23 Timeless 1940s Hairstyles to Channel Vintage Glamour
The 1940s was an iconic decade for fashion, with hairstyles that continue to inspire vintage enthusiasts and modern stylists alike.
As World War II shaped the world, women embraced practical yet glamorous hairstyles that balanced elegance with functionality.
From sleek victory rolls to structured Hollywood curls, 1940s hairstyles were defined by their meticulous detail and signature looks, making them timeless classics.
In this article, we explore 23 of the most memorable and iconic hairstyles from the 1940s.
From victory rolls to finger waves, each style captures the spirit of the 1940s in its own unique way.
1940s Hairstyles
1. Victory Rolls Hairstyle
The Victory Rolls is one of the most iconic hairstyles of the 1940s. This look involves two voluminous rolls on the top of the head, framing the face. To achieve this, the hair is sectioned, backcombed, and rolled upward into thick curls, secured with pins.
This style reflects the elegant yet bold spirit of the wartime era, where women balanced glamour with practicality. The rest of the hair is left in soft waves cascading down the shoulders. Pairing this look with a red lip and vintage attire elevates its authenticity. Use hot rollers or curling irons to create the waves and backcombing for volume.
2. Poodle Hairstyle with Flowers
This Poodle Hairstyle features tightly curled bangs that resemble a fluffy “poodle” style, typical of the late 1940s. The top curls are arranged in a structured fashion, while the rest of the hair remains voluminous.
A floral accessory pinned near the crown gives this style a feminine touch. To recreate this, the hair is tightly curled with rollers or a curling iron and styled upwards into curls around the face. It’s ideal for those seeking a fun yet glamorous 1940s vintage vibe. Adding flowers is a classic way to enhance the charm of this look.
3. 1940s Beret Hairstyle
The Beret Hairstyle combines waves and sleek elegance. Hair is softly waved and pinned to one side, with the addition of a beret or hat, which was a typical 1940s accessory. The hat is placed slightly off-center for a stylish, casual flair.
The waves are created using hot rollers or curling irons, then brushed out for smooth, structured waves. This look is perfect for a day out or formal events. The use of accessories, such as gloves and berets, elevates the style and adds a touch of French vintage allure.
4. Classic 1940s Half-Up Hairstyle
This half-up hairstyle is a vintage favorite that blends structure with soft glamour. The top section of hair is pulled back into subtle twists or rolls, while the remaining hair is styled into waves. The hair is pinned at the back with subtle volume, giving the look a balanced, polished appearance.
Often paired with bold accessories like cat-eye sunglasses and gloves, this look was popular in both casual and formal settings. The structured top section contrasts with the flowing waves, offering a balance of sophistication and playfulness.
5. Pompadour Victory Rolls
This Pompadour Victory Rolls style features a voluminous pompadour at the crown, paired with sleek waves. The front section is teased and backcombed to create height, then rolled into a bold pompadour.
The sides are slicked back, allowing the back of the hair to flow into soft, controlled waves. To achieve this look, use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the volume intact while the waves fall naturally. This style is perfect for formal events and brings a touch of bold vintage glamour to any look.
6. Curled Chignon with Decorative Hat
The Curled Chignon is a sophisticated updo, where tightly coiled curls form a low chignon at the nape of the neck. This style often includes a decorative hat or fascinator, typical of 1940s formal wear.
To recreate this style, set the hair in tight curls using curling irons or hot rollers, then pin the curls back to form the chignon. The hat adds an elegant touch, making this hairstyle ideal for vintage-themed parties or formal events. This look combines structured curls with a refined silhouette.
7. Sleek Rolls and Curls
This Sleek Rolls and Curls hairstyle is a quintessential 1940s look that blends sleek, rolled hair with tight curls at the back. The front sections are rolled smoothly to create volume, while the back is filled with structured curls.
