Thread: Burlesque/Pin Up/1920's/1940's hair and makeup

There's been such a huge revival in Burlesque recently, and I've seen it sneak into the bellydance world, mainly in the fusion community. I love the makeup of old hollywood, crazy about the pin up/burlesquey hair (Fulya in the UK always has incredible burlesquey hair) and the elegant 20's hair styles and head pieces. I wish I could dress up with amazingly interesting burlesque hair and hollywood glamour everyday, but seeing as I ten to live in my boy jeans I dont think that is going to happen.

I've been playing around over christmas with curls and cleverly pinned rolls in my hair, and I was looking to find out more. Does anyone know any good resources on pin uppy hair or 20's hair and makeup that I could take inspiration from? I am trying to appropriate inspiration into my dance hairdos, crazy backcombing is only going to get me so far.

Tempest aka Rosehips here on Bhuz might be able to help you out. If you google Tempest bellydancer you'll get many pictures of her. She is gorgeous and a wonderful dancer!

There are tons of tutorials about vintage hair and makeup on youtube, I would start your search there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNteXc1D_pc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQAz5...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2DRyhDLFwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxQid...eature=related

I'd just like to point out that the 40s and the 20s had really *quite* different hairstyles and makeup styles. I'd suggest first of all determining which of the periods you want to emulate.

Ooh, a fellow Fulya fan! I love her blend of cheeky burlesque and classy bellydance.

You might find it helpful to check out some of the burlesque forums and messageboards for vintage styling ideas. www.ministryofburlesque.com and w.thebwi.co.uk/ are both quite active and very helpful.

I have ordered hat making books from this vendor, but I noticed she has quite a few hair styling books as well.
http://stores.ebay.com/Dakota-Prairi...=p4634.c0.m322

@Zum- no kidding! You should have see us trying to figure out costuming for our Andrews Sisters tribute band! Just like now, fashions changed at the drop of a hat!

Anything useful here? http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/pro...s-step-by-step

I read a very interesting book about 40s hairstyles recently. It emphasized that the "U-shaped" haircut is essential to most 40s looks.
On Amazon: 1940s Hairstyles

No matter what length, it says, the hair is shorter at the sides and graduated to longer in back, and often curled under in a "pageboy" style or pincurl-ruffled around the edges. The 40s hair does not break at the shoulders usually--it skims above the shoulders.

If you don't want a U-shaped cut, you can roll up the sides or front of the hair to get it out of the way, thus a 40s look.

This is the opposite of 20s or 60s styles, which are usually longer at the sides.

Originally Posted by dinalydia

I read a very interesting book about 40s hairstyles recently. It emphasized that the "U-shaped" haircut is essential to most 40s looks.
On Amazon: 1940s Hairstyles

That may be the book I got from the library when I was going to attend a Film Noir party... I ended up going with a wig as I could see I didn't have either the hair or the talent to recreate one of those elaborate styles. My mom even tried to give me a tutorial on using a "rat"!

For hair and makeup styles please visit i recommended this: Pin Up style, Rockabilly Fashion and Pin Up Dress Shops.

Try pin up lifestyle or pinup culture.


I agree each decade had variations so do some research on your favorites especially noting the difference between post during and pre-war eras.... Little details will make the look really polished.

Lots of images not all safe for work though so be careful!

I love the resurrection of pin up/burlesque in main stream- makes it easier to find more clothing and inspiration. I have been a huge fan and am now at a point in life to start incorporating it into my daily style... Couldn't be more thrilled!