1940s vintage hairstyles for men finally started to see some increased length, but the looks were relatively unchanged for men from the previous decades. Short hair was the favored option, with heavy amounts of oil used to keep the hairdo in place. Slicked back with parted and mustache was still the common look.
10 Men's Vintage Hairstyles from The 1940s
Slightly Quiffed
@@muells_99
1940s men would slightly quiff their hair in an effort to add some volume (now you can also make medium-length hair voluminous with hair products). The spot would only add an extra inch or so of length to the hair, but it was still something. The remainder would be short and straight, appearing unchanged from previous years.
Slicked Back
@harris_1218
Hair was still often kept slicked back in the 1940s hairstyles for men. The neat slicked style seemed sophisticated and well-liked, women-approved, so many men continued with the trend. Using a comb and some simple oil would be spread through the hair to keep it back in place.
Nearly Medium Length
@jeromesalon
Men's hairstyles length finally started to increase in the 40s. Rather than everyone in 1940s men having super short hair, then hair becomes medium length. Most hairstyles for men were still kept low and close, but some had increased length with light small wave that added some volume. It only included the top portion of the hair, not the back like gentlemen choose today.
Small Part Only
@ammarparis
One 1940s hairstyles men chose was to have a small one-side part only. Other men’s hairstyles saw a large, prominent one-side part in the hair. This neat style had only a small portion of a part visible. It was a simple change, but enough to look like a different classic vintage hairstyle altogether.
Short Curls
@dave.friday.loves.hair
Although straight hair was the look, some men had wavy strands that they could not help. They would be sure to keep their curls short and often matted down or slicked back with something like modern fade but in the past, so they did not stand out too much from the crowd. But wavy hair was rarely seen in this and previous decades.
Left Thin
@jasontstathagallery
1940s men with a natural receding hairline had no choice but to leave their hair thin. It happened more often with older men. Most of the time, there would be no hair on the forehead and only some sitting at the back of the head. Men today who have a receding hairline that is uneven can ask the barber to cut their back hairs like this so it is low maintenance.
Sleek Side Part
@harris_1218
A lot of 1940s hairstyles for men were made with slicked hair. It can be said that it is a classic 1940s hairstyle. men are not required to wear short haircuts now. Vintage hairstyles are getting a modern look and today any barber will make you slicked side long hair. and to keep your hairdo looking neat, it's best to use a comb and specialised hair products.
Short Cowlick
@jpsbarbershop_
It's a great haircut idea for gentlemen with short hair. A short cowlick is a little bit like a crew cut with fade. but it's a more modern and fashion version of this hairstyle with combed strands and a short mustache like in the photo.
Textured Pompadour
@guilherme.six
Textured pompadour is one of the low-maintenance 1940s hairstyles for men. All you need for this sexy 1940s men's hairstyle is a comb and… okay, just your hands and some styling oil. Pompadour also looks great with a beard and wavy hair (although, as mentioned above, wavy hair is not typical of 1940s men's hairstyles).
Crew Cut
@edisonchu7
A crew cut is one of the 1940s hairstyles for men that's still in fashion today. This classic 1940s hairstyle might remind you of a sexy buzz cut. But to style the example of haircut as pictured, your barber will likely suggest you use hair oil and a small comb to create a more individual hairstyle.
While the 1940s hairstyle options did not vary greatly from previous years, they did pave the way for longer and more styled hair in the following years. The slightly worn length was finally added to the previously super short hair that men had to wear during World War II. Gentlemen today can use this idea of 1940s hairstyles for inspiration to create a different fashion look for a while. Low maintenance is required for all of these looks, which is a nice change of pace and a kind of turning point in contrast to many hairstyles of today that require to maintain them.
FAQ
What were popular hairstyles for men in the 1940s?
In the 1940s, most men had one common hairstyle. Short on the sides and back, long on top. The top could be smoothed back with a pomade or a parting on one side and the hair slicked back to create a wave.
How to style hair like 1940s men?
In the early 40s, gentlemen's hair was neatly styled in a single wave and polished with oil or pomade to add shine. On top, hair was usually flat or rounded. Men's hairstyles of the late 1940s, in contrast to World War II hairstyles, featured more height and more waves. While in the early 1940s hairstyles for men were heavily polished, in the late 1940s they became looser but still required effort to style and maintain the haircut shape.
Did men in the 40s have beards?
Most men in the 1940s preferred to shave. The few who wore facial hair had mustaches. Older men who could not grow a thin mustache could wear a beard, but this was very rare. Beard was also most commonly worn by British officers, such as the Duke of Edinburgh. In most cases the beard was neat. Men who adopted "Western" culture were fans of facial vegetation. They wore both stubble and mustaches to complement their pompadour, classic trim, or other 1940s hairstyle. It was not a part of "fashion", but rather a sign of class.