What 1930 and 40’s Star Wore Wigs?

The 1930s and 1940s marked the Golden Age of Hollywood, characterized by glamour, sophistication and iconic hairstyles. Many of the stars of this period relied on wigs to create their iconic looks, contributing greatly to the visual aesthetic of the time. This blog looks at which celebrities wore wigs, the reasons behind their popularity and the lasting impact of this trend.

1. Why do celebrities wear wigs?

Wigs are more than just a fashion statement. They are a must-have tool for hairstylists, designed to create sophisticated hairstyles that can withstand intense lighting and long hours of movie-making. The use of wigs maintains consistency in appearance, allowing stars to maintain their signature look throughout different roles and filming schedules. This practice helps cement the connection between Hollywood glamor and the legendary characters portrayed on screen.

2. Which famous 1930s and 1940s stars wear wigs?

Actresses

Mae West

Known for her sexy image, West often wore a wig to maintain her striking platinum blonde hair. This allowed her to embody the Hollywood beauty ideal without frequent coloring or heat styling.

Jean Harlow

Another platinum blonde icon, Harlow's wigs became synonymous with her glamorous image and enhanced her on-screen appeal.

Bette Davis

A versatile actress known for her dramatic roles, Davis utilized wigs to easily switch between roles, maintaining a consistent look that matched her different performances.

Vivien Leigh

Known for her role in Gone with the Wind, Vivien Leigh's use of wigs helped her portray unique characters in different styles.

Actor

Clark Gable

While Gable is often remembered for his rugged good looks, he also wore a wig in certain movies to achieve an elegant appearance befitting his leading man status.

Robert Taylor

Although he sometimes designed his own hairstyles, Taylor occasionally used wigs for specific roles that required a more elaborate look.

3. What were the iconic wig styles worn by stars in the 1930s and 1940s?

The 1930s and 1940s were key decades in Hollywood, known for its glamorous stars and iconic hairstyles. Many of the celebrities of this era relied on wigs for their iconic looks, which not only enhanced their beauty but also allowed for more diverse characterization. Here are some of the most iconic wig styles from this glamorous period.

1 Finger Waves

Finger waves were an icon of 1930s hairstyles, characterized by soft S-shaped waves that framed the face. The style was popular among actresses such as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, who often wore wigs to maintain the perfect look during long photo shoots. Elegant finger waves added a touch of sophistication to their screen presence.

2 Stylish Bob

Often associated with stars like Louise Brooks, stylish bobs are characterized by defined lines and precise cuts that are difficult to achieve with natural hair. Wigs make it easier for the actress to consistently maintain this chic style.

3 Platinum Blonde Waves

Stars like Jean Harlow and Mae West have become synonymous with platinum blonde hair. Wigs allowed them to have these striking hairstyles without the damage that frequent coloring could cause. Their bold hair colors made a lasting impression in black and white movies, enhancing their glamorous image.

4 Long Curly Hair

While short hair is popular, many celebrities opted for long curly hair. Actresses such as Ginger Rogers showed off long curls that hung gracefully down her back, often achieved through wigs that provided volume and length without letting natural hair grow out.

5 Victory Curls

The 1940s saw the introduction of more complex hairstyles, such as the victory roll, which required a great deal of volume and styling precision. Wigs were vital for achieving these complex looks quickly, especially during wartime when women were trying to embody patriotism and femininity.

6 Peek-a-boo styles

Actresses such as Veronica Lake showcased hide-and-seek hairstyles, characterized by long, cascading waves that covered the face on one side. Wigs facilitated this dramatic look, allowing for easy transitions between roles while maintaining a consistent look.

4. How did the use of wigs influence fashion trends in the 1930s and 1940s?

The use of wigs in the 1930s and 1940s greatly influenced fashion trends, shaping not only the hair styles of the era, but also broader cultural notions of beauty and glamor. This period marked a shift from the boyish short cuts of the 1920s to more feminine and sophisticated styles.

Following the more androgynous styles of the 1920s, the 1930s saw the adoption of longer, softer haircuts that emphasized femininity. Wigs allowed women to experiment with length and volume without having to grow their hair long. The finger wave look that became iconic during this era was often achieved through wigs, which provided the structure and shape needed to create elegant curves.

During the Great Depression and World War II, many women faced financial constraints. Wigs provided an economically viable alternative to the hassle of frequent trips to the salon for coloring, curling and styling. Instead of having to invest in expensive hair care products, women could purchase a wig that allowed them to mimic the glamorous appearance of their favorite celebrities such as Jean Harlow and Mae West.

5. Where to buy similar wigs?

Contemporary celebrities also continue to influence wig design. The glamor of vintage hairstyles has revived interest in classic looks, prompting wig manufacturers to create designs that pay homage to these iconic styles while incorporating modern materials and techniques. The klaiyihair store, for example, continues to improve new processes to offer customers different styles, allowing the quick wear and comfort of wigs to spread around the world.

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2 Blonde Wig

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3 Bob Wig

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Summary

The hairstyles of the 1930s and 1940s have had a profound impact on modern wig design. From the revival of finger waves and victory rolls to the emphasis on versatility and ease of use, these classic styles continue to shape contemporary fashion. As modern wigs evolve, they stay connected to the glamor of Hollywood's golden age, allowing people today to embrace the elegance of the past while expressing their own style.