1940s Hairstyles: 25 Timeless, Glamorous Looks

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The 1940s were a decade of elegance and resilience, and women’s hairstyles reflected both these qualities with flair and sophistication. 

From glamorous Hollywood waves to practical yet stylish updos, 1940s hairstyles offered a range of looks that combined beauty with functionality. 

Iconic styles like victory rolls, the pageboy, and pin curls not only defined an era but also provided women with a sense of confidence and charm. 

Whether you’re looking to recreate these timeless looks for a vintage event or simply want to add a touch of retro glam to your everyday style, we’re here to give you hairstyle inspiration from the 1940s!

25 Defining Hairstyles of the 1940s

1. Victory Rolls

Victory rolls were a defining hairstyle of the 1940s, created to symbolize the spin maneuvers that fighter pilots performed after successful missions during World War II.

Popularized by celebrities like Veronica Lake and Betty Grable, this style involved rolling long sections of hair into round or cylindrical shapes and pinning them at the crown or sides of the head.

To style, use a rat-tail comb to section the hair, roll each section upward, and pin it securely with bobby pins. Finish with hairspray for hold and shine.

2. Pin Curls

Pin curls were a versatile and popular hairstyle in the 1940s, perfect for medium-length hair. This style involved twisting small sections of damp hair into tight curls and pinning them flat against the head to set overnight. 

Once unpinned, the hair could be brushed out for soft waves or left as tight curls. Celebrities like Rita Hayworth and Lucille Ball frequently sported pin curls.

3. Finger Waves

The finger waves from the 1920s provided a sophisticated and elegant look that was still highly popular in the 1940s. This style involved molding short hair into S-shaped waves using fingers and a fine-tooth comb, often with the help of a styling gel to create a smooth, glossy finish. 

Celebrities like Bette Davis and Jean Harlow frequently wore finger waves. It can be styled by applying gel to damp hair, creating waves with a comb, clipping the waves’ ridges, and allowing the hair to set.

Quick Tip

The 1940s finger waves differed from the 1920s one in the way the former is less uniform, less structured, and is worn longer and brushed for softer waves. The front of the hair may or may not be styled with victory rolls.

4. Pompadour

The pompadour was a dramatic and bold hairstyle that involved sweeping the hair upward from the face and securing it high on the head, which was especially effective for naturally curly hair. 

Celebrities like Carmen Miranda and Josephine Baker popularized the pompadour during this era. To style, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair, blow-dry while lifting the roots, and use a comb to smooth the hair upward and backward, securing it with pins and finishing with hairspray for hold.

5. Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves epitomized 1940s glamour, popularized by the likes of Veronica Lake and Lauren Bacall. This style featured long hair styled into large, smooth waves that flowed elegantly, often achieved with large rollers or a curling iron. 

To create Hollywood waves, use a large-barrel curling iron to form the waves, brush them out gently for a smooth finish, and set with a light hairspray to maintain the look.

6. Soft Waves

Worn by actresses like Ingrid Bergman, soft waves provided a relaxed yet elegant look that was popular in the 1940s. Medium-length hair was gently curled into loose, flowing waves, making it ideal for everyday wear or casual outings. 

To style, use a medium-barrel curling iron on dry hair, wrap sections loosely, and brush out the curls gently to achieve a soft wave. Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the waves without making them stiff.

7. Chignon

Chignons were a versatile and elegant updo that suited both casual and formal occasions. This style involved twisting medium-length hair into a bun positioned at the nape of the neck, creating a sophisticated look. 

Celebrities like Grace Kelly and Vivien Leigh popularized the chignon. To achieve this hairstyle, gather the hair into a low ponytail, roll it into a bun, and secure it with pins. Use a bit of hairspray to keep any stray hairs in place.

8. Poodle Cut

This iconic hairstyle featured tight, circular curls that were piled high on the head, creating a voluminous and playful look. Lucille Ball famously sported the poodle cut, making it a signature style of the era. 

Ideal for naturally curly hair, this style can be achieved by setting the hair in small rollers and allowing it to dry completely before fluffing out the curls on the forehead and above the head. Use a light gel or mousse to define the curls and add shine.

9. Half-Up Victory Rolls

This hairstyle featured two prominent rolls on the top or sides of the head, while the remaining hair flowed freely, offering a blend of structure and movement. Celebrities like Rita Hayworth often wore this style, making it a popular choice for both formal and casual events. 

To style, section off the top parts of your hair, create the rolls by rolling the hair, and secure them with bobby pins. Leave the rest of the hair down in loose waves or soft pin curls.

10. Curls With Deep Side Part

Side-parted curls involved parting the hair to one side and curling it into soft, elegant waves that framed the face beautifully. Stars like Lauren Bacall popularized this look, making it a go-to style in the ’40s. 

To achieve this look, use a curling iron or hot rollers on dry hair, part the hair deeply to one side, and brush out the curls gently for a soft finish. Secure with a light hairspray to maintain the waves.

11. Barrel Curls

Actresses like Lana Turner often sported barrel curls which were all about adding dramatic volume and fullness to medium-length hair. This style was created by rolling sections of hair around large curlers or a curling iron, resulting in tight round curls.

Once the curls are formed, gently separate them with your fingers and finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

12. Crown Braid for Long Hair

Crown braids involve braiding the hair around the head like a crown, creating a regal and sophisticated appearance perfect for formal events and weddings. Actresses like Grace Kelly wore this hairstyle, highlighting their timeless beauty. 

To achieve this style, part the hair in the middle, braid one or both sections, and wrap the braid(s) around the head, securing with pins. Use a light hairspray to keep the braids in place and smooth.

