Phagans 65th Anniversary: Hairstyles of the 1940s

Popular women’s hairstyles of the 1940s featured soft curls, waves, rolled sections, and structured updos. Bobby pins were commonly used to shape curls and add height, while many styles were designed to work with the hats that were fashionable during the decade. Bangs and longer hair were often curled, rolled, or pinned to create the polished silhouettes associated with 1940s beauty.

The Phagans name has a long history in beauty education and style. To celebrate Phagans’ 65th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to look back at hairstyles that were popular when the school was getting its start.

1940s hairstyles for women were the epitome of femininity. Their round, soft edges contributed to the curvy, soft image of women at that time. To achieve the look, women used bobby pins to create curls and waves and also to pin up hair for additional height. Long hair and bangs were curled under to complete the smooth look.

Hats were all the rage during the forties, and women’s hairdos were constructed to accommodate the latest trends in haberdashery. Many styles were asymmetrical so hats could sit at a jaunty angle and frame a woman’s face.

Heart shaped faces were popular – think Vivian Leigh or Mae West. Even if you weren’t born with that face shape, you could craft your 40s hairstyle to mimic a heart. Curls dipped in the center of the forehead and swept up high over the temples forming a heart shape.

Many of these signature curls, rolls, and waves continue to inspire vintage hairstyles today.