The 1930s were a transformative time for men's fashion and grooming. As bold new styles took hold, men's hair also saw dramatic changes from previous decades. Classic 1930s men's hairstyles featured precise parts, waved texture, and glossy sheens. These elegant yet masculine looks helped define the suave, debonair style of the 1930s gentleman.
The Side Part Reigns Supreme
The most iconic 1930s hairstyle was the dramatic side part. After the more natural looks of the 1920s, a precise side part and slicked-back top became the standard style of the '30s. To achieve this look, hair was parted deeply and sharply to one side. The top hair was then heavily brushed back away from the forehead and secured with pomade.
This style was widely popularized by heartthrobs of the day like Clark Gable. Gable's side part and waves were mimicked by men across America during the 1930s. His effortlessly dashing hairstyle exemplified the mix of polish and attitude favored in the '30s.
Sculpted Waves and Texture
For a touch of rebellion, men would also sometimes sport a pompadour-style front wave. This slightly messy, vertical wave contrasted against the sleek sides for a bit of attitude.
While the 1930s side part was always rigidly defined, the top hair was often styled into voluminous waves. Using curling irons or rags, subtle waves were sculpted to add body and shape. This gave dimension while maintaining a polished shape.
The 1930s Slick Back: A Hairstyle That Defies Time
The slick back, a quintessential 1930s hairstyle, continues to be embraced by younger men today. Its enduring popularity underscores the lasting impact of 1930s grooming on contemporary fashion, offering a sleek and polished option for modern gentlemen.
Embracing Natural Hair: 1930s Curly Men's Hairstyle
The Longer Side Part with a slick back
In the early 30s, longer hair was still in style. Some men sported side parts but with hair left longer and more natural on top. Hair was brushed straight back off the forehead and secured tightly with pomade. This created a very sleek, polished look.
Facial Hair Trends: Complementing the 1930s Haircuts
The 1930s were not just about the hair on one's head but also the art of facial hair. Mustaches and neatly trimmed beards complemented the classic 1930s haircuts, adding an extra layer of sophistication. This era laid the groundwork for modern grooming, blending timeless elegance with personal expression.
The Resurgence of 1930s Men’s Mustaches
In the 1930s, men’s fashion was not just about the clothes and hairstyles; mustaches played a pivotal role in defining the era’s look. This period marked a departure from the fuller facial hair of earlier decades towards more refined and sculpted mustaches. The slight wave in popularity of various mustache styles, including the pencil and chevron, underscored a broader trend towards meticulous grooming and sophistication.
How Mustaches Accentuated the Classic Cuts
The elegance of 1930s men's hairstyles was further heightened by the careful pairing with mustaches. A neatly trimmed mustache, for example, complemented the sleek lines of a side-parted hairstyle, adding an extra layer of refinement. Icons like Carey Grant showcased how a well-groomed mustache could enhance facial features and bring balance to classic cuts, making a statement of both style and masculinity.
From Hollywood to the Streets: Celebrity Influences on 1930s Mens Hairstyles
The 1930s was a decade where Hollywood's influence on men's fashion reached new heights. The silver screen served as a window into the glamorous world of celebrity hairstyles, which quickly found their way into the mainstream. Men across America and beyond were inspired to adopt the polished looks of their favorite actors, demonstrating the power of cinema in shaping public fashion trends.
The Tom Hardy Classic Cut: A Modern Interpretation
While not from the 1930s, Tom Hardy has become synonymous with reviving classic hairstyles with a modern twist. His rendition of the classic cut, featuring a clean side part and a slicked-back top, pays homage to the 1930s while adding a contemporary ruggedness. Tom Hardy’s influence shows how timeless these styles are, bridging the gap between past and present.
Clark Gable Style: The Quintessence of 1930s Glamour
During the shooting of "Manhattan Melodrama," Clark Gable epitomized 1930s glamour with his distinctive hairstyle and charismatic presence. His neatly combed-back hair and pencil mustache became symbols of the era’s chic, influencing men’s fashion standards. Gable’s look demonstrated the decade's shift towards more stylized and groomed appearances, setting a benchmark for masculinity and elegance.
The Christoph Waltz Haircut: Merging 1930s Flair with Contemporary Finesse
Christoph Waltz, an Academy Award-winning actor, has masterfully blended 1930s flair with modern style through his haircut and chevron mustache. This combination pays tribute to the classic men's hairstyles of the era while adapting them to suit contemporary tastes. Waltz's look is a testament to the enduring appeal of 1930s grooming, illustrating how these vintage styles can be refreshed and personalized for today's aesthetic.
Maintenance Tips for Classic 1930s Haircuts
Here are some of my top product recommendations for getting a polished, styled look:
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Pomade: This classic product is great for slick styling. Look for a high shine pomade to get that 1930s look. I like Layrite or Uppercut Deluxe pomade. Use it to smooth and set your part/waves.
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Hair Wax: For a more natural shine, wax is good. Try a medium-hold, low-shine wax like Got2b Spiked Up wax to shape your hair with subtle hold.
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Gel: Hair gels offer a firm hold and various shine levels. A matte finish gel like Redken Brews Maneuver is nice for piece-y texture.
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Sea Salt Spray: For texture, sea salt sprays add volume and grip. I suggest Not Your Mother's Beach Babe spray for light waves.
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Hair Dryer: Use a hair dryer and round brush to smooth and set your styled look. This helps heat-activate products too.
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Fine-Tooth Comb: Precisely style your hair with a fine-tooth comb for clean parts/lines.
I'd say start with a pomade or wax to achieve that 1930s control and sheen. Let me know if you need any other product tips! I love talking hair products and styling.
The revival of 1930s hairstyles in modern fashion underscores a longing for the elegance and class of the past. Today, men can blend the meticulous grooming and distinctive styles of the 1930s with contemporary trends to create looks that are both timeless and unique. This fusion of past and present opens up new avenues for personal expression through fashion.
Incorporating 1930s Elegance into Modern Day Styles
Emulating the elegance of the 1930s in today's styles involves more than just haircuts; it's about adopting the era's attention to detail and refinement. By taking cues from icons like Burt Lancaster, men can introduce classic elements into their grooming routine, achieving a look that’s both sophisticated and distinctly personal.
Pages of History: Lessons from 1930s Men’s Fashion and Grooming
The 1930s offered valuable lessons in men's fashion and grooming, emphasizing the importance of neatness, precision, and a touch of flair. These principles, reflected in the era's hairstyles and haircuts, provide a blueprint for modern men seeking to incorporate vintage elegance into their appearance. By revisiting these pages of history, we find timeless style cues that remain relevant and impactful.
The Evergreen Charm of 1930s Mens Hairstyles: A Conclusion
The enduring appeal of 1930s men's hairstyles lies in their sophistication, versatility, and ability to transcend time. These styles, characterized by their neatness and attention to detail, continue to inspire modern interpretations, proving that true elegance never fades. As men today look to the past for fashion inspiration, the 1930s remain a goldmine of timeless looks.
Why the 1930s Continues to Inspire Men’s Hairstyles Today
The 1930s fashion, with its emphasis on neatly trimmed hair, clean shaven faces, and the occasional pencil mustache, has left a lasting imprint on men’s haircuts and grooming standards. This era's influence is reflected in men’s hairstyles today, blending the typical 1930s dedication to grooming with contemporary tastes. The result is a harmonious mix of past and present, showcasing that the principles of 1930s elegance are as compelling today as they were nearly a century ago.
