For Short Hair: The Modern Finger Wave
The iconic finger waves of the 1920s are synonymous with glamour. While the traditional wet-set method is time-consuming, you can get a similar sculpted effect with modern tools. Start with hair that was washed the day before for better hold. Apply a light
styling mousse or gel. Instead of painstakingly shaping with a comb, you can use a flat iron or a small-barrel curling iron to create 'S' shaped bends in the hair. Clamp a section of hair, curl it one way, then move down and curl it the other. Another quick method involves placing flat hair slides horizontally along your hair, about two centimetres apart, and letting it set with hairspray. This creates a defined wave pattern without the commitment of a full wet set, giving you that 'Gatsby' look in minutes.
For Short Hair: The Faux Bob
The 1920s bob, made famous by actress Louise Brooks, is a sharp and stylish look. If you have hair that's chin-length or slightly longer, you can easily fake a shorter, more structured bob. The trick is creating the illusion of a shorter cut without a trip to the salon. Simply curl the ends of your hair under and secure them at the nape of your neck with bobby pins. This 'faux bob' technique works wonderfully for a special event. You can complete the look by adding a decorative headband or a silk scarf, which was a popular accessory to embellish shorter hairstyles. It’s a commitment-free way to experiment with a classic silhouette.
For Medium Hair: Simplified Victory Rolls
Victory rolls are a hallmark of the 1940s and 50s pin-up style, known for the voluminous rolls of hair that frame the face. While they look intricate, a simplified version is very achievable. Section off two pieces of hair at the front, near your temples. Gently backcomb the roots to create volume. Then, hold the end of one section and begin rolling it around two fingers, moving down towards your scalp. Once you have a neat roll, secure it with bobby pins. For a modern, fuss-free approach, don't aim for perfect, symmetrical rolls. A slightly looser, more relaxed roll on one or both sides provides a vintage nod without looking like a costume. This works best on day-old hair, which has more texture and grip.
For Medium Hair: The Easy Gibson Tuck
The Gibson Tuck, or Gibson Roll, was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and saw a revival in the 1940s. It’s an elegant updo that is incredibly simple to create, especially with medium-length hair. The easiest modern cheat is to use a simple elastic headband. Place the headband over your hair. Then, starting from one ear, begin tucking sections of your hair up and into the band until all the hair is rolled up at the back of your head. This creates a clean, sophisticated roll at the nape of your neck with minimal effort and just a few pins to secure any loose ends. It's a perfect vintage look that takes less than five minutes to complete.
For Long Hair: The Retro High Ponytail
The high ponytail has been a staple for decades, but the vintage version has a specific, polished flair. Popular in the 1950s and 60s, the retro ponytail is distinguished by its height and the curled-under ends. To achieve this, gather your hair into a sleek, high ponytail at the crown of your head. The key is to create a clean base. Then, take the length of the ponytail and use a large-barrel curling iron or a round brush while blow-drying to create a soft, inward flip at the ends. To enhance the vintage feel, you can wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic or tie a silk scarf around it.
For Long Hair: Quick Pin Curls
Pin curls were the foundation for many hairstyles from the 1930s through the 1950s, creating everything from soft waves to tight curls. The traditional method involves setting wet hair, but you can achieve a similar bouncy look quickly with dry hair. Use a small curling iron to create curls all over your head. While each curl is still warm, wrap it around your finger to create a loop and secure it flat against your scalp with a bobby pin or clip. Let the curls cool completely for about 20 minutes before taking them down. Once you release the pins, gently brush through the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to transform them into soft, glamorous Old Hollywood waves.
