| A popular dressy look for the 1940s was longer hair worn in rolls, often worn with hats, as these accessories were still an important part of evening wear.
To create this style, decide on where you want your part, and section the hair from the crown to just in front of the ears. Working from one side of the part, brush that section smooth and lightly spray with Light Hold hair spray. Starting at the ends, carefully wrap hair around fingers on a slightly elevated horizontal angle, keeping hair smooth as you work towards the scalp. When you run out of hair, pin from the back, inside of the roll using bobby pins. Repeat for the other side. When complete, the rolls should be evenly positioned on the head, with the front part of the roll slightly higher than the back.
The front part of the roll should be left open to show the curl formation without being able to see all the way through it. Spray with hair spray. You may roll the bangs under for a smooth look, or use a small-diameter curling iron for a burst of curl. If you have fine or thin hair you can enlist the aid of hair "rats" to create the illusion of more hair. Hair rats come in two distinct shapes: one is a cigar-like shape (perfect for making rolls) and the other is a donut-like shape, ideal for buns. Most rats have a sponge-like material on the inside and are covered with firm netting, which makes it easy to stick hairpins through. They come in various colors and sizes. (Check your local beauty supply store or ask your hair stylist where to purchase them. To see a picture of one style of rat from the late 1930s, click here.) Be sure to choose rats in a color close to your own hair, and cut them to the appropriate length of the size of the roll. Instead of wrapping the hair around your fingers you will be wrapping the hair around the rats. The back, or remaining hair, can be curled around the ends, smoothed under or waved with a waving iron for a very elegant look.
Tip: When wrapping hair around fingers, use index and middle fingers. You'll need to use both hands to keep an even amount of tension on the hair. Try the rats, they work really well. | |
