1930s Hairstyles: Iconic Styles and How To Achieve Them

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The 1930s was a decade marked by elegance and sophistication, reflected vividly in the hairstyles that graced the era. 

Women’s hairstyles of the 1930s embraced both practicality and glamor, influenced by Hollywood icons and the shifting societal roles of women. 

From the structured waves of the finger wave to the sleek simplicity of the Eton crop, these styles showcased a blend of innovation and timeless beauty. 

This article delves into the most iconic 1930s hairstyles for women, exploring their origins, the celebrities who popularized them, and tips for recreating these vintage looks today.

22 Iconic 1930s Women’s Haircuts and Styles

1. Finger Waves for Short Hair

Sculpted smoothly near the scalp, finger waves epitomize 1930s sophistication and elegance. This hairstyle, ideal for short hair, was popularized by Hollywood icons like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. 

To achieve this look, hair is meticulously molded into S-shaped waves using fingers and a comb, often set with gel or setting lotion for a sleek finish.

2. The Marcel Wave

The Marcel wave, named after French hairstylist Marcel Grateau, features deep, structured curls created with a heated curling iron. This refined style was a favorite among 1930s celebrities such as Jean Harlow and Claudette Colbert. 

Perfect for special occasions, the Marcel wave works best on medium to long hair and requires precise sectioning and curling to maintain its elegant, undulating pattern.

3. The Lulu Bob

Popularized by actress and iconic flapper Louise Brooks, the lulu bob is a chic and timeless hairstyle, perfect for the fashion-forward woman seeking a touch of vintage elegance.

Its sleek, jaw-length cut frames the face beautifully, adding a sophisticated flair to any look. Easy to maintain and effortlessly stylish, the lulu bob is ideal for those who love a classic yet contemporary vibe.

4. Soft Curls for Medium Hair

Soft curls for medium-length hair were a popular choice in the 1930s, offering a romantic and feminine look. Often side-parted for added drama, these voluminous curls frame the face beautifully and were frequently seen on stars like Carole Lombard. 

To style, use a curling iron to create loose curls and finish with a light hairspray to maintain the soft, bouncy texture while keeping the curls in place.

5. Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves, inspired by the glamor of 1930s silver screen stars such as Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, are characterized by their flowing, elegant appearance. This iconic style is best suited for long hair, where the waves can cascade beautifully. 

To achieve Hollywood waves, set the hair in large rollers or use a curling iron to create deep, structured waves, then brush through gently to form smooth, continuous waves that exude timeless sophistication.

6. The Chignon

The 1930s chignon is a low, twisted bun positioned at the nape of the neck, offering a chic and practical updo. This elegant style was a staple in the 1930s, often adorned with decorative pins or combs for added flair. 

Ideal for medium to long hair, the chignon is created by gathering the hair into a low ponytail, twisting it into a bun, and securing it with pins. It is perfect for both formal events and everyday wear.

7. The Eton Crop

The Eton crop is a strikingly short, boyish cut that exudes sleek simplicity and ease of maintenance. This hairstyle, popularized by daring women of the 1930s like Josephine Baker, features hair cut close to the scalp and styled with smooth curly front pieces for a polished look. 

Ideal for straight hair, the Eton crop is perfect for those seeking a bold, low-maintenance style that highlights facial features and exudes confidence.

8. Victory Rolls

Victory rolls are characterized by large, rolled sections of hair that create an elegant and dramatic appearance. This statement style, often associated with 1930s and 1940s glamor, was popularized by icons like Veronica Lake. 

Ideal for medium to long hair, victory rolls are best worn at formal events and can be styled by sectioning the hair, rolling it upward toward the scalp, and securing it with pins, resulting in a voluminous and eye-catching look.

9. Pin Curls for Short Hair

Pin curls involve pinning small sections of hair to create tight, defined curls, adding texture and charm to short hairstyles. This technique was widely used in the 1930s to achieve a playful, curly look seen on actresses like Shirley Temple. 

To style, damp hair is sectioned and curled around the fingers, then pinned flat against the scalp and left to set, resulting in a head full of bouncy, structured curls once the pins are removed.

10. The Faux Bob

The faux bob is a clever hairstyle where long hair is curled and pinned up to mimic the appearance of a bob. This versatile style was popular in the 1930s for women who wanted the chic look of short hair without the commitment of cutting their locks. 

To achieve this style, curl and tuck the ends of your hair under and secure them with bobby pins, creating the illusion of a shorter, bob-length cut that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

11. The Shingle Bob

The shingle bob is an angled bob that tapers sharply at the nape of the neck, providing a striking and fashionable cut for short hair enthusiasts. 

Ideal for straight and wavy hair, the shingle bob requires precise cutting to achieve the sharp angle and can be styled with a bit of pomade to maintain the sleek, defined lines.

