Recently I picked this book while shopping for something completely different.
Like stated in this book’s title, Vintage Hairstyles by Emma Sundh and Sarah Wing offers step by step instruction on how to re-create a wise selection of hairstyles from the 20s through to the 60s making use of modern tools, but with period techniques. Along with period hair, make up, hair accessories, and even eye wear is discussed too.
Looking at the 40s chapter specifically, this book makes a great deal of use of curling irons and modern tools to help you sculpt hair dos appropriate for the 40s. Although this text does mention pin curls for each chapter, the curling iron is heavily recommend as the tool of choice. This suggestion supports their original argument and statement of using modern tools for making their looks. It should be mentioned too that although it is the modern tools that get the most attention in this book, the authors have given some attention to the original tools and have offered some history on the use of those items too. One particular period method that Sundh and Wing discuss is the practice of not washing the hair regularly. This is an important topic because period hairstyles were achieved with hair that was not always cleaned on a regular basis. This unwashed hair does help with many of the styles in my own experience.
To support the hairstyles, some background on the history of the era is provided as well but, unfortunately, some of their claims are rather inaccurate or just too brief. On section, that on 40s lipstick, is rather brief in that it does not discuss the ideal shape of 40s lips. On the section discussing the 40s as a whole, the statement briefly describing the “victory rolls” as a largely post war style to celebrate victory, is rather inaccurate as victory rolls were prevalent throughout the war years. . .not just the end. Although this book is rich with information, there many rather repetitive sections throughout the book. Regardless of the repetitive text and slightly inaccurate or brief information, this book would be an excellent edition to any girl’s vanity table. The step by step direction are clear and concise. The styles in the book are beautiful, inspired, and for the 20s, 30s, and 40s, the looks are quite period and would look excellent on any head. The book also, quite cleverly, has a page hinting at what head shapes would be enhanced by what kind of hair style. Another refreshing part of this book that truly sets it apart is the end where eye wear is briefly look ed at.
As a whole, Vintage Hairstyles sets out to accomplish just what is said in the title and introduction. This book, like already said, would be an excellent book to be added to any vintage hairstyling library. One thing to keep in mind regardless about this book is that is it a wonderful styling book covering hair and it’s accessories (which are well covered in this text along with some tutorials on how to make some simple ones yourself) and not necessarily a history book. Overall, nice book and pretty good impulse buy if you ask me.
