:: retro… in a modern way ::
ETA 09.18.08: I recently posted a video tutorial of this style!
I have been so tickled lately with all the questions about how I get my hair in that retro, 1940’s style. It’s one of my “default” looks that has just evolved over the years; partially because I have a (probably unhealthy) obsession with the 40’s, but also because I really wanted an up do that was flattering to my face shape. It’s super-duper easy to do, and has loads of variations (which I cover at the end). So due to popular request, here’s my first–and possibly only–hair style tutorial!
First, I’d really suggest getting a copy of Daniela Turdich’s 1940s Hairstyles. I believe it’s out of print, but if you can find (beg, borrow, or steal! lol) a copy, it covers a lot of the basics for 1940’s styles. The techniques in the book were the jumping off point for my “faux roll” that I do on the front sections of hair. But, looking at tons of 1940’s photographs can give you a good idea of how they put their ‘dos together as well!
Here’s what you’re going to need for the exact style I’m demonstrating (other ideas at the end of this tutorial). Many of these supplies you can pick up at mega-chains, but I’d really suggest going to your neighborhood beauty store; they usually have a wide array of pins, nets and other goodies in colors and styles you can’t find elsewhere.
- ♥ bobby pins
- ♥ hair pins
- ♥ fine, hair net
- ♥ rat-tail, or part comb
- ♥ brush
- ♥ super-strength hair spray (I know it’s horrible for the environment, but the aerosol spray is best, imho)
- ♥ flowers, bows, cherry-sprays, or other do-dads to tuck in the up do
-
Lorajean says:
LOVE your hair I’ll for sure have to try it!:)
-
bunny says:
You make it look easy! I’ve never been able to do a French twist/bun nicely. I could never figure out those hairpins and all
-
Connie says:
What a gorgeous tutorial Casey. You did fabulous work on this post, just like it came out of Blueprint magazine! lol. I’m going to give this a-go and try out your technique! Thank you!
-
Blaze Danielle says:
What a beautiful post! This was so enjoyable to read, and I only wish I could get my hands on that book! Again, just a lovely post!!
-
Ivy says:
Your little note in the sidebar encouraged me to write a comment
Just wanted to say you have a BEAUTIFUL blog here. I just found you through bits and bobbins -
Ashley says:
I just stumbled upon this, and I love you! I have short hair and never know what I can do with it, and this totally works! I love the 40′s also, but I’m not the best at doing hair. But I just did this sitting at my computer, and it was lovely! I’m so excited! I’ve got to find that book.
-
emphasisontheawesome says:
Too cute :]
-
(not so) random links | bits and bobbins says:
[...] the quick and dirty: -morgan of pandahead just launched an VERY sophisticated dc-focused online mag of the same name = PANDA HEAD magazine. worth a look…again, and again. congrats, morgan! -the hat trend continues unabated…i continue to be so tickled by this. (via buzzfeed) -rostitchery demonstrates how to make a ‘convertible’ dress (a frock that can morph into a bunch of styles, depending upon your mood). genius! (via craft:) -rowan yarns has a neat little archive of free knitting and crochet patterns here, all available via the pdf format. -maker/crafter jon golden has a video how-to on youtube that gives the deets on how to make resin jewelry. i’ve *always* wanted to try this, myself… (via craft:) -casey of casey’s musings illustrates how she dresses her tresses in the perfect modern-yet-1940s up-do. [...]
-
Marie says:
This is such a fun and informative post! Thanks for sharing! I wonder if it will work on my hair? I will have to try!
-
Cindy says:
Love this! I’ve been doing something similar to get the look but never knew quite how to perfect it. And the pictures are beautiful. Thank you!
-
Cindy says:
PS. I just saw how much that book costs on Amazon – over $100 because it’s out of print! List price is 15.95… I’ll have to see if our library has it. Thanks again for the idea!
-
A propos de coiffure rétro « …a girl anachronism says:
[...] tout ça, et aussi pour la prochaine fois où je voudrais me faire une fausse frange), celle de Casey, et les nombreuses pages consacrées à la question (il faut fouiller) de Miss [...]
-
Viola says:
It’s lovely- seriously, I adore it- but I’m a little confused on the rolly bits at the beginning. Do you think you could go over that in a little more detail? Maybe it’s just me…
-
ArtikelverzeichnisStars und Sternchen says:
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Artikelverzeichnis Stars und Sternchen…
Artikelverzeichnis Stars und Sternchen…
-
Jayne says:
September 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Thankyou so much for the tutorial – I have a LOT clearer idea what i’m doing now! (I only wish my hair was as lovely and thick as yours…)
-
KuritbNest says:
September 26th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I love it!
-
HAIRSTYLES – Tutorial | The Community Voice/ La Voz Magazine says:
[...] A Retro Modern Hairstyle Tutorial: This blog has great, clear pictures of how to produce a retro modern updo, a la the 1940s. Add a flower to the ‘do for a beautiful touch! [...]
