you roll the curl and its size will determine the final look—smaller sections create tighter curls. Once your hair is completely dry, remove the clips and gently brush out the curls to form soft, glamorous waves.
An Easy 1960s Bouffant Bump
The 1960s were all about height and volume, epitomized by the bouffant and the beehive. You can create a simplified version without endless teasing. Start by sectioning off the top-back part of your hair at the crown. Take this section and, instead of intense backcombing, simply roll it backwards into a padded tube shape along the top of your head and secure it underneath with bobby pins. This creates a 'bump' or foundation for the volume. Next, take the section of hair directly in front of the bump, smooth it back over the roll you created, and pin it in place. The goal is to use this smooth top layer to completely conceal the pinned roll underneath, giving the illusion of natural volume. The rest of your hair can be left down or pulled into a simple twist at the nape of your neck.