This hairstyle is ideal for those who prefer a neat, vintage look with a touch of softness from the curls. To achieve this, set the curls with rollers and use a comb to smooth and roll the front sections. Finish with a ribbon or bow for an authentic 1940s touch.
8. Scarf-Wrapped Updo
The Scarf-Wrapped Updo is a practical yet stylish 1940s hairstyle, where the hair is neatly tied back and wrapped with a decorative scarf. This look was popular during wartime for its ease and functionality, while still offering a polished finish.
The hair is either twisted into a bun or styled into curls, then a scarf is wrapped around the head, leaving the ends tucked underneath. This style works well for casual outings and can be dressed up with accessories like pins or brooches for a more refined appearance.
9. Rolled Bangs with Headscarf
This Rolled Bangs with Headscarf hairstyle is a playful and practical 1940s look. The bangs are rolled into a voluminous, structured roll at the front, while the rest of the hair is loosely curled and held back with a bright, colorful headscarf.
This look was a popular wartime hairstyle, offering both fashion and function. To recreate it, roll the front section of the hair using hot rollers or a curling iron, and secure with pins. Tie the scarf around the crown to keep the rest of the curls in place, making it a versatile vintage look.
10. Sleek Low Roll Chignon
The Sleek Low Roll Chignon is an elegant and refined updo, where the hair is rolled into a large chignon at the nape of the neck. The hair is parted smoothly at the sides and pulled back into a sleek roll.
This style gives a polished, sophisticated 1940s vibe, perfect for formal events. To achieve this look, use hair rollers to create volume, then twist the hair back into a low, neat roll. This chignon exudes classic glamour, making it ideal for women looking to channel the refined elegance of the era.
11. Victory Rolls with Floral Accessory
This Victory Rolls with Floral Accessory combines two rolled sections at the crown with soft, loose waves for a romantic 1940s style. The addition of a bold flower clip enhances the vintage charm.
To achieve this look, separate the top portion of the hair, backcomb it for volume, and roll it into two large sections, securing with pins. Let the rest of the hair flow in loose waves and finish the look with a bold floral accessory to add that classic touch. This is an ideal hairstyle for those who want a balance of glamour and femininity.
12. Classic Finger Waves
The Classic Finger Waves hairstyle is one of the most iconic and structured looks of the 1940s. Hair is styled into smooth, defined S-shaped waves, often framing the face in a sophisticated, polished manner.
To recreate this style, wet the hair and use a fine-tooth comb to mold the waves, securing them in place with clips while the hair dries. This look reflects the artistry of hairstyling during the era and is perfect for formal occasions, adding a timeless and elegant flair.
13. Curled Updo with Floral Accents
This Curled Updo with Floral Accents exudes classic 1940s glamour. The front section features tightly curled bangs, while the sides are rolled into neat, voluminous curls pinned at the back. The standout feature is the bold floral accents placed at the sides, which elevate the style, making it ideal for formal occasions or glamorous events.
To achieve this look, use pin curls to shape the top, and curl the sides with rollers before pinning them up. Add vibrant flowers for an authentic 1940s feel, perfect for weddings or vintage-themed parties.
14. Soft Hollywood Waves
The Soft Hollywood Waves hairstyle is a timeless 1940s look that radiates elegance and sophistication. Large, defined waves frame the face and flow smoothly down the shoulders. This look is achieved using hot rollers or a curling iron, then brushing the curls out into structured, polished waves.
It was a signature look for Hollywood stars of the era and remains a popular choice for formal events today. The waves give a sultry, refined appearance, perfect for evening glamour or special occasions.
15. Finger Waves with Feathered Headpiece
This Finger Waves with Feathered Headpiece is a striking 1940s-inspired look that combines soft, structured waves with a decorative feather accessory. Finger waves, made by shaping damp hair into S-curves and setting them in place, are an iconic element of vintage glamour.
The feathered headpiece adds a touch of drama, making this hairstyle perfect for formal events or vintage-themed parties. To achieve the look, use a fine-tooth comb and setting lotion to create smooth finger waves, and finish with a bold accessory for added flair.
