Waved Contour Part 1: Cutting Phase

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: American Hairdresser Beauty Shop Compendium 9th Edition

The Gaucho Twirl...

... a Pin Curl Method Designed for Deeper Waves, Springier Curls

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.) 

Source: Modern Beauty Shop, December 1944

A few administrative notes

To my five faithful blog readers:

(1) If you haven't already, please think about subscribing to my rss feed. I've been busy scanning in magazines from the 30s and 40s and there should be plenty of new posts in the next couple of weeks.

(2) As far as I know, this is a pretty unique source for free scans from American Hairdresser and Modern Beauty Shop Magazines. Please do not post these scans on your website without giving credit to the original source (this blog) or try to sell them.

(3) If you have any vintage hairstyle or beauty scans or resources that you would like to share with us, please e-mail them to me:
beautyisthingofthepast *at* gmail.com
You can also use that e-mail or comment on this post if you have any questions about this blog, or if you have some magazines I might be interested in, or if you want to thank me for wasting my time on this blog instead of doing something more productive.

The Overlap Pomp Technique

I've always loved this style. It's so classically 1940's.

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: Modern Beauty Shop, September 1941

13 Steps to Better Makeup

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: American Hairdresser Beauty Shop Compendium 9th Edition

Junior Miss Cut

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: American Hairdresser Beauty Shop Compendium 9th Edition

Trouble Corner

From the September 1932 American Hairdresser: a few tips and beauty alternatives

Effect of Vinegar Rinse on Dark Hair

Question--Please advise us as to whether a vinegar rinse on dark hair would have a tendency to make it gray or cause it to become gray sooner. -- C. M. H. 

Answer--No, this would not have a tendency toward making dark hair gray. A vinegar rinse brings out the natural oil in the hair and softens the texture of it, giving a glossy sheen. 

Camomile Tea

Question--Will you kindly advise me what is necessary to make the liquid of camomile "take" when used to color the hair? I know several hairdressers who use it with good results, but I have not been able to get the shade on the hair. I have steeped a half cup of camomile flowers (Roman) in a pint of boiling water for about one hour, steeping slowly in an agate pan to be sure that the metal of anything such as tin or aluminum would not act on the color. Although I have tried it on three different heads, I cannot get any color out of the camomile. I know they are the real camomile as I buy them from an old herb store and the sell any herb ever know.-- M. C. S. 

Answer--This treatment does not change the color of any shade of hair. It is soothing to the scalp and brings out the highlights after the second or third treatment, and there isn't anything you can purchase which is superior to real camomile flowers. If you read an advertisement which says camomile will change the color, there are, no doubt other chemicals or ingredients mixed with it. 

To Soften Flesh on Side of Nail

Question--What would help to soften flesh on side of the nail that has become hardened and almost callous-like? Customer, previous to having manicures, used the cuticle cutter to trim the nail and has made a very unsightly hardened spot. What would you suggest? 

Answer--Apply a good cuticle oil daily and use pumice stone instead of cutting the nial. If you patron is in the habit of biting her nails, there is no correction. 

Now You Can Match Waves Without Dropping

How beautiful are these waves?


(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: The American Hairdresser, September 1932

Directions for Making the Honey Mask for Dry Skin Treatments

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: The American Hairdresser, September 1932

Olympic Circlet Curl

In honor of the 2008 Olympics, a hairstyle from the 1938 olympics. Five rings are woven into the hair to represent the five continents (who met in L.A., not China) which send Athletes to the Olympics.

(Click on the pictures for a larger version.)
Source: The American Hairdresser, September 1932