If you want to go for a 1930s to 50s look, then pin curls are the way to go. While this style may look difficult, it’s surprisingly easy to replicate.
Here is our straightforward guide to pin curling your hair for a beautiful vintage look.
What Are Pin Curls?
A pin curl is a specific hairstyle that was popular with women between the mid 1930s until the 1950s.
At this time, women used pin curls to curl their wet hair into wave-like shapes and then pinned their locks flat with bobby pins.
The hair would dry in this shape and create beautiful curls.
How To Pin Curl Your Hair
The pin curl style currently sees a big revival. Celebrities style their hair with a wavy look shaped into full curls.
Here is our easy tutorial on how you can create the pin curl yourself for a beautiful retro look.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
The simplest way to prepare your hair for a pin curl is to wash it. Your hair should be wet to get the best curly results.
If you have thicker hair, you should make sure that you dry your hair slightly before you start styling. This will prevent a too long drying time.
If you have finer hair, then you may need a little more water. This being said, always make sure that your hair isn’t too wet, as this could lead to long drying times.
It’s also a good idea to use some styling lotion or shaping lotion. It will help to make your hair slightly sticky.
This allows you to control the ends of your hair when you start curling. Plus, it’s much easier to roll your locks with lotion.
Whatever products you use, make sure that you distribute it evenly across your hair. Only when each section is wet enough will you also get a good end result.
Step 2: Separate Hair Sections
Once you prepared your locks properly, it’s time to separate your hair out into a 1×1 inch section.
Comb it gently and make sure that it is perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Curl Your Hair
Take your lock and start curling your hair at the end of the lock. Wrap it gently around your finger as far as possible.
Step 4: Pin The Curl
When your hair section is fully curled around your finger up to the scalp, take a pin or a clip and pin it against your head.
You can create just a single curl or more sections of your hair. If you have longer hair, this may take some time, but the end results can look stunning.
Step 5: Allow Your Hair To Dry
Once you curled all your hair locks, it’s time to let the hair dry. You can simply allow it to air dry but this will take a little longer.
Alternatively, you can also choose to dry your curled hair with a handheld hairdryer or a hooded hairdryer. Just make sure to use a low setting.
When your curls are fully dry, then you should be able to brush them and they stay in place.
How To Make Your Pin Curls Last For Longer
If you don’t have naturally curly hair, then may already know how difficult it can be to make curls last.
Here are some top tips for a lasting pin curl hairstyle.
Prepare Your Hair Thoroughly
In order to hold your beautiful curls, your hair has to be the right texture. That’s why, it is essential that you prepare it with some products.
You can apply some lotion or mousse to your hair that is specifically designed for curls. These products help your hair to retain its shape.
If you want to curl your hair with a curling iron instead of your finger, then you will also need to apply some kind of heat protection to ensure your hair doesn’t get burnt.
Allow Your Hair To Dry Fully
One of the biggest mistakes that many people make with curling their hair is not letting the hair dry fully.
Only when your hair is absolutely dry can it retain its shape. If you release the pins too early, then your locks will return to their natural state.
If you find that your pin curls are a little too tight, then you can gently brush them. However, even dry curls will eventually lose their shape with too much brushing.
That’s why, make sure to only brush the curls that need to loosen up a little bit.
Apply Some Oil
One easy way to keep your curls in shape for longer is by applying some light oil after you take the pins out.
This will help your locks to settle. It keeps them hydrated and stops your hair from frizzing.
You will need just a small amount of oil on your hair. Put some oil between your hands and then work your way from the ends of the hair to the roots.
Again, make sure to work gently with your curls as too much pulling could damage the curls.
Skip Washing Your Hair
Another way to preserve your curly beauty is by skipping a hair washing day (or two).
It’s not necessary to wash your hair every day. In fact, washing our hair too often can lead to a dry scalp and itching.
That’s why, it’s a good idea to give your hair a break from washing to allow the natural oils of your scalp to build up.
The oil that your skin produces can help to retain your curls for a few days longer. Simply put a shower cap on when you want to shower and protect your pin curled hair.
Final Thoughts
Pin curls are an absolute must-have hairstyle when you want to sport a genuine 1930s to 50s retro outfit.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
