Pin Up Hair Updos: A Guide to Vintage Glamour

Pin up hair updos have been a staple of vintage fashion for decades, adding a touch of glamour and femininity to any outfit. Whether you're attending a special event, channeling your inner retro starlet, or simply want to add some pizzazz to your everyday look, a pin up updo is the perfect choice.

Understanding the Pin Up Era

The pin up era, which spanned from the 1940s to the 1960s, was a time when women embraced their femininity and celebrated their curves. Pin up girls, such as Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, and Rita Hayworth, became cultural icons, inspiring women to adopt a more playful and seductive style.

Pin up hair updos played an integral role in creating the signature look of the era. These elaborate coiffures were often characterized by their volume, height, and exaggerated curls. They added drama and glamour to any outfit, making women feel confident and alluring.

Types of Pin Up Hair Updos

There are countless variations of pin up hair updos, each with its own unique style and character. Some of the most popular types include:

• Victory Rolls: These iconic rolls were a symbol of female empowerment during World War II. They are created by rolling sections of hair into cylinders and pinning them into place.
• Gibson Roll: This elegant updo is named after renowned hairstylist Sydney Guilaroff. It is characterized by a sleek, rolled bun that sits at the nape of the neck.
• French Roll: This classic updo is similar to the Gibson roll, but it is rolled from the front of the head to the back. It creates a more voluminous and dramatic effect.
• Pouf: A pouf is a large, fluffy updo that adds height and volume to the hair. It is often used in combination with other updos, such as victory rolls or Gibson rolls.
• Beehive: The beehive, a symbol of the 1960s, is a towering updo that resembles a honeycomb. It is created by teasing the hair and shaping it into a rounded cone.

How to Create a Pin Up Hair Updo

Creating a pin up hair updo requires patience, practice, and the right tools. Here are some helpful steps:

1. Prepare Your Hair: Start with freshly washed and blow-dried hair. Apply a styling product, such as mousse or hairspray, to add volume and hold.
2. Divide Your Hair: Section off the top and back portions of your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently tease the roots for extra volume.
3. Create the Rolls: For victory rolls or Gibson rolls, roll sections of hair into cylinders and secure them with bobby pins. For French rolls, start from the front of the head and roll the hair back into a bun.
4. Form the Pouf: If desired, create a pouf by teasing the top section of hair and pinning it into a bun. Use a hairpiece or fake hair extensions for extra volume.
5. Assemble the Updo: Secure the rolls, pouf, and bun together using bobby pins. Use hairspray to smooth flyaways and hold the updo in place.

Pin Up Hair Updo Gallery

For inspiration, explore our gallery of stunning pin up hair updos:

[Image Gallery of Pin Up Hair Updos]

Tools and Products for Pin Up Hair Updos

To achieve a flawless pin up hair updo, you will need the following tools and products:

• Bobby Pins: Use large, sturdy bobby pins to secure your updo.
• Teasing Brush: A teasing brush or comb will add volume to your hair and create the foundation for your updo.
• Hairspray: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep your updo in place.
• Styling Gel: A styling gel can help smooth flyaways and prevent frizz.
• Hairpiece or Extensions: Hairpieces or extensions can add extra volume and length to your updo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating a pin up hair updo, it is important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Using too much teasing: Over-teasing can damage your hair and make it look dry and brittle.
• Not using enough hairspray: Hairspray is essential for holding your updo in place. Use a strong-hold spray and apply it liberally.
• Pinning your hair too tightly: Pinning your hair too tightly can cause discomfort and damage your scalp.
• Leaving out flyaways: Flyaways can make your updo look messy. Use a styling gel or hairspray to smooth them down.
• Not practicing: Practice makes perfect! Don't try to create a pin up hair updo for the first time on a special occasion.

Pros and Cons of Pin Up Hair Updos

Pros:

• Glamorous and feminine
• Adds volume and height to the hair
• Can be customized to suit any face shape or hair type
• Perfect for special occasions and everyday wear

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming to create
• Requires practice and skill
• May require hairpieces or extensions for extra volume
• Can be uncomfortable if pinned too tightly

FAQs about Pin Up Hair Updos

Q: What is the most popular type of pin up hair updo?
A: Victory rolls are the most iconic pin up hair updo, symbolizing female empowerment during World War II.

Q: Can I create a pin up hair updo on short hair?
A: Yes, you can create pin up hair updos on short hair. However, you may need to use hairpieces or extensions to add volume and length.

Q: How long does it take to create a pin up hair updo?
A: The time it takes to create a pin up hair updo will vary depending on the complexity of the style and your skill level. Allow yourself plenty of time before a special occasion.

Q: How do I prevent my pin up hair updo from falling apart?
A: Use strong-hold hairspray and bobby pins to secure your updo. Pin your hair tightly, but not too tightly to avoid discomfort.

Q: Can I wear a pin up hair updo with any outfit?
A: Pin up hair updos are versatile and can be paired with a variety of outfits. They are especially suitable for vintage-inspired or glamorous looks.

Q: How do I remove a pin up hair updo without damaging my hair?
A: Gently remove bobby pins and brush out your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Do not pull or tug on your hair.

Stories and Lessons Learned

• The Victory Roll's Empowerment: During World War II, women who worked in factories adopted victory rolls to symbolize their strength and determination. This hairstyle became a symbol of female empowerment and a way for women to show their support for the war effort.
• Marilyn Monroe's Glamour: Marilyn Monroe's signature blonde beehive updo became an iconic symbol of Hollywood glamour. It helped create her bombshell image and inspired women around the world to embrace their femininity.
• Bettie Page's Pin-Up Power: Bettie Page, a renowned pin up model, was known for her playful and seductive poses. Her elaborate pin up hair updos, often featuring victory rolls or poufs, helped her become one of the most recognizable pin up icons of all time.

These stories demonstrate the power of pin up hair updos to transform a woman's appearance and confidence. They have been used to express strength, glamour, and femininity for decades, and continue to inspire women today.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a wide-toothed comb or teasing brush to add volume to your hair without damaging it.
• Apply styling products, such as mousse or gel, to your hair before teasing to help hold the volume.
• Use different sizes and colors of bobby pins to secure your updo. This will help to create a more secure and visually appealing look.
• Be patient when creating your updo. It may take some practice to achieve the desired results.
• Experiment with different types of pin up hair updos to find the style that best suits your face shape and hair type.
• Have fun with your pin up updo! It's a great way to express your creativity and embrace your vintage side.

Tables

Table 1: Pin Up Hair Updo Time Estimates

Table 2: Pin Up Hair Updo Difficulty Levels

Table 3: Pin Up Hair Updo Hair Types

Conclusion

Pin up hair updos are a timeless and versatile way to add glamour and femininity to any look. With practice and the