Vintage Hair Tutorial - For A 1940s Hat.
This style is one of my favourites to do with a 1940s hat, partly because it helps sit the hat a bit better on your head and partly because it’s pretty dramatic. It works really well with my new 1940s tilt hats but you could try this style with a true vintage hat too.
What you will need: A soft bristle brush, a rat-tail comb, hair grips, hairspray and your favourite curling tong & heat protection
Step 1: Create two sections at the front of your head. Depending on which side you will be wearing the hat it’s best to make the non-hat side section a bit bigger. You can use your ear as a rough marker for how far to take each section back, and then clip the sections out of the way for the time being.
Step 2: Curl the hair in good size sections with a small curling tong or whatever method you prefer, wet sets etc. If using a heated tong or curlers remember to use heat protection spray.
Step 3: Pin each section in place with pin curl clips or regular hair grips, make sure the sections are tightly in place. Leave them to cool down. Do both sides and then spritz with a little hairspray.
Step 4: Now gather the rest of the hair from the back of your head up in a handful. Backcomb a little first (in small sections) if your hair is very slippery or a bit of dry shampoo to give it some texture and make the hair easier to work with.
Step 5: Twist the hair up into a pleat.
Step 6: Once the hair is neatly in place, hold it and pin along the pleat with grips to close it and keep it secure. Finish with a little hairspray.
Step 7: Once the back is finished start un-pinning the the cold front sections of hair. Run your fingers through the curls to break them up a little, you can use a little pomade to keep the hair smooth and tame any flyaway strands.
Step 8: Starting with the larger of the two front sections, neatly backcomb the roots to create structure. It’s best to backcomb in small sections with a rat-tail comb or small brush.
Step 9: Roll up the hair to create a large Victory Roll. If the roll doesn’t hold well, repeat step eight and try again to give it more structure and help it hold in place. Don’t worry if this takes a few goes.
Step 10: Once you are happy with your first victory roll, pin it in place with grips and then finish with a little hairspray.
Step 11: Repeat step 8 through 10 with the smaller section.
Step 12: Remember the small section will be the side under the hat so it doesn’t need to be too neat! Once finished give everything a little spray with hairspray and pin your hat in place with a few hairgrips. You can cross your pins at the back of the hat to lock them in place for some extra hold if needed.
The final look:
This is such a stunning style and works well with a variety of hat styles. You can shop my own handmade 1940s hats here to complete the look.
Model: Tea
Photographer: Jez Brown
Styling: Sarah’s Doo-Wop Dos
