Before you read any further, especially if you are a vintage
hairstyling aficionado, I want to explain to you my philosophy on hair. I
am a mother of two, and a wife who runs a business, works part time and
maintains many other hobbies, so I don’t spend a lot of time perfecting
and polishing things, namely, my own hair. My specialty is making
complicated hair-related things easier so that when I share them with
you they seem do-able!
With that said, I bring you an easy pin
curl set specifically for 1940s styling. Following this post will be
several vintage inspired 1940s tribute hairstyles made easy so that you
don’t have to fuss with too many details. I don’t use any styling
products for these styles, just bobby pins, large and small.
As always with vintage styling, you need both sizes.
About a year ago, I discovered the hair rat, a great 1940s hair styling tool that changed my life and my whole attitude towards hair. It made me think, If we can do this,
we can do anything. If you haven't heard of it, a hair rat is a form
made from a woman's own hair that can be used to beef up bigger hair
styles. Historically, women would collect their own hair out of their
brushes over time and store it in a hair net or roll it into a
sausage-like shape to use inside of the victory rolls we see in old
photos. Now you know the answer to: "how'd she do that?" And
with that little tidbit of knowledge, here is your secret weapon
pin-curl set to get your hair in perfect shape for 1940s-inspired
styling!
It is important to note that pin curls are best done on
damp hair. I like to mist my dry hair with water and put my curls in the
morning or early afternoon and take them out in the evening before I
style my hair. Also, all the curls in this tutorial are rolled in the
same direction: under and back. If you need more flat curl
clarification.
- Begin your pin curl set by dividing your hair into two equal sections down the center of your head. If you have bangs, make a vertical parting to section off your bangs to one side. To incorporate your bangs, curl the section back against the head and pin it into place with a small pin (here is an in-depth look at making and pinning a flat curl). If you don’t have bangs, an easy way to create a longer pin curl is to twist a section of hair around your finger, then gently remove the curl from the finger and hold it against the head.
- Make another vertical parting two inches or so behind the first. Roll all the hair back into a flat curl in this section.
- Pin your second curl into place using a larger pin if necessary.
- Make a third vertical parting a couple inches behind the second one. Roll the hair back into a flat curl, and pin it into place.
- Take the remaining hair in the back from the first side. Roll it back into a flat curl and pin it into place. There should be four flat curls on one side of the head, all rolled back.
- Repeat step one on the second side and continue the pin curl set with steps 2-4.
- You should end with four flat curls on each sides, all rolled backwards.
Once
these babies are dry, take 'em out and marvel. You can brush them out
or set them free. You can even add a variety of accessories like these
beautiful hair combs to
help polish your look. Mastering a pin curl set is your first step
towards easy vintage styling! Stay tuned for more styles coming soon!
By Roxie Jane Hunt
Hairstyle Tutorials Expert
