1940s Braided Headband – Vintage Holiday Hairstyle • The Dapper Dahlia

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This 1940s braided headband hairstyle is an easy vintage hairstyle for long hair. It’s a quick style for any day but also makes a lovely holiday hairstyle by adding festive hair accessories. I was inspired by this photo of Rita Hayworth to create this 1940s hairstyle—and who doesn’t want Rita Hayworth hair?

If you follow me on Instagram (@thedapperdahlia), you might have seen the Reels video I posted showing how to do this vintage hairstyle. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of how to get the look.

1940s Braided Headband Hairstyle

Step 1: Prep hair for styling.

My hair is naturally straight, so I used a small curling wand, like a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch wand, to curl my hair. (I think this look would also work on straight hair but I like the curls for more volume.) I use a small wand that came in a curling wand set like this one.

After curling my hair, I brush through the curls with my Olivia Garden Pink Collection Ceramic + Ion Supreme Combo Brush. This turns the tight curls into bouncy waves.

To tame flyaways and add shine, I run a small amount of pomade through the middle to ends of my hair (I like Calvin Roldan Co Pomade for the Classic Woman).

Step 2: Make a center part.

I use the pointed end of a teasing brush to create a center part.

Step 3: Twist and pin the sides.

Using the pointed end of the teasing brush, section out the hair nearest the face to behind the ear on both sides of your head.

Pull this section up toward the crown, twist toward the top of your head and pin into place using bobby pins.

Step 4: Make the braided headband.

Pull out a section of hair from one side, braid it and secure with a clear hair elastic. Massage the braid, gently pulling the hair outward, to create more volume.

Next, pull the braid up and over toward the other ear and pin into place using bobby pins. (Alternately, you can use a faux braid if you have short hair.)

At this point, you can set your hair with a medium-hold hairspray. I use Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray.

Step 5: Decorate with accessories.

Lastly, decorate the braid with a few hair accessories. I actually used holiday flower decorations I found at an estate sale. You could use small hair bows, pearl hair pins or any other hair accessory to create a more festive look.

I hope you enjoyed this easy holiday hairstyle! If you try this braided headband hairstyle, I’d love for you to share it and tag me on Instagram (@thedapperdahlia).

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