1930's Hair and Makeup

1930's Hair 

Greta Gabo

Hair in the 1930s was heavily inspired by America, because in Britain the beginning of the second world war limited British fashions, during this time in America the styles were heavily influenced by film-stars and cinema and this had a huge impact on fashion. During the early thirties modified forms of the shingle were worn by almost all women, methods of tapering the hair shorter at the top and leaving it longer at the neck to allow for the formation of curls led to the creation of styles known as the Cringle and the Mingle. Close deep waves and little flat pin curls were now a feature of hairdressing as regular visits to the hairdressers for perms and sets became increasingly more popular, there was also water waving which was a softer more modern version of the Marcell wave. For women who were inspired by film stars there was the long bob made famous by Greta Gabo and the platinum blonde hair of Jean Harlow. Curls were immensely popular at this time, crest curls, roll curls, coxcomb curls and also partial fringes. To the end of the period the hair was usually worn longer and had the development of the end perm so the hair could have the smooth effect with curled ends. 

1930's Makeup

1930s Makeup

After the really bold 1920's the makeup styles became a lot softer and more feminine, this was because of the depression so makeup was limited so it was much easier to embrace a more natural style. The makeup like the hair was heavily influenced by hollywood glamour and makeup became more accessible for women through brands like Max Factor and Elizabeth Arded. Eyebrows were severely plucked and it left only a thin line to frame the face, and it was now more common to use mascara on the lower lashes, eyeshadow was lighter and softer and contrasted with the dark eyelashes. Foundation was widely used for a soft ivory complexion. Lipstick was very common and the cupids bow was favoured and emphasised. This video below shows a 1937 film of Constance Bennett taking us through her typically lavish daily beauty routine, complete with her attending house maid. It was produced for the Educational Film Corporation of America by Hal Roach.

1930's Maybelline advert showing the classic makeup look of the 1930's.

Glamourdaze (2011),Vintage 1930's Makeup & Skincare Guide, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2-rthokWBE. Last accessed 2nd April 2015.

Fashion Gone Rogue. (2015). 1930s Makeup & Beauty: Inspired by Hollywood Stars.. Available: http://www.fashiongonerogue.com/1930s-makeup-beauty-trends/. Last accessed 2nd April 2015.

Corson, R (2005). Fashions in Hair the First Five Thousand Years. London: Peter Owen Publishers. 

Keyes, J (1967). A History of Women's Hairstyles 1500 - 1965. London: Methuen & Co LTD. 

Courtas, G (1973). Women's Headdress and Hairstyles in England from AD600 to the Present Day. London: The Anchor Press. dgdfhg.