40s hair accessories
[ bows and hair bands - ribbon like bands and sweet bows were very popular in several incarnations in the 40s. sometimes the bows were clustered, tucked in curls, or at the base of a ponytail. be sure to click on the image for a large view and credits! ]
A comment in a recent post from Audrey posed an interesting style question: what are options for 40s hair accessories besides the ubiquitous flower? What a good question! Although I know I’ve seen illustrations and photos of things other than flowers and such from the era, it hasn’t registered on my radar quite to the extent that flowers have (which I love to wear, so it’s no surprise I zoom in on those only!).
[ barrettes & combs - these were popular during the decade, but a little harder to see in many photos since they tended to tuck into the hair (especially combs). barrettes were especially trendy in the mid 40s as a sleek hairstyle parted and secured at the side came into favor. be sure to click on the image for a large view and credits! ]
The first thing I would like to say about the 1940s is that from my observation and study of the era, hair itself was really the focus for many women. The intricate rolls and waves piled high on the head weren’t always embellished (especially if one worked in a factory–too much of a hazard!). Hats were the most popular option for women–especially during the daytime–and it would tend to muss a lot of other hair accessories. But, I have pulled some images that illustrate other hair accessory options that I think would look just as sweet as they did 60+ years ago! I hope you enjoy this little trip down a style “rabbit trail”…
[ scarves - so many variations! tied around the head with the ends tucked in or loose, intertwined with braids... so fun and casual! be sure to click on the image for a large view and credits! ]
Tell me: what are your favorite hair accessories? Are you a flower girl (I am! The bigger, the better! hehe!)? Prefer demure bows? Maybe a sparkly clip? Or do you prefer the sleek look of unadorned tresses?
Posted on August 4th, 2009 to style inspiration, vintage inspiration.
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1920s chemise inspired top »34 lovely thoughts to “40s hair accessories”
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Layla says:
Lately I’ve been a bow girl ^^
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Maja says:
Hi! I love your blog! It’s such an inspiration.
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Gertie says:
Wow, so many excellent images! I’m in a bit of a hair rut, so this is some great inspiration. I’m digging the comb idea. I usually set my hair in hot rollers, and then pin back one side with a boring old pin.
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Audrey says:
Oh yay! Thank you so much for this post! I’m digging the illustrations and will be studying them in great detail, especially the one with the scarves. I actually have been using a comb that is close to my hair color that I broke in half to hold my rolls in the hairstyle that you posted a tutorial. They give me more hold than just a couple of pins. I’ve felt that they were possibly not “period” but I see that I might be wrong! I too prefer to wear flowers and have been really digging making my own and seeing what I can “dress” them up with. I need to make a post about it since I’m considering selling a few!
I hope this means we’ll see more photos of your cute hair!
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Rosie says:
I’m a dabbler in everything! Currently, I am wearing mouse ears!
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Claradevi says:
Bows and pins, mostly! I’d love to put on some flowers but I’m a bit shy of it – I feel like flower is more attractive, eye-catchy, and people will put more attention on you because of that. But I adore most girls who wear flowers – i’d love to be one of them!
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Nancy says:
I’m in the process of growing my hair from a pixie back out into a short bob, so I’ve been using barrettes, bows and hairbands lately. My problem is that my hair is VERY slippery, and hairbands and bows tend to slide unless I anchor them somehow. Sometimes it feels like more trouble than it’s worth, but these pictures are inspiring me to try some new ideas! Thanks, Casey!
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MichCherie says:
Casey, you put together such a pheomenally inspiring blog! This post just proves it
It makes me want to run home and play with my hair and redo! -
Sal says:
I just love this. I tend to be SUPER lazy when it comes to hair accessories, and it’s a great reminder that my scarves and barrettes should be put to good use!
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catherine_sr. says:
I love the sidepart with barrettes look. For some reason, it always looks very retro, even if I haven’t done anything else to my hair. I also love the scarf photos you included… how creative! I’d never thought of weaving them into braids before, but now I shall have to try that. I think some ribbons interlaced in a Heidi braid around the head would look cute or chic depending on what color and pattern they are.
Thanks for sharing these pictures, what a treasure trove! -
Sydney says:
I love all of the pictures you pulled! I myself tend to mix things up quite a bit. I guess for me it just depends on my mood and how well of a hair day I am having. When my set is freshly done. I tend to leave it down to display the freshly brushed curls. Sometimes just parted to one side and left plain. On occassion I will decorate with a ribbon, side comb or barrettes. When it is a day or two old. Or I just need to have my hair out of my face (I live in Arizona). I start to put rolls in it, wear a snood, scarf or hat. Not always in that order though. I guess thinking about it, it really does come down to whatever I’m feeling that day. Sometimes I coordinate with what I am wearing ie; sporty, dressy, casual. Also, definatley how cooperative my thick head of hair is laying plays a big part!
