The Best 1930s Hairstyles: From Waves to Curls

Joanna Elizabeth

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Updated September 19, 2024

1930s hairstyles
Be inspired by these 1930s hairstyles.

Looking back, 1930s hairstyles can be defined by one major trend: waves. With a softer look than the sleek bob and tight ringlets of the 1920s, women began wearing their hair in more feminine styles, with parts sweeping to the side or down the middle.

At the beginning of the decade, short hair reigned for men’s and women’s hairstyles. Popular 1930s hairstyles include finger waves, pin curls, and Marcel waves.

1930s Hairstyles

Marlene Dietrich 1930s Hairstyles
Marlene Dietrich was known for her on-screen glamour and wore a shoulder-length style. Photo Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

But as the 1930s fashion trends marched on, women started opting for longer hair. Lengths reached shoulder length, with some choosing to pin their hair underneath. Bangs also took the spotlight as women wore short fringes at the front. 

Long Waves

Vivien Leigh Long Hair 1938
Known for her long hair and dark tresses, Vivienne Leigh wore Hollywood waves. Photo Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Despite short hair being all the rage in the 1930s, long hair was also on-trend. Stars like Vivienne Leigh showed off long waves that ran down the back. But to cheat a short look, a faux bob was pinned underneath.

The look is great for formal events. In addition, women often wore hair in a ponytail or loose and commonly curled.

Platinum Blonde Curls

Jean Harlow Blonde 1930s Hairstyle
Jean Harlow was famous for her platinum blonde hair color. Photo Credit: Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

Another notable hairstyle was platinum blonde curls. Most women wore their natural hair color as dyes were not well-advanced during the 1930s.

However, blonde stars like Jean Harlow dyed their hair. In fact, Harlow is how we got the term platinum blonde with her shockingly light tresses. 

This striking, ultra-light blonde shade stood out in the black-and-white films of the era, creating a glamorous and bold statement.

Short Tight Curls

Carole Lombard Tight Curls 1930s Hairstyle
Actress Carole Lombard wore short hair with bangs. Photo Credit: Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

Short hair was quite popular in the 1930s. The bob was still a common style, and women could wear it in various ways. It could be in sculpted curls or straightened, parted down the middle or off to one side, and worn loose or pinned up.

Chic bangs could also be featured. At the time, stars like Carole Lombard were famous for their curly hair and fringe styles.

Voluminous Bob

Greta Garbo Short Hair 1930s
Greta Garbo wears a voluminous bob in a publicity image. Photo Credit: Allstar Picture Library Limited. / Alamy Stock Photo

With more body than the previous decade, the 1930s saw the rise of the voluminous bob, as shown by Greta Garbo. To get that curly and wavy look, women would place their hair in pin curls overnight so the style would stay in place.

Wearing one’s hair straight wasn’t a popular look. Taking the pins out so the curls fall, women could comb their hair out so that not all the strands were tightly curled for a looser option.

Hair Accessories

Bobby Pins

1930s Hairstyles Short Curly Bangs
A woman wears short and sleek bangs with a pinned-back hairstyle. Photo: Deposit Photos

Bobby pins became popular a decade before, but when it came to 1930s hairstyles, they were still an excellent way to keep hair in place. During this time, bobby pins were often worn independently or as part of an elaborate hairstyle.

Everyday women used vintage hair accessories and pins to adorn their hair and upgrade their overall look. Pins were also a good way to create a faux bob hairstyle.

Clips & More

Hair Clips 1931 Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Lamour wears gorgeous hair accessories to pin her hair. Photo Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Hair accessories like clips, combs, headbands, and even hats are ideal for adding glamour to vintage hairstyles. Simple metal hair clips, often embellished with rhinestones or mirrors, offer both style and utility, enabling one to secure hair back or check makeup on the go.

These accessories complement both straight styles and classic finger curls, enhancing any look with sparkle.

1930s Hairstyles Now

Katy Perry shows off a short and wavy black hairstyle evoking a bygone era. Photo: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
Katy Perry shows off a short and wavy black hairstyle evoking a bygone era. Photo: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

The wavy hairstyles of the 1930s live on today, although many women wear their hair in less defined waves than decades ago. Many of today’s modern hairstyles and haircuts are based on old-fashioned trends and styles that have just been updated and brought back into the mainstream.

Daisy Ridley wears a medium length hairstyle featuring tight curls and a romantic side part. Photo: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
Daisy Ridley wears a medium-length hairstyle featuring tight curls and a romantic side part. Photo: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Films like “The Aviator” and “Water for Elephants” also showcased curly coifs of the decade. In modern times, finger waves are often only seen at formal events and red-carpet settings.

Often, the hairdos will have a smooth, flat top with curled ends, a great look for long hair.
To achieve a modern 1930s hairstyle, create soft finger waves or pin curls using a curling iron or flat iron for quicker styling.

Taylor Swift shows off 1930s inspired pinned up waves at an event. Photo: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
Taylor Swift shows off 1930s-inspired pinned-up waves at an event. Photo: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Then, set the waves with light hairspray for hold. Finish the look with a side part, and add a sleek accessory like a jeweled barrette or hair clip for a contemporary twist on the classic style.

More Inspiration

Romantic Waves 1930s Hairstyles Comb
Romantic waves were a major part of 1930s hairstyles. Photo: Deposit Photos
Blonde Woman Brushing Hair 1930s Center Part
A blonde woman wears soft curls with a center part. Photo: Deposit Photos
Thick Curls 1930s Sun Hat
A woman wears thick curls underneath a sun hat in the 1930s. Photo: Deposit Photos
Short Fringe 1930s Wavy Hairstyle
Glamorous waves show off a short fringe as well in this 1930s hairdo. Photo: Deposit Photos
Wave 1930s Hairstyles Woman Phone
Posing with a smile, a woman wears 1930s sculpted waves. Photo: Deposit Photos

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