30s and 40s
Who would have thought, that stringy proteins (hair) could play such a significant role in human history as a whole? After a prolonged stint of short hair in the 1920s, women opted for slightly longer locks of hair, restoring the tradition of lengthy hair. While they adopted the finger wave style from the 1920s, it was slightly more elongated. Previously in the 1920s, there was a masculine edge to the female hairdos of that time. But 1930s hairstyles were graced with femininity previously unseen in the Flapper era. There was a certain softness about it, a sort of lightweight quality that came about.
In 2013, our youth continue to emulate celebrities, no matter how bizarre they are! Things have really changed much over time, and celebrity was just as big in the 30s and 40s as it is today. Pop culture icons influenced women of the thirties, swaying them to dye their hair a whitish bleached blonde. Finger curls were also fairly common, and this is the iconic hairstyle of the 1930s. This particular hairstyle offered more length than the bob.
In this era, several wig styles also emerged, including the betty boop and the finger wig style. Although every day wigs are seen as taboo in the current era, it was once deemed a status symbol of wealth in the 1930s, and it was not uncommon for women to wear headdresses of this sort.
The hairstyles of 1940s were exceedingly complex, hence the extensive use of wigs. These styles required perfectly styled, voluminous curls that were to remain set in place. The 1940s was accompanied with additional hair length, further softening the female appearance. Other notable styles from the 1940s include the victory role. Of course, the Veronica Lake peek-a-boo style is certainly worth mention.
For the average individual of the 30s and 40s, a wig was an economically viable option because bleaching, hair dye, curling and other hair products would ultimately prove to be very costly, especially during the WWII era. Although the collapse of the stock market and the Second World War placed a financial strain on the country, women still aspired to look like their favorite starlets. Wigs made glamour and beauty attainable for even a working class woman. Fashion style and presentability were prevalent among women of all socioeconomic statuses.
If you have been considering a look inspired by the 30s and 40s, then you are in luck, because you can be a modern example of the Hollywood Golden Age at your next costume party. The process of recreating this look with your own hair can prove to be exacting, so, you are better off wearing a wig at your next 1930s costume party. This is especially applicable if you are debuting the perfect 1940s hairstyle at a costume party, especially considering how time consuming this hairstyle is.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, some of which are sexy, and others of which are more regal. Either way, you can display these iconic styles at your next party.