-
101 Hairstyle Tutorials: Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds says:
[...] world. If you’re a Pride and Prejudice fan, check out how to get a beautifully braided updo.A Retro Modern Hairstyle Tutorial: This blog has great, clear pictures of how to produce a retro modern updo, a la the 1940s. Add a [...]
Ready? Here goes!
Start by giving your hair a good brush and parting it on one side. Some 1940’s styles have a moderate part (like mine), or are off farther to the edge of the crown.
Take one side, gathering up the front and side from approximately the middle of the top forward. Smooth the section upward and gather.
Begin to roll this section in a clockwise direction, not too tightly though.
Secure the “roll” towards the top back of the crown, using the bobby pins. I like to “cross” my pins over, using just two or three per side. Basically I pin one so the open end faces up, and the lap the other pin over top, going downward (kind of like an x). This usually holds it in place all day!
Take the other side section of hair, and begin to roll in a counter-clockwise direction, again not too tightly.
Pin in place as described above.
At this point I like to “fluff” the rolls into a slight pompadour. Using the rat-tail comb, I just tease the front up a bit, creating more height. I also gently pull the section up and forward to loosen the hair a bit so the roll isn’t too tight.
The front is up in the “basic style”, so you can do something different with the back section (see the end of this tutorial), or follow the instructions below for my “casual French twist” that I typically do:
Take the back section of hair, gathering it as you would a ponytail at the nape.
Begin twisting the hair in a clockwise direction, pulling it upward as you roll.
Loop the twist up and around, tucking the end under the roll.
Now, this is my daily, messy version that I don’t worry too much about. It’s almost like a cross between a French twist and a bun! Obviously, if you wanted a really neat and tidy version, a mirror and patience would help… I tend to be in a hurry and don’t take the time!
Begin pinning around the twist, using both the bobby and hairpins. I usually start with the bobby pins, concentrating especially on the base and outer edge of the roll. The loose bits and pieces I secure with the hair pins.
If you’re hair is as thick and wavy as mine, you’ll probably end up using an insane number of pins!!! lol.
Voila–finished roll!!! You can leave it au naturale, or go the extra (vintage) way, which I also find is great for keeping everything in place if I plan on keeping my hair like this all day.
Using the hair net, stretch it over the entire roll.
Gather up the excess and twist it into a little bunch, and pin with a hair pin. Use a couple more pins to secure it around your hair.
Time to fluff with the comb again!!
Now clean up all the little fly-aways and bits of hair that like to spring out. Smooth everything and spray in place. You can leave it un-secured if you’d like. Sometimes I like to let it “gracefully deconstruct” in the course of the day–the effect can be quite romantic.
Embellish with a flower (like the ones I made earlier this month), or another fun and retro hair accessory!!
Done!!
Variations: For the pompadour/roll you can create more height (for a really retro, 40’s look; especially good if you’re swing dancing!) two ways. First is to back comb the front section of your hair. I tend to shy away from this because my hair rarely responds well to the back combing. But you might have more luck! Or, you can create a couple hair rats using a hair net and either fake or your own (gathered from your brush) hair. The goal is to create two, sausage-shaped pieces that you secure under your hair to create height. Just gather the hair up in the net, place under your hair before you gather/roll it, and make sure you smooth the hair overtop so the rat doesn’t show.
Once you get the front section of hair up, there are many other ways you can arrange the back! Sometimes I create double, French twists by parting my hair down the center and rolling each side up separately. Sometimes I do this, only with two braids that I twist and wrap together.
Or, you could do braided pigtails, which are really cute when secured with ribbons!
Another, fun and modern look is to curl the back section of hair, do a very loose twist, and leave the curly ends loose to cascade out the top of the twist.
Have fun, and if you have any questions or try your own version, please let me know!!!
Finally, to wrap things up for the week, here’s a smattering of fun links I’ve been saving up to share with y’all!
♥ more hair do ideas from Bluelines: cleverly embellished ponytail elastics!
♥ I was am fascinated by this tutorial on creating a repeat pattern
♥ an interesting article on self-image as relates to Google
♥ I could browse this site for hours! [ via Anna and Marjorie ]
♥ this look would be so hard to pull off, but I think it’s kinda cute
♥ creating online graphic design portfolios, but I think the principles stand true for any artist or craftsperson exhibiting their work online
Oh, and I just wanted to add that Tricia finally convinced me to sign up for Polyvore! I know, I’m the last person to join in the fun… better late than never, right? Anyway, feel free to add me to your friends–I still need to get my first collage up, but that is this evening’s fun. hehe! Have a splendid weekend, my dears!
Posted on May 16th, 2008 to fashion, tutorial, weekly inspiration.
comment 
trackback 
email me del.icio.us stumbleupon
Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
:: goodness gracious! :: »18 lovely thoughts to “:: retro… in a modern way ::”
