1930s Hairstyles: 22 Versatile Ideas
1930s hair favored close waves, neat sets, and compact shapes.
- Finger waves, Marcel-style waves, and short brushed sets define many 1930s looks, especially around bob and shoulder lengths.
- Compared with looser modern curls, the period shapes sit closer to the head and rely on a deliberate wave pattern.
- Wet-setting, clips, setting lotion, and careful brushing help create the smooth ridges and controlled ends associated with the decade.
Finger-Wave Bob
The short bob is shaped into close finger waves with the ridges sitting neatly against the head. Work the wave pattern while damp, then let it dry fully before brushing or disturbing the set.
Soft Marcel Waves
Soft Marcel-style waves form broad, glossy bends through the short length rather than separate curls. A deep side part helps the pattern travel cleanly across the forehead and into the sides.
Sculpted Side Waves
Sculpted side waves stay close to the head and create a controlled 1930s silhouette. The pattern looks most convincing when each ridge flows into the next instead of breaking into loose ringlets.
Curled Short Bob
The curled short bob keeps volume low and rounded around the ears and jaw. Brushing a set together into larger sections gives the ends that compact, period-appropriate shape.
Finger-Wave Side Part
A deep side part directs the finger waves across the forehead and into the shorter side section. Setting lotion and clips are useful for keeping the ridges clean while the hair dries.
How to get it: Shape finger-wave ridges while the hair is damp and clipped in place.
Rolled Updo
The rolled updo keeps the hair tucked close to the head with smooth front sections and controlled volume at the back. Build it from a set so the rolled pieces hold their curve.
Ribbon Half-Up Curls
A ribbon lifts the front section while the rest of the hair falls in soft set curls. The accessory works because the curl pattern underneath is already controlled and symmetrical.
Flower-Pinned Curls
A flower sits into the side of a compact curl set, adding decoration without changing the basic 1930s shape. Pin the curls first, then add the flower so it does not carry structural weight.
Sleek 1930s Bob
The sleek bob stays close to the jaw with the ends curved under and very little lift at the crown. A smooth side part keeps the outline simple and true to the decade.
Deep S-Wave Bob
Deep S-shaped waves travel across the short bob in broad, continuous ridges. Set the pattern in one direction at a time so the finished wave does not break into separate curls.
Holds better with: Let the set dry completely before brushing the curls into larger waves.
Beret With Finger Waves
The beret reveals just enough finger-wave detail around the forehead and temple to keep the period styling visible. Place the hat only after the front ridges are completely set.
Side-Swept Set Curls
Side-swept curls are brushed into a compact pattern that sits close to the cheek and jaw. The low volume is what keeps the look 1930s rather than turning into a later, fuller vintage set.
Hat With Sculpted Curls
The small hat sits above carefully sculpted curls around the face, so the accessory and hairstyle read as one design. Keep the visible wave line smooth where it meets the hat edge.
Rolled Low Bun
A rolled low bun keeps the back compact while the short front fringe adds a distinctive period detail. Smooth the sides tightly before pinning so the bun stays the only area with volume.
Beret Wave Set
A beret finishes the wave set while the visible front section stays neat and controlled. The hairstyle should be complete before the accessory goes on, otherwise the hat can flatten the pattern.
Style note: Finish the wave set before adding a hat or beret so the front stays sculpted.
Braided Low Updo
The braided low updo gathers the hair close to the nape and keeps the sides sleek. This compact construction suits the decade’s preference for controlled shapes rather than loose, textured buns.
Side-Part Soft Waves
Soft side-part waves create a gentler 1930s look, with broad bends instead of strong ridges. Brush the curl set together until the ends move as one continuous section.
Short Set Waves
Short set waves keep the hair close around the ears and jaw, making the silhouette neat and practical. A firm setting lotion will help the pattern survive brushing without falling flat.
Sculpted Bob Curls
Sculpted bob curls are arranged in a compact series around the sides, creating volume without making the hair wide. Consistent curl direction helps the finished set look deliberate.
Sleek Side-Part Bob
The sleek side-part bob uses a smooth surface and tucked ends rather than obvious curls. This is a quieter 1930s option that still relies on a precise part and controlled outline.
At home tip: A fine-tooth comb helps keep the side part and surface clean during setting.
Hat With Tucked Curls
The hat covers most of the crown while tucked curls remain visible around the cheeks and nape. Keep those exposed sections neatly set so the hairstyle still looks finished once the hat is on.
Soft Pageboy Waves
Soft pageboy waves curve toward the face and under at the ends, giving the short cut a rounded 1930s silhouette. A brush-out rather than finger separation creates the smoothest finish.