Celebrity Hairstyles of the 1940s
Between the trailing effects of the Great Depression and World War II, the 1940s brought many hardships to Americans. Rationing was the order of the day, which included such staples as clothing, food, and even makeup. Although the 1940s were not a glamorous time for clothing, women’s hairstyles more than made up for it. Hair was all women had control over, and they usually chose to mimic hairstyles worn by famous Hollywood actresses.
In the spirit of the era of hardship experienced by these women, today we’ll take a look at three fabulous hairstyles of the 1940s, and show you how your hairstyle can look terrific without breaking the bank.
The Peek-a-Boo Bang
This is a hairstyle that lets women wear their hair long and straight with a side part and curls on the bottom of the hair. On the side of the face that has the most hair; it is curled in large waves that cover one eye. This is why they call it the pick-a-boo bang.This hairstyle was popularized by actress Veronica Lake. Lake was most popular for her roles in noir films in which she played a femme fatal.
In order to create this classic look today all one needs is a 1 inch curling iron. One can start by spiral curling the ends of the hair. Next take about a 1 inch chunk of hair from the front. With the curling iron parallel to the hairline, curl the hair. When releasing the hair from the iron, be sure to do it slowly and let it out from the side rather than the bottom.
The Long, Side-parted Do
This hairstyle can best be described as a side part located at the very edge of the forehead. The rest of the hair is filled with long and wavy curls. This hairstyle was popular because of its exaggerated part.
This hairstyle was made popular by Rita Hayworth. Hayworth was known not only for her impeccable acting talent, but her remarkable dancing. She was a Spaniard who had to go through a painful electrolysis procedure and used skin lightening cream to make her ethnic look more appealing. After much work at first, she was named one of the greatest American actresses of all time.In order to create this look today, all one needs is a rat tail comb and a 1 inch curling iron. Do a straight part at the corner of the forehead. Be sure to make the part as straight as possible. After that spiral curl the hair and pull curls loose.
Up-Do with Big Curls and Loose Bangs
This hairstyle can best be described as big curled bangs in front, a little hair out in the back, and an up do in the middle. When styled correctly, it can be a very glamorous look.
This hairstyle was made popular by Hollywood actress Ava Gardner. She was known for her lead roles in films such as Mogambo and on the beach and was considered one of the best American actresses of all time.To create this look on your own one only needs to have a 3inch spiral curler and 3-5 bobby pins. One first must spiral curl their entire head. Next part some hair to stay loose in the back. Next part some hair to be loose in front. Take the middle piece of hair and spin into a loose bun. Secure with bobby pins.
Hairstyles of the 1940s are glamorous and easy to do. Now everyone can look like a Hollywood starlet.
[...] Damn, Rita Hayworth was gorgeous. [...]
Hayworth never used lightening creams – she adored being tan, which made her look more Spanish. I’ve pretty much read all the accurate sources on her.
It’s true – she was very fair, but naturally so.
It is also true that through electrolysis the hairline on her forhead was reshaped, and then later she became a strawberry blond to play the title role of the same name, 1941′s “The Strawberry Blond.” These things changed her from one look (black-haired Spanish dancer) to another look (American pin-up girl with auburn flowing hair). Both were just parts she played, and for both she had to color her hair. The real Rita had brown hair and lightly tan skin – she was a natural beauty.