I love watching movies from the 40s and 50s, not only for the wonderful clothing, but for the fabulous hairstyles. The golden era of Hollywood was such a magical time when womens hair was always perfectly coiffed, rolled and waved to perfection. The ladies that are my hair inspiration are; Elizabeth Taylor, Betty Grable, Lucille Ball and the infamous Bettie Page. I love vintage hairstyling as it's a way to add some glamour to a special occasion dress, or just to try something new and eye catching. I'm always experimenting with my hair and here are a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way. Please note, I'm not a hair stylist, just a hair enthusiast.
Betty Grable's hair is fantastic!
Many retro lovely gals tend to love the 1940s Victory Rolls as a hairstyle, and I've often been asked how I achieve this look. The options are endless in terms of variations of Victory Rolls, so once you get the hang of the actual 'roll', let your imagination and vision take hold! For those of you who need a little help, let's see what I can do. *wink*
I recommend these type of items to aid in hairstyling:
- Soft bristle brush-I like to use the soft bristles to smooth the rolls out.
- Rat tail comb-For teasing when needed.
- Pomade or a smoothing finishing cream-I steal my hubby's Layrite.
- Hair spray-I like it strong, like my coffee!
- Bobby pins-Pick closest your your hair color.
I also like to use hot rollers, as I set my hair first before the actual Victory Rolls. This is an option if you want a more Betty Grable look as pictured in the photo above.
Victory Rolls are more prominently styled on top of head, with bangs and hair is shoulder length.
Victory Rolls are styled more to the side and back, rolled front bang and hair is a layered chin length style.
There are a ton of visual video tutorials on YouTube and you can search for Victory Roll how-to's on Google. Here is a basic guide on how I do mine.
- Make a clean side part with your rat tail comb. Then part sections of hair, in front of your ear (on either side), as this will be the hair you actually roll.
- Start on the first side and using your fingers create a roll with your fingers as guides. You are rolling the hair up and back towards your scalp. If you need help, you can use a curler or the handle of a round brush.
- Secure roll with as many bobby pins as needed (try to hide them!) and adjust roll to form a neat 'O' shape.
- Repeat set 3 for the other side.
- Finish your rolls by using a small amount of pomade (a little goes a long way so watch out!) and smooth out your rolls with the soft bristle brush. Spray the rolls liberally with hair spray.
Voila! You've got Victory Rolls! The back of your hair is up to you. You can curl, use a snood, or leave it straight. I prefer soft waves and set my hair in hot rollers and then softly brush them out for a little more authentic vintage look.
But wait, we can't forget the hair decor! Hair accessories are a great way to add some glamour to your outfit, yet it's also a great way to hide those imperfections. When you're a novice at these hair looks, hair flowers, bows and head bands can be a hair saver.
Black Diamond Bow Set by Graveside Looks has a nice metal clip that makes for easy placement on the hair. The beautiful rhinestone detail with make those Victory Rolls shine.
Peggy Pearl Bobby Pins by Its a Swindle can work double duty as they are not only lovely hair decor, yet they can really aid in holding the rolls into place.
Large Orange Flower Hairclip by Zombetty Bows is a wonderful tool to use to hide that one roll that is not cooperating. I often carry an emergency hair flower in my purse as you never know when a hair malfunction may occur!
News To Please:
If you'd like to learn more about retro pin-up hair and make up styling, please join Cats Like Us for an in-store event. Miss Jessica Jean will be demoing her skills on Saturday March 12th from 1pm-2pm (click here to see the Facebook event page.) Miss Jessica Jean is a professionally licensed hair and make up stylist and is one stylish lady herself! Check out her Facebook page here and we hope to see you at the beauty school event.
XOXO
-Meagan Kyla