Great post!
XO,
Syd -
Lizzy says:
I never really thought much about 40s hair accesories even though I abosolutely adore the hairstyles of the 40s, but they are so cute. I really love flowers as well, though I don’t always feel I can pull them off
I really love scarves, they make such cute, chic headbands, etc. (which I just noticed the above commenter feels as well!) And they help disguise failed attempts at 40s hairstyles Barrettes can be quite pretty as well though!
Thanks so much for sharing these lovely pictures, their so great! Lovely post as always! -
Reilly says:
If I had long hair I’d be all about bows! There’s just something about short hair that makes finding the right hair accessories a little harder! You can’t tuck things like flowers in and have them look natural (as natural as a flower on your head can be) because everyone could see the stem.
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Sarah says:
I love a good flower! I recently purchased a huge red rose from Etsy and I think it’s been on my head more than off in the past couple of weeks. I always feel as though I stepped out of a snazzy South American musical dance number in a 1940s film when I wear them! However, the small bow (like #07 in the first cluster of images) has been creeping into my thoughts lately. I think this fall I will be gravitating towards little velvet bows. All such pretty and tempting hair accessories!
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Solanah says:
Wonderful post! When not wearing a hat I usually opt for a comb at the side, it always looks very 40s.
I especially love those little carved plastic children’s barrettes. They only hold a few strands of hair, but are so cute!
xoxo
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Elle says:
I’m definitely a scarf wearing girl. I either leave the ends long or I tie them into a big bow behind my ear. Another great post Casey!
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Jane says:
definitely bows and sometimes combs, too. :-]
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Maegan says:
My hair is SO thick & heavy, that any attempt to add anything can bring it all tumbling down!! Lol…I stick to the bobby pins really…I bought the really big ones, I think they’re almost 3 inches long. They aren’t the crimped kind, though…so I have a shiny gold X usually right above my ear.
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Aurélie Von Muller says:
aaah i love this post, like the others !
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kate says:
my favourite hair accessory is a giant bow from louloulovesyou.co.uk <3
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Nikki says:
You got it right, hair in the 1940’s was a major accessory. This was because fabrics were rationed at this time. So to make up for the lack of textile fashion women created these amazing hair creations. Really sometimes they were like works of art. I mean two words, “Victory Rolls”
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Andi B. Goode says:
I love bows. Big bows, little bows…any kinds of them, really! I don’t know what it is about them, though, they’re just so darn cute! And fun to wear to boot.
-Andi x -
Christy says:
Your posts are always so inspiring! Every time I visit I see so many wonderful things! Thanks for sharing!
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jasmine says:
lately i have just been using bobby pins on both sides of my side part. i have such a hard time keeping combs in my heavy hair and accessories don’t stay during my morning bike ride to school. any suggestions? techniques for keeping things secure?
-jasmine
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Hana says:
oh i just love this post =) 40’s hair is one of my favorite elements of vintage life…i’m definitely with you on the flowers! the bigger the better and i wear them with almost every hairstyle i do but i also tend to gravitate towards kerchiefs (especially when my hair is not being particularly cooperative =P) thanks for all the great pictures!!! i simply love your blog!
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nicola ticola says:
Bows bows and more bows for me, and the occasional headband!
Love these pics, they’re wonderful nicola xx
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meaghan says:
Aww I loved this post Casey!! It was so great! I had a looong talk with my hair dresser friend the other day about how doing your hair up in the morniing really is a lost art in our generation! I wish I could say I will be the one to break that mold, but other than tying a sassy little ribbon in my hair from time to time, i am just all frizz all the time and just far too lazy to do anything else! This post makes me want to get off my tuckus in the morning and try!!!
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Jessica says:
Love this post, my favorite type of hair accessories are anything with bows.
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Roses R Red says:
Ooo fabulous post! I love wearing ribbons and headbands to work, brightens up my uniform
Rose
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ShallowMallow says:
I have a whole tin full of hair combs in every conceivable colour. Some from etsy, some passed on to me from my Mom.
I am having fun matching the colour with my skirt, tights or shoes.There is a few bows too for when I get bored with the combs
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Hope says:
I very much enjoyed this post and am in awe of your energy in getting so much accomplished!
I have always used combs or barrettes to create my 40s hairstyle.
♥Hope -
jolene says:
If i ever get these styles to work in my hair lol, i usually go for barretts or ribbons. I’m pretty simple like that.
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Sara says:
If combs would stick in my hair, I think I’d be a comb-girl. As is, I’m the unadorned tresses type!
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Jessica says:
What a fantastic post, Casey! I been a hair accessories fan my whole life (what’s not to love about jewelry for your hair?). These days often adorn my vintage hair styles with (smallish) bows in matching or complimentary hued to my outfit, classic looking headbands or decorative bobby pins, when I want a change of pace from flowers.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
♥ Jessica
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!