1930's Women's Fashion 11
1930'S HaIrstyles
W
omen were tired of looking like boys. Hairstyles in the 1930's were more feminine. Softer touches such as waves, curls, and colour were added. Hats no longer
defined a hairstyle and they covered less of the head. Most women wore their hair wavy and at chin or shoulder length. Super short haircuts were no longer in fashion. Some would wear their hair in a bun or chignon. Finger waves and pin curls were in style because they could both be achieved at home. Those who could afford it got permanent waves. Bleached and tinted hair was very popular because you could do it at home or go to a salon. Women began spending less time and money on their hair during this time period.
Wave and Curl!
Finger waves and pin curls were very popular hairstyles in the 1930's because you did not have to go to the salon to get the look.
How to Achieve Finger Waves:
Step One: comb wet hair flat
Step Two: apply setting lotion
Step Three: Create a series of ridges
How to Achieve Pin Curls:
Step One: wrap a small piece of hair around your finger
Step Two: secure it with a bobby pin or two
Step Three: wait for your hair to dry and then take the bobby pins out
Make It Permanent!
The permanent wave was available at beauty salons. There were two types of waves. The first used an electric permanent wave that generated heat. The second was called the "cold wave" because you didn't need heat. In fact, it used chemicals, specifically ammonia.
The permanent wave did not come without problems. Unfortunately, too much heat and chemicals caused hair to break. Women's scalps were burnt too. The end result was not always perfect. However, it was the beginning of a hairstyle trend that is still enjoyed today.
Bleach and Tint!
Hollywood films popularized the blonde bombshell look. Women took it upon themselves to try the look at home by using peroxide or laundry bleach on their hair. The salon used chemicals such as peroxide, ammonia, and soap flakes. These chemicals were dangerous and could burn the scalp. Most early colours were not very effective and did not last longer than a couple of washes. The dye was not the same colour on every women's hair and did not always look natural. However, in the 1930's, a French company discovered a colouring system where the hair was stripped of colour first, then dyed. It was known as bleaching and colouring which is still done to this day.
pIN iT uP!
The French hairstyle chignon refers to a low bun. The chignon required longer hair. Women waited for their hair to grow back from the 1920's to attempt the hairstyle. It was mainly worn as an evening look and the hair was pulled back very smoothly to show off a women's face.
Figure 15