Vintage Hairstyles

Thursday 25 April 2013

Vintage Hairstyles

“I think that the most important thing a woman can have- next to talent, of course- is her hairdresser.” 
― Joan Crawford

I think all, or at least most, of us can agree with the above statement, right ladies?
We've all been there - looking for that elusive new hairstyle, finally finding one that fits our face and what we first envisioned it to look like, then the sense of anticipation as you head for a hairdressers...only to find either your usual hairdressers has closed down or, worst still, they've gone and hired someone who doesn't know your hair...or theirs...or anyone's hair!
Still, You're a lady and so not to be impolite, you sit down cautiously in that chair, they tie that noose like gown around your neck and begin.

Not hairstyles to emulate now are they?

You try your hardest not to judge the cut every time you glance in the mirror but cannot help it - you may not be a hairdresser but did this style really have that shape to it at all?
Common sense denotes this might not be going well.
Then, they 'finish', take that gown from round you, dust you off (all with a satisfied grin) and then they ask if you like it...
You see yourself and the end result in the mirror for the first time and wish it were the last! What have they done? This looks nothing like the photo(s) you showed them! You feel like crying but again, something in us compels us to be polite, nice and even grateful to this person who just made you look like a prepubescent boy (or something resembling a member of The Ramones, not that I don't love their music...it's just not a good look for a woman). So you say you like it, managing the best fake smile you can, part with your hard earned cash and walk out vowing never to go back there again (to yourself of course).

So now ladies, what's the solution? Needless to say - find a better hairdresser! Ask for examples of their work before letting the loose on those locks, look at reviews, ask friends and family and most importantly - trust your instincts! If you are looking for a particular vintage haircut I would advise against going to a regular hairdressers like Supercuts. However, don't get me wrong, there are hairdressers in those places and private ones that don't specialise in vintage cuts but still do a darn good job (I'm lucky enough to have a friend who is just this kind of hairdresser :D). There are tons of specialist hairdressers, pretty much wherever you live - believe me on this one as I come from a...not very enlightened town north of London and even we now have a vintage hairdresser! Look around, ask people, and keep your eyes peeled at local events and clubs.

Next on my hair hit list is those hairdressers that don't even cut your hair but manage to still mess it up - not helpful when you've gone to them in preparation for a special day like your wedding. My best tip, which again is an obvious one, is to follow that age old saying - if you want something done properly, do it yourself.

There is a plethora of resources for you to follow and learn from. These include books on the subject (like Style Me Vintage by Belinda Hay, Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques by Lauren Rennells, 1940s Hairstyles (Vintage Living) by Daniela Turudich or Style Me Vintage Look Book Step-by-Step Retro Look Book by Naomi Thompson,Katie Reynolds & Belinda Hay), websites, and - my favourite - Youtube!

Two of the people I absolutely adore on Youtube are Lisa Freemont Street and The Cherry Dollface. These women are amazing, if there's something they don't know about hair and make-up, then it's not worth knowing! They do a variety of styles from a variety of eras so there's something on there for everyone. Check them out, use their videos and advice, like them on Facebook and all the other social media sites and most importantly, thank them for doing such a wonderful and informative job! Also, check out Lisa Freemont Streets blog for more tips!

Let me know if there's anything I've missed on here, or  something you want to know and I'll do my best to either answer your queries or send you to a place that can :)