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Original poster

OK, silly question time ... does anyone know anything about 1940s hairstyles?

27 replies

WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 16:50

I've googled and come up with lots of styles that young women might have had in the mid-40s, but I need some ideas of styles that older ladies (in their late 40s/early 50s) might have worn. Needs to suit shoulder-length (but thin and fine) hair and needs to be easy to do!

Anyone have any ideas please?

OP posts:
Twiglett · 02/11/2006 16:52

think I'd go lauren bacall

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 16:55

Mmmmm ... wish I had the looks to go with the hair, Twig

I don't have the first clue where to start with styling hair, I usually sport the "through a hedge backwards" look so really haven't the first idea how to make my hair do what I want it to!

OP posts:
southeastastra · 02/11/2006 17:22

any of these or this lovely look! where are you going with your do! basically set it in curlers and it'll be easy to style

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 17:27

Thanks for those.

I have a part in a play set during WWII so will need to reset it every night for the run ... and am truly hopeless with hair. I don't particularly want to wear a wig so thought I'd start practising now and hopefully won't be too hopeless at it by the time I need to do it!

OP posts:
Carmenere · 02/11/2006 17:27

Er why?
If it is any help I often use combs to create a kind of roll effect on either side. If you then set the bottoms in curlers and sprayed it all with lots of gloss it would probably be an approximation of a 40's do.

Carmenere · 02/11/2006 17:28

Ah that's why...

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 17:40

Combs is a good idea, carmenere ... and probably within my tonsorial capabilities too!

OK, so now this is how hopeless I am ... what's the best way to use rollers? Setting lotion, I suppose, and roll up in layers? (See? Told you I was totally useless with hair!)

OP posts:
Bucketsofbloodydinosaurs · 02/11/2006 17:54

I'd use little butterfly clips to roll/twist up the front/sides, then tong the back if it doesn't look quite right. You can get them in tortoiseshell plastic from Boots I think and they're much easier to use than combs.

Try some old lady style Wella setting lotion from independent chemists or maybe even spend a tenner at the hairdressers getting done and asking for tips.

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 18:00

I've never used curling tongs

Will try some setting lotion and either combs or butterfly clips ... see what sort of mess I can create!

OP posts:
MrsBadger · 02/11/2006 18:13

Use combs as Carmenere suggests and try either leaving the back loose or putting it in a ponytail ror a simple bun - elaborate hairstyles went out during the war as no-one had the time or the energy!

There'a an 80s British film set in London called Hope and Glory that has very good 1940s hair and costumes - not glossy-model type but real 1940s with soot and holes in and things.

poppyh · 02/11/2006 18:33

You should wear victory rolls. You need large rollers rolled in bottom of hair and set. Then take out but curl under and pin.
Im sure if you google it you will get the idea!

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 20:20

Thanks. I tried googling victory rolls and came up with a load of aircraft websites! Will have to have a look and see if I can find some books, I think.

I did wonder about a ponytail, MrsB, but wasn't sure whether a woman of a certain age would have worn one. They always seem quite a "young" style to me, but maybe they weren't at that time.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 02/11/2006 20:23

you could just bring your hair up at the sides with a clip and concentrate on quiffing up the front ifywim! a bit of backcombing them smooth it over with spray, it'd be comfortable and look authentic

Original poster
WigWamBam · 02/11/2006 20:33

Maybe I'll just wear a hat

OP posts:
southeastastra · 02/11/2006 20:35
Grin
Skribble · 02/11/2006 23:16

Lots of how to's here , pics wouldn't work for me, so hard to know ewhat they are going on about.

Skribble · 02/11/2006 23:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
WigWamBam · 03/11/2006 09:24

I can't get the pictures either, Skribble - but thanks for trying! Your second link had my anti-virus doing it's nut and it reckons it contains spyware so I haven't really looked at that one.

I think I need my own personal hairdresser ...

OP posts:
Bucketsofbloodydinosaurs · 03/11/2006 09:39

A smallish hat might not be a bad idea if you can find a suitable one. Then you just do your hair in rollers, sweep it all up and grip it on the top of your head then staple the hat on top to hide the messy patch.

MrsBadger · 03/11/2006 10:00

have done a new link to that 'how to fake the 40s hairdo' page here - my Mac brushes off spyware

Original poster
WigWamBam · 03/11/2006 13:16

Thanks, MrsB

OP posts:
Skribble · 03/11/2006 23:09

Oh sorry I think it may have been the source of something mine deleted. I will see if MN will remove the message.

Bibliophile · 03/11/2006 23:24

A snood (sort of thick hairnet)? With your hair rolled or in combs at the front? Very easy.

Bibliophile · 03/11/2006 23:25

snood

Bibliophile · 03/11/2006 23:27

another snood

Fabulous word, isn't it?