16. Short Vintage Waves
The Short Vintage Waves hairstyle is a polished and understated 1940s look. The hair is styled into soft, structured waves that curve around the head, offering a simple yet elegant appearance. This look is ideal for shorter hair lengths and gives off a sophisticated, vintage charm.
Use a curling iron or rollers to create these waves, and gently brush them out for a smooth, polished finish. This hairstyle is perfect for both everyday wear and formal events, as it adds a touch of vintage elegance with minimal effort.
17. Short Blunt Fringe with Waves
This Short Blunt Fringe with Waves hairstyle brings a bold, structured look typical of the 1940s. The short, sharply cut fringe frames the face while the rest of the hair falls into soft, voluminous waves.
This style balances edginess with elegance, as the waves add a touch of softness to the otherwise strong fringe. To achieve this look, use a flat iron to smooth the fringe and hot rollers for the waves, gently brushing them out to maintain shape. This style is ideal for a vintage-inspired statement look.
18. Glamorous Pin Curl Waves
The Glamorous Pin Curl Waves style was a signature look for women in the 1940s. This hairstyle features small, structured pin curls at the top, gradually transitioning into soft waves at the bottom. To recreate this vintage look, section the hair and set it in pin curls overnight, then brush out the curls to create smooth waves.
Add a bit of volume at the crown using backcombing techniques for an authentic finish. This style is perfect for both formal events and a night out, exuding a sophisticated, old-Hollywood vibe.
19. Curled Bob with Floral Accents
This Curled Bob with Floral Accents is a playful yet elegant 1940s hairstyle. The hair is styled into a short, voluminous bob with neatly defined curls. The floral accessories add a feminine and lively touch, making this look perfect for garden parties or summer events.
To achieve this look, use small curling irons to create tight curls, then fluff them out for extra volume. The addition of bold flowers adds charm, making this a versatile yet classic 1940s hairstyle.
20. Classic Side-Parted Waves
The Classic Side-Parted Waves style is a quintessential 1940s hairstyle that showcases polished waves with a deep side part. The hair is styled into structured S-shaped waves that flow smoothly down the sides, exuding elegance and glamour.
To recreate this style, use hot rollers to set the hair, followed by a fine-tooth comb to shape the waves into smooth curves. This look is perfect for formal occasions or retro-themed events, giving off a timeless, sophisticated vibe.
21. Vintage Pompadour with Low Bun
This Vintage Pompadour with Low Bun is a classic 1940s updo that combines height and elegance. The front section of hair is rolled into a voluminous pompadour, while the back is styled into a low, neat bun.
This style adds a touch of drama and sophistication, making it perfect for both formal and casual occasions. To achieve this, backcomb the front section to create volume before rolling it back, and pin the rest of the hair into a sleek low bun. It is a timeless look, embodying vintage glamour with minimal effort.
22. Victory Rolls with Headband
The Victory Rolls with Headband is a signature 1940s hairstyle that combines structured rolls with a touch of flair. The front section is styled into two large victory rolls, while the rest of the hair is left in soft waves.
A bright headband adds a playful, casual touch, making this style versatile for both day and night. To recreate this, section the front hair, backcomb for volume, and roll it into victory rolls, securing with pins. The waves are created using rollers, and the headband completes the look, perfect for a fun vintage vibe.
23. Classic Hollywood Curls with Tiara
The Classic Hollywood Curls with Tiara exudes royal elegance and sophistication, inspired by the glamorous stars of the 1940s. This hairstyle features large, structured curls framing the face, with a tiara adding a regal touch.
To achieve this style, use hot rollers to create voluminous curls and gently brush them out to form smooth waves. The addition of a tiara makes this look ideal for formal events or vintage-themed occasions. This style is perfect for those wanting to channel the old Hollywood charm with a touch of royalty.
