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Throughout generations, men’s hairstyle has been going through many changes. One of the most iconic eras in men’s hairstyling is the 1930s, characterized by short and stylish cuts that remain widely popular today.
From the iconic combover to the finger wave, 1930s hairstyles were considered fashionable for those aiming for a statement about their style and identity.
In this retrospective look at 1930s mens hairstyles, we will explore the classic styles of this decade and how to achieve these vintage looks. Fancy channeling your inner oldies? Read on!
Popular 1930s Mens Hairstyles
From boyish style to hairstyles worn by many celebrities, here is a list of fabulous popular hairstyles for men of the 1930s for your inspiration!
Boyish Hairstyle
Interested in giving a 1930s men’s hairstyle a try? Start with this boyish hairstyle. With its slightly messy cut with texture on the top part, this style will give off youthful vibes and bring out your inner boyish charm.
To pull off the youthful completely, get rid of your facial hair, or leave some stubble if you insist. Finally, complete the look with a cool polo shirt and some pants for an attractive and stylish look.
John Wayne Haircut
Hollywood legendary actor, John Wayne, had influenced many people back in the day with his neat, stylish short hairstyle. You can adopt this timeless hairstyle by cutting your hair slightly longer on top, then slick it backward or comb it over with some hair gel or pomade. You can pair it with shorter sides for a sharp and edgy look.
This style is perfect if you want to make a dashing, manly first impression on the public.
Fred Astaire Hairstyle
Despite being known for his superb dance skill, the infamous American dancer, Fred Astaire, is also known for his iconic combover hairstyle. Give this look a try if you want something sleek and short. Keep the length at the temples trimmed while adding some volume in the middle. Then finish off with some wax and a comb to keep it all in place.
This hairstyle will make you come off as a mature gentleman and is most suitable to wear for formal occasions.
Tom Hardy Classic Haircut
Tom Hardy’s classic haircut was first seen in the American crime drama film Lawless, where he starred in the lead role. The hairstyle is short, with abruptly shaved sides and a combover, creating a hint of a soft part. Then he applied some hair styling products to keep it in place and add shine throughout the day.
What makes him look more fabulous is the connected stubble. You can adopt this Tom Hardy haircut quickly or even add more twists to it. For instance, opt for a low fade or a high fade instead.
1930s Slick Back Hairstyles
The long, slicked-back look, which was the perfect example of popular style in the 1910s and 1920s, gradually lost popularity in the 1930s. To stay up with the times, younger men adopted a modified version of this style.
Instead of wearing long-length hair, the young men opt for short hair and slick it back at an angle, creating longer sides and a center or side part. At the same time, people started using less oil to style their hair, allowing for more lift and volume instead of the flattened-down look.
1930s Wavy Hairstyle
If you have wavy hair, the 1930s wavy hairstyle is one of the best options for styling; it’s a way to turn heads and make a bold statement while also helping camouflage a receding hairline. This style will instantly turn you into a heartthrob with its flowy charm and laid-back vibes.
Side Part and Wave (Classic Cut) Hairstyles
1930s hairstyles are such a retro option. Get a retro look that’s timeless and stylish with this classic 1930 side part and wave haircut. Featuring a hard part and shorter, tapered sides with a slight wave on top, this hairdo is sure to make a statement. All in all, this haircut adds extra flair and charm to your overall look in an instant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did men’s hairstyles evolve during the 1930s?
In the 1930s, men’s hairstyles began to transition from the slicked-back look of the 1920s to a more relaxed, natural look, such as the finger wave, signature parting, and sideburns. Men also began to keep their hair shorter than in previous decades.
What were the common hair grooming techniques used in the 1930s for men?
Common hair grooming techniques for men in the 1930s include finger waving, cutting hair short, signature parting, and sideburns.
How did the fashion and culture of the 1930s influence men’s hairstyles?
The fashion and culture of the 1930s heavily influenced men’s hairstyles, with a shift away from the slicked-back look of the 1920s.
During this decade, men adopted a more relaxed and natural style, incorporating finger waves and shorter haircuts. Signature partings, such as side parts or combovers, became popular, as did short to medium-length sideburns for a more casual look yet still polished.
All these styles reflected a changing attitude towards grooming where men were embracing creativity and taking pride in their appearance.
What are some examples of iconic men’s hairstyles from the 1930s, and who wore them?
Some iconic men’s hairstyles from the 1930s include the finger wave worn by Rudolph Valentino, short cut with sideburns sported by James Dean and Elvis Presley, medium cut with parting popularized by Humphrey Bogart, and long hair worn by Robert Redford.
Conclusion
All in all, the 1930s were a decade of profound change all around the world, including the hairstyles of men. With new styles being developed and gaining popularity at a rapid pace, 1930s mens hairstyles have their own characteristics.
In retrospect, we can see that these hairstyles reflected the changing times and helped men to express their individuality. While some of these styles may not be fashionable today, they still hold an important place in history. So, are you interested in adopting one of these styles?
