REAL Exclusive Magazine

Vintage Hair

(Part 1)

By Sheila Venancia

1920’s
The 1920s was a decade defined by social and cultural rebellion. From the bootleggers who smuggled moonshine across state lines, to the women’s suffrage movement that helped to secure the right to vote. Some of us can only think and try to reflect of what things must have been like in the 1920’s.

One of the most observable changes taking place in American society in the 20’s was the evolution of women’s hairstyles. Ladies were saying goodbye to their long Victorian locks and welcoming much shorter hairdos. The ladies of this era began wearing the lovely page boy look that curled gracefully under and gained influence for its femininity and loved by men the world over. From there, the styles evolved into pursuing a more plucky style and many women stormed the salons for the simple straight looking bob. However, the mass appeal of this trend wasn’t accepted by many salons, so barbers became the go-to for 1920’s hairdressing.

After this daring era of women taking their dauntless stand of clipper cutting most of their hair off, they decided once again that they wanted to exhibit more softness in their hair and began growing their hair in willowy waves as stylists put their clippers on the shelf to gather dust.

1930’s
In the beginning of the 1930’s women tired of fighting against their female forms and decided they no longer desired to look boyish. Around 1932 the styles began to soften a little bit more; as a play in the waves arrived and a little bit of volume appeared on the scene.

Curls were becoming more popular as ladies would wrap small portions of their hair tightly around their finger and secure it with a pin. Some styles were parted in the middle and pulled back and up on the sides with a roll formed, while the back was rolled under or knit together in tight sausage cluster type curls. In the latter part of the 1930’s the hair was sometimes pulled back into one roll while the back was either turned up or under. Sometimes the addition of a braid would be worn to give the appearance of a lovely band dividing two sets of waves with the bunch of curls found on the bottom.

Another new trend began in the 1930’s, which continues to this day. When the ladies went to the salons they started to be serviced with “hair color” as Hollywood dared to once again set the trend.

1940’s
When we take a look back at past red carpet seasons, no other decade has influenced celebrity hair and makeup quite like the 1940’s. Sexy vintage waves, bright red lips and long lashes were all the rage in Hollywood and soon caught on around America.

The hair styles of the 1940’s consisted of a general shape: sculpted and voluminous waves offset by a side-part. Victory rolls were a trendy addition at the end of “the war to end all wars” that allowed women to pin up the front of their strands, show off their facial features and maintain length in the back. Everything from pipe cleaners to old pantyhose were used to create these 40’s hairdos. However, hot rollers have made it much easier to get vintage waves today.

So, how many of these hair styles have you tried? None? Don’t worry, they may yet come back again…….with a modern twist of course!

Photo: Model Yasmin Maia, Hair by Sheila Venancia

Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com.

Sheila Venancia – International Hair Stylist
Facebook Page – Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist

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