12. Side-Parted Waves for Long Hair

This hairstyle involves styling medium to long hair with deep, side-parted waves conveying sophistication and timeless beauty. This elegant look was popularized by 1930s film stars like Myrna Loy and is perfect for formal events or glamorous evenings. 

To create these waves, use a curling iron or set hair in rollers, then brush through and define the waves with a side part, finishing with a light hairspray to hold the style in place.

13. The Pompadour

The pompadour involves sweeping the hair upward and back from the forehead, adding both height and volume for a bold and fashionable look. This style was particularly popular among men in the 1930s, but who’s to say you can’t sport it as a woman?

Ideal for medium to long hair, the pompadour can be styled by backcombing the hair at the crown and securing it with pins, then smoothing the front section over the teased area for a polished finish.

14. The Curled Fringe

Also known as the poodle haircut, the curled fringe pairs short to medium hair with curled bangs, adding a touch of playful charm to the overall look. This style was popular in the 1930s and often seen on actresses like Betty Grable. 

Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, the fringe is curled using a small curling iron or rollers and then gently brushed out to create soft, bouncy curls that frame the forehead, giving it a youthful and lively appearance.

15. The Crown Braid

The crown braid involves braiding the hair around the head like a crown, creating a regal and polished look. This hairstyle was a favorite among women in the 1930s for its elegance and practicality. 

Ideal for long hair, the crown braid is styled by parting the hair in the middle, braiding each section, and then wrapping the braids around the head, securing them with pins.

16. The Side Chignon

The side chignon is a low bun positioned to the side of the neck, adding a touch of asymmetrical elegance perfect for formal occasions. This 1930s hairstyle was popular among women who wanted a sophisticated yet unique look, often seen on stars like Greta Garbo. 

Ideal for medium to long hair, the side chignon is created by gathering the hair into a low ponytail, twisting it into a bun, and securing it with pins on one side of the neck, sometimes adorned with decorative hairpins for added glamor.

17. The Curled Bob

The curled bob is a classic bob cut with ends curled under, creating a soft and feminine style that flatters a variety of face shapes. Popular in the 1930s, this hairstyle was often seen on icons like Clara Bow. 

Ideal for straight to wavy hair, the curled bob can be styled by blow-drying the hair straight and then using a curling iron to gently curl the ends under. This results in a chic, face-framing look that is elegant and easy to maintain.

18. The Updo With Finger Waves

The updo with finger waves combines an elegant updo with finger waves that frame the face, merging classic and modern vibes. This sophisticated 1930s hairstyle was popularized by film stars such as Jean Harlow. 

To achieve this look, create finger waves around the face using a comb, clips, and setting lotion, then curl the rest of the hair to gather it into a sleek updo at the back, securing it with pins for a polished and glamorous finish suitable for formal events.

19. The Half-Up, Half-Down

The half-up, half-down hairstyle features hair partially pinned up with soft curls cascading down, offering a perfect blend of casual and refined styles. This versatile look was favored in the 1930s for its effortless elegance and was often worn by actress Vivien Leigh. 

To style, gather the top section of the hair and pin it back, leaving the rest to fall in soft curls created with a curling iron or rollers. This style is ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.

20. The Spiral Curls

The spiral curls hairstyle features long hair styled with tight, spiral curls, adding a dramatic touch of old Hollywood glamor. This 1930s look was famously worn by stars like Shirley Temple and is ideal for those with long hair seeking a bold, curly style. 

To create spiral curls, use a small-barrel curling iron or spiral curlers, wrapping small sections of hair tightly around the tool and allowing them to set, resulting in defined, bouncy curls that exude vintage charm.

21. The Braided Updo

The braided updo features multiple braids intricately woven to create a textured and elegant style, perfect for special events. This sophisticated look was a favorite in the 1930s for its complexity and beauty. 

Ideal for medium to long hair, the braided updo is styled by braiding sections of hair and then pinning them up in an intricate pattern, resulting in a stunning updo that showcases the braids’ texture and adds a touch of elegance to any formal occasion.

22. The Double Victory Rolls

Double victory rolls feature two large rolls on both sides of the head, creating a bold and vintage look that is a true showstopper. This iconic 1930s hairstyle was often seen on pin-up models and actresses like Betty Grable. 

To achieve double victory rolls, section the hair into two parts, roll each section upward toward the scalp and secure with pins, resulting in a dramatic and eye-catching style perfect for themed parties or vintage-inspired events.

Bring the 1930s Into Your Modern Day Look!

The hairstyles of the 1930s encapsulate a unique blend of elegance, innovation, and practicality, reflecting the era’s cultural and social dynamics. 

These iconic styles, from the glamorous Hollywood waves to the chic Eton crop, continue to inspire modern fashion with their timeless appeal. 

Embracing these vintage looks allows us to appreciate the artistry of the 1930s while adding a touch of classic sophistication to contemporary styles. 

Whether for everyday wear or special occasions, these hairstyles offer a beautiful way to connect with the past and celebrate the enduring charm of classic beauty.