13. Faux Bob for Long Hair

Since the 1920s, the faux bob was a clever hairstyle that gave the illusion of shorter hair without the need for cutting. This style involved tucking and pinning long curled hair underneath to mimic the look of a bob, offering versatility and a chic appearance. 

To style, curl the ends of the hair, tuck them under, and secure with bobby pins. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the shape and ensure a smooth finish.

14. Roll and Tuck for Long Hair

The roll and tuck was a practical yet stylish updo for long hair in the 1940s. This hairstyle involved rolling the hair at the hairline and tucking it under and it was often sported by the likes of Katharine Hepburn.

To achieve this style, twist your hair on the sides toward the back, pin them, then gather your hair into a low ponytail, create a hole in the hair above the elastic, and loop or tuck the ponytail into that hole a few times, loosening the tucked hair throughout the process. Secure with pins.

Quick Tip

Other ways to achieve the hairstyle is by using a “hair rat” or just simply rolling the ponytail toward the back. You may style the rest of the ponytail in victory rolls at the back after tucking some of the hair. Use hairspray to keep the style in place and maintain a polished look.

15. Bumper Bangs

Bumper bangs were a bold and distinctive feature in 1940s hairstyles. Celebrities like Bettie Page and Lucille Ball made bumper bangs iconic, often pairing them with pin-up looks.

This style involved curling and rolling a short front section of hair into prominent bangs, adding a vintage flair to any haircut. 

Quick Tip

You may also use a small-barrel curling iron to curl the bangs, then roll them tightly and secure them with bobby pins. Finish with hairspray to maintain its shape.

16. Braided Updo

Braided updos added texture and dimension to medium-length hair. Celebrities like Katharine Hepburn and Vivien Leigh showcased braided updos.

Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the updo and keep the braids in place. This hairstyle involved braiding sections of hair and then pinning them up, creating a detailed and elegant look. 

17. Side Swept Bangs

Popularized by Veronica Lake in the ’40s, side-swept bangs offered a soft and feminine touch to hair. This style sweeps gracefully across the forehead, delicately enhancing the facial features. 

To achieve this style, part the bangs to one side, curl the hair with rollers or an iron, use a round brush, and blow-dry the hair gently. Finish with a light hairspray to keep it in place.

18. Curled Ends

Curled ends brought bounce and volume to medium-length hair. This hairstyle involved curling just the ends of the hair, creating a polished and lively finish. Celebrities like Rita Hayworth often sported wavy hair with curled ends in the 1940s.

To achieve this look, use a curling iron to curl the hair, and gently brush the top to near the ends for a soft wave. Leave out the ends for tighter curls. Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the curls and add shine.

19. Double Victory Rolls

Worn by stars like Betty Grable and Veronica Lake, double victory rolls doubled the glamor and impact of the traditional victory rolls. This hairstyle involved creating two large rolls at the top of the head, adding height and drama. 

To style, section the top of the hair into two parts, create a roll on each by rolling each section toward the top, and secure with bobby pins. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the rolls stay in place and maintain their shape.

Quick Tip

Some stars also added two opposite rolls at the back, which peeked behind the ears.

20. Hair Flowers

The victory rolls were also adorned with floral accents for more flair. These could be real or artificial flowers, often chosen to match the outfit or add a pop of color.

The flowers were strategically placed around the rolls or at one corner, enhancing the overall elegance and femininity of the hairstyle.

21. Curly Bob for Short Hair

Often worn by Lucille Ball and Judy Garland, the curly bob was a lively and practical hairstyle for short hair, adding movement and charm. This style involved curling the hair into loose or tight curls, creating a playful and dynamic look. 

To achieve this look, use a small-barrel curling iron to curl the hair, and gently separate the curls with your fingers. Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the curls and add shine.

22. Side Bun for Medium Length Hair

This hairstyle involved gathering the hair and pinning it into a bun at the side of the head, creating a sophisticated and stylish look. Actresses like Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall often wore side buns. 

To style, gather the hair to one side, curl the hair in sections, and twist them into a bun on one side of the neck, and secure it with bobby pins. Use a light hairspray to keep the bun in place and ensure a smooth finish.

23. Braided Chignon 

This elegant style featured a low chignon at the nape of the neck, incorporating a braid across the head for added texture and interest. The hair was first braided on one side, and the rest of the hair is braided below the nape.

The braid on one side is then wrapped around the head, while the rest of the braids are twisted into a bun and secured with pins. This hairstyle was perfect for any occasion, often accessorized with decorative combs or pins to enhance its sophistication.

24. The 1940s Pageboy 

This style featured a blunt cut with soft, subtle, uniform waves that typically ended at the jawline or just below, with the ends curled under to create a smooth, rounded silhouette. Celebrities like Joan Crawford and Dorothy Lamour helped popularize this look. 

To achieve this, start by blow-drying the hair straight, then use a round brush or curling iron to add subtle waves and to curl the ends under. Secure the style with a serum and a light hairspray to maintain its shape and add shine.

25. 1940s Headbands

In the 1940s, women often styled their hair with hairbands by using them to secure pin curls or victory rolls. Hairbands were typically wide and worn over the head, sometimes with a bow or knot at the top for added flair. 

These accessories helped keep hair in place, especially during work or daily activities, adding both function and fashion to the hairstyle. 

Exude Effortless Elegance With These 1940s Hairstyles

The hairstyles of the 1940s continue to captivate and inspire with their blend of elegance and practicality. 

Whether you’re drawn to the glamorous victory rolls, the sleek pageboy, or the romantic pin curls, these styles offer a timeless charm that transcends decades. 

Embracing these vintage looks can add a touch of nostalgic glamour to any occasion, reminding us of an era where beauty and resilience went hand in hand. 

So why not try a 1940s hairstyle and channel your inner Hollywood starlet? With a little practice and the right tools, you can effortlessly recreate these iconic styles and make them your own.