The Effortless Scarf Updo
Perhaps the most versatile and forgiving vintage accessory is a beautiful scarf. It can hide a less-than-perfect hair day while adding an instant pop of retro charm. For a classic 1940s land girl or rockabilly look, simply sweep your hair into a messy
bun or a high ponytail. Then, fold a square scarf into a long band, wrap it around your head from the base of your neck upwards, and tie it in a knot or a bow just off-centre at the top of your head. You can leave a few front pieces of hair out to frame your face. This style works on almost any hair length and texture and requires little more than a scarf and a hair tie.
The Simple Gibson Tuck
The Gibson Tuck is an elegant updo that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple, evoking the style of the early 20th century. Start by gathering your hair into a low, loose ponytail. Pull the hair tie down an inch or two from the base of your head. Next, create a 'pocket' by parting the hair with your fingers just above the elastic. Then, simply roll or fold the length of your ponytail upwards and tuck it into the pocket you created. Keep tucking until the entire ponytail is neatly rolled up. Secure the roll against your head using bobby pins. It’s a chic and secure style that takes less than five minutes but lasts all day.
The Faux Victory Roll
True Victory Rolls are a hallmark of 1940s style, but they can be tricky to master. A 'cheater' version provides the same striking effect with a fraction of the work. Create a deep side part. Take a two-inch section of hair from the front, at the top of your parting. Gently tease the section at the root for a bit of volume. Then, holding the ends, roll the hair inward towards your scalp, creating a tube shape that sits on top of your head. Once you have a neat roll, secure it with several bobby pins from both the inside and outside of the loop. A generous spritz of hairspray will keep it in place. You only need one for a dramatic accent.
Easy Pin-Curl Waves
You don't need to commit to a full, wet set of pin curls to get soft, vintage-style waves. A dry set is a much quicker alternative. Take small, one-inch sections of dry hair, mist them lightly with hairspray, wrap them around one or two fingers to create a flat curl, and then pin the coil flat against your head. Do this for a few sections around your face or all over your head for more volume. Let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes—the longer, the better. When you unpin them, gently brush through the curls with a soft-bristle brush to blend them into gentle, glamorous waves.
The Classic Side-Sweep
One of the quickest ways to channel the glamour of Old Hollywood is with a deep side part and a polished wave. This look is particularly effective on the second day after washing. Start by parting your hair dramatically to one side. On the heavier side of the part, use a large-barrel curling iron to create a few large curls, all curling in the same direction away from your face. Allow the curls to cool completely, then brush them out into one uniform, cohesive 'S' wave. Use a decorative clip, a flower, or a few hidden bobby pins to secure the sweep just behind your ear, keeping the hair elegantly draped over one shoulder.
