The Updo

• One of the most famous hairstyles for women in the 1940s was the updo. The updo appealed to many women because of its ease to create and maintain. While shoulder-length hair or longer was ideal, even women with short hair measuring just a few inches could pull off the style. The updo involved bringing the hair up into multiple layers and was particularly effective on days when the woman's hair would not cooperate.
  
  

The Peek-a-Boo Bang

• A sultry look from the 1940s featured the peek-a-boo hairstyle. With the hair parted far on one side, the hair on the opposite side would flow down the side of the woman's face. This hair to the side, slightly curled, would cover the woman's eye in a seductive manner, leading to the peek-a-boo name. Actress Veronica Lake helped popularize this hairstyle, and while it may not have been practical for everyday use, the peek-a-boo bang was fitting for 1940s women out on the town.
  
  

Rolls

• Rollers helped form two key hairstyles of the '40s.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  The victory roll and top reverse roll were two more hairstyles of the 1940s. Both involved setting your hair in rollers. The victory roll tucked your curled hair behind the ears, allowing the bangs to drop normally. Minimal brushing was used to ensure the curls remained solid.
  
  The top reverse roll used features of the pompadour style. Unlike the victory roll, the top reverse kept curled hair away from the face and used bobby pins to keep it in place.
  
  

Men's Hairstyles

• Women were not the only ones paying attention to hairstyles. Men also exhibited some specific hairstyle trends. For men, hairstyles often depended on their line of work. Military men had to adhere to hair restrictions and sported short cuts, primarily flat tops and shaved heads. Non-military men frequently featured a short haircut parted on one side and slicked back.
  
  

Hats

• Hats were a prominent part of women's wardrobes in the 1940s.Picture Post/Valueline/Getty Images
  
  Of course, when women didn't feel like dressing their hair, they had the option of hats. Hats in the 1940s took on many shapes and sizes, but the prevailing theme was simple: glamour. From fur and velvet to straw, women used hats to accessorize their outfits. Hats were seen as a compliment that could make or break an entire ensemble. A cool straw cap in the summertime fit the bill, while a sleek velvet hat in winter months provided that extra fashionable component.
  
  Men wore military caps and hats as well as the popular fedora in the